You’ve decided to take the leap and pursue braces. Great decision! You’ll have straighter teeth and a more confident, happy smile in no time. However, it’s important to decide which treatment and style of braces are right for you. Consider clear ceramic braces as an alternative to more traditional, metal braces for your orthodontic treatment at Fredericksburg Orthodontics. 
The Basics
Clear ceramic braces are similar to metal braces, but the brackets are clear to blend in with your natural teeth. They are attached to your teeth with wires and elastics similar in color, making the entire treatment much less noticeable than traditional braces. They work effectively by attaching to your teeth and applying a gentle force to slowly move your teeth into alignment. Rings are placed on the back of your teeth to anchor the wires, and everything is held in place using elastic ties attached to each bracket. Then, each session with Dr. Almy involves a very slight tightening of the wires to keep things moving.
Pros and Cons
Clear ceramic braces are a perfect option for someone who doesn’t feel comfortable wearing metal braces, as they are a less noticeable alternative to traditional metal braces. They are generally considered less painful than traditional braces, as the ceramic material has softer edges, resulting in less gum and lip irritation. This means that if you have sensitive gums or teeth, ceramic might be your best option. They are also more cost-effective than clear aligners may be, and they work to correct your tooth alignment a bit more swiftly. They are extremely durable; however, they are normally recommended for older teens and adults as they may break more easily than their metal counterparts.
However, keep in mind that they are slightly more expensive than metal braces. Additionally, due to their material, the actual brackets are bigger than traditional braces, yet they are still more difficult to notice. Unfortunately, they are subject to staining, so care should be taken when eating or drinking things that are known to stain, such as coffee and soda.
Proper Care
Caring for your clear ceramic braces is just as important as caring for your teeth! You’ll want to ensure you are diligent with your oral hygiene to best take care of your braces. To do this, make sure you are brushing your teeth after every meal. This will help prevent staining and also take care of any plaque or bacteria that may become stuck in your braces. You’ll also want to remain diligent with flossing and rinsing your mouth. This is an important step after brushing that many may miss, but it’s important to avoid staining. Just like with traditional braces, you’ll want to learn which foods you should avoid during the duration of your treatment. This includes any overly sticky foods, as well as trying to avoid red-colored food. This color tends to stain the clear ceramic! Finally, don’t use whitening toothpaste while you have your braces. Not only are your teeth and gums more sensitive during this time, making whitening toothpaste too strong, but you also run the risk of the toothpaste getting behind your braces and not reaching certain parts of your teeth, resulting in overall discoloration to your teeth. This staining will be harder to correct when you remove your braces.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to correct your smile without feeling shy about noticeable braces, clear ceramics are a great choice. You’ll be able to quickly improve the alignment of your teeth, seeing a dramatic difference in your overall appearance and confidence.
Dr. Almy and the Fredericksburg Orthodontics team are happy to help with any questions regarding treatment options, as well as for advice about the best treatment for your unique case. If you’re ready to start your smile journey with us, schedule your complimentary consultation today! We can’t wait to meet you!
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