Clear braces provide several advantages that make them stand out from traditional metal braces. One of the biggest complaints among those wearing metal braces is that it can be a painful experience. The brackets and wires can hurt the gums and cheeks, especially when the wire comes loose. Ceramic isn’t as rigid and harsh on the skin, making it easier to wear. Here are some of the other advantages that come with wearing clear braces:
An Affordable Option
Ceramic braces are far more affordable than invisible aligners. Those custom-made plastic trays are pricey because they’re expensive to produce, adjust, and maintain. They also work faster at fixing misalignment compared to aligners. Ceramic braces are a little higher priced than metal ones, but you gain the advantage of being discreet.
Hard to Spot
Traditional metal braces can be a source of embarrassment for the wearer. They may avoid social situations or feel stressed at school because of potential teasing. Clear braces have a design that matches their natural teeth color, including the wire. It’s hard to notice at a distance, and people will only spot it when they’re up close.
With a clear brace, they can smile better and not worry about standing out with metal in their teeth. With proper care, the clarity will remain throughout their use.
Durable
While it may seem like metal has more durability than ceramic, rarely will you have any issues with clear brace brackets. Ceramics can withstand extreme temperatures and even the various chemicals that enter the mouth. Some people have the misconception that they won’t last, but nearly all our clients use their braces until the end of treatment. It means they will maximize their money’s value once they opt for it.
Better Self-Esteem and Confidence
Those who’ve worn clear braces can attest that they’re hard to notice. You can interact with anyone with only a few spotting the braces on you. They also sport a better look than smiling with a mouth full of metal brackets and wires. Those wearing it will spend less time explaining why they have braces, and teens won’t be teased as much because of it.
While there are many benefits, it also comes with trade-offs. There are some considerations you need to take before continuing with clear braces. These are:
- Ceramic Cannot Handle Extreme Cases of Misalignment: A dentist cannot recommend clear braces if the patient has extreme misalignment — the weakness of the material is pressure. The pressure of pulling and pushing teeth to align for extended periods may be too much for ceramic to handle. Metal braces may be the only possibility for people with these problems.
- Larger Size: Brackets for clear braces are bigger compared to metal ones. It might be a cause of concern, but the color will match the teeth, so it will not matter that much. However, it’s still something to consider before deciding on getting clear braces.
- Prone to Staining: Like traditional braces, there will be diet restrictions because some food can cause the brackets to detach or break. The same goes for its wire attachment that’s connected to the bracket through small rubber bands. The biggest issue with this is that you cannot drink or eat food that will cause teeth staining.
When the teeth stain, they will no longer match the clear braces making the brackets stand out. A dentist can clean and treat discoloration, but they won’t be able to do it while you are still undergoing alignment treatment. As such, avoiding those stain-causing foods is essential.