Do Clear Braces Cost More?
/Do Clear Braces Cost More?
No, clear braces do not cost more than the traditional option.
Benefits
Less Noticeable
This is probably the main benefit cited by people who’ve opted for non-metal braces. Many people put off getting braces despite their need because they are self-conscious about the noticeable, shiny metal on their teeth. For teens, this is already a time when their self-esteem may be low, so non-metal braces make sense to help them keep their confidence. For adults who need to be visible for their job, non-metal braces make that easier.
There are other clear options for teeth straightening, such as the use of invisible aligners, which may be a consideration for you as well. With aligners, you can even take them out to eat so you don’t have to avoid certain foods as you do with both clear and metal braces. However, our accelerated braces treatment is only available with braces, so you may be in aligners longer than you would be with braces.
Faster Results
You will attain your final results more quickly with non-metal braces than with clear aligners. We can straighten your teeth in as little as six months through braces, depending on your condition. Aligners will take at least a year to deliver the same results, even if your teeth have very little correction needs. So, not only do you get the benefits of a less-noticeable method of straightening your teeth, but you get to stop wearing them sooner as well.
Colorful Options Available
Metal braces are only available in silver, which actually looks more like gray. However, non-metal braces are ceramic, so you can have your choice of numerous colors if clear isn’t right for you. While most people choose this option to make their braces less noticeable, some people choose them in colors that reflect their personality. Non-metal braces are a great way to express yourself if you’re looking to make a statement or just like a little color in your life.
Smaller
Clear brackets are smaller than metal brackets, so not only is the color less noticeable, but the actual brackets on your teeth take up less space, which also diminishes their visibility. Just because they are small, though, doesn’t mean they aren’t strong. These brackets can handle most of the tension of metal brackets and perform the same exact function. While there are limits to the force they can handle, most conditions are treated the same with both types of braces.
Easier to Remove
The bonding agent for non-metal braces is easier to remove than the bonding agent used for metal braces. The enamel on your teeth will not be damaged by our bonding agent, but it’s a real possibility that it could be damaged with other types of bonding agents during the removal process. Advanced technology for non-metal braces makes removal an easier and safer procedure. After all, you don’t want to have to fix your teeth just after getting your braces removed!
More Challenging Teeth Conditions Can Be Treated
Some teeth conditions cannot be treated by invisible aligners, including significant gaps and severely rotated teeth. Non-metal braces can treat any condition that metal braces can treat, which makes them an attractive option if invisible aligners aren’t right for your needs. If you’re looking for a more flexible treatment option, you may even be able to use non-metal braces for a while, until your condition is sufficiently treated, and then switch to invisible aligners for the remainder of your treatment.
More Comfortable
Metal braces have sharp edges that aren’t a problem with non-metal braces. This makes the clear option more comfortable to wear. If you have extremely sensitive gums, non-metal braces will be easier to get used to than the metal version. The edges of clear brackets are rounded rather than cornered, so they don’t irritate the gums nearly as much as metal braces do. If you’re going to wear braces, you might as well choose the ones that are more comfortable.
Colored Bands
If you choose to go with clear brackets instead of a colored bracket, you can still add some color by choosing colored bands. Many teenagers like to coordinate their bands with their school colors or choose specific colors for various holidays. It’s a fun way to show your personality, but if you tire of the color, you can simply change the bands at your next appointment. If you have to wear braces, why not have some fun with them?
Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Metal Braces
1. Do Non-Metal Braces Stain?
The ceramic used to make clear braces does not stain as easily as the medical-grade plastic that clear aligners are made from, but they can stain if you continue to eat certain foods or drink certain beverages. Coffee, red wine, red pasta sauce, curry, and beets can all cause your braces to stain. Additionally, smoking can also lead to stains on the brackets. The bands are most susceptible to staining, and bands are changed every few weeks.
2. Can Non-Metal Braces Be Put on Bottom Teeth?
Yes! The clear option is suitable for both upper and lower teeth; however, if you have an extremely tight bite, we may recommend putting metal braces on your bottom teeth to avoid additional wear on non-metal brackets. This is something we can discuss during your consultation after we’ve taken a look at your teeth and bite. Even though non-metal braces are strong, they can still chip if they come up against another hard surface.
3. Is a Retainer Necessary After Braces Are Removed?
No matter what type of braces you have put on your teeth, including aligners, you’ll have to wear a retainer after you get them removed. You’ll usually wear this retainer during the day for a while, but eventually, you can wear it just while you sleep. The reason you need a retainer is that your teeth have a tendency to move back to their original position and you don’t want to waste all the progress you made during your treatment.
4. Are Braces Strictly for Cosmetic Purposes?
No, but if you’re only concerned about the way your teeth look, we can get them straight in about six months without worrying about your bite, which is what takes traditional braces and invisible aligners so long to work. We’ll take a look at your condition during your initial consultation and examination to determine if this option is right for you. Sometimes, your bite needs to be corrected and the accelerated braces treatment isn’t what you need.
If your bite is causing pain or discomfort when you chew, you’ll probably need a longer course of treatment. However, if your bite is not interfering with your life in any way, it is possible to emphasize the cosmetic appearance of your teeth instead of your bite. This focus allows you to be in braces for significantly less time than if you’re also concerned about aligning your bite.
5. How Often Do Non-Metal Braces Need to Be Brushed?
Since non-metal braces can stain, you should increase the number of times you brush your teeth from twice a day to three times a day. This will ensure that potentially staining food and drink do not remain on the brackets for long. Additionally, if you drink coffee or red wine, which tend to stain clear brackets more than other beverages, you should consider brushing immediately after you finish your drink as well.
6. Are Teeth Whitening Products Safe When Wearing Braces?
No. We understand that maintaining white teeth is important to you, which is one reason you’re probably considering non-metal braces in the first place. However, teeth whitening products, including toothpaste, will only whiten the area of your teeth not covered by a bracket. When your braces are removed, you’ll have a portion of your teeth that is not as white as the others. Then, you’ll have to have additional treatments to correct this issue.
7. Are Non-Metal Braces Fragile?
No. Non-metal braces rarely break, and it’s likely you won’t need to replace any brackets throughout treatment. Of course, as mentioned above, they can chip if they come into contact with another hard surface, so you’ll still need to be careful. For example, you should wear a mouthguard when you play sports. However, during daily use, you shouldn’t have problems with breakage. We’ll want to ensure your bite is not too tight before putting non-metal braces on your lower teeth.
8. Do Non-Metal Braces Damage Teeth or Roots?
There are no more risks to having non-metal braces than there are with metal braces. In fact, since the clear option uses less force than metal braces to move your teeth, and if you’re only considering cosmetic straightening, fewer teeth will be extracted (if any), non-metal braces may actually be better for your teeth than the metal option. Of course, an examination will still be necessary to ensure your teeth are healthy enough for any kind of braces.
9. How Visible Are Non-Metal Braces?
If you also select clear bands to go with your non-metal braces, they will be almost unnoticeable from a distance or in photographs. Up close, people will still see that you’re wearing braces, but they will still be less visible than metal braces because they blend in with your teeth and are smaller. While they are not as “invisible” as clear aligners, people will really have to make an effort to see them.
Next Steps
Once you’re ready to see if these braces will work for your condition, it’s time to make an appointment to get an examination and discuss your options. Contact Dr. Mas’ood Cajee DDS MPH in Manteca, CA today to schedule your initial consultation.
