For patients who want to straighten their teeth in a less conspicuous way than traditional metal braces, clear dental braces offer an attractive treatment alternative. However, they are prone to staining & discoloration from food if not carefully managed.

Thankfully, the orthodontists at Smile Scarsdale can provide tips on how to avoid these issues and keep your clear brackets looking pristine.

Discreet

Clear braces have a much more subtle appearance than traditional metal ones. This makes them an excellent choice for patients of all ages who want to straighten their teeth without drawing attention to their orthodontic treatment. Whether you’re a teenager navigating social circles or an adult working in a professional environment, clear braces allow you to maintain a confident, poised appearance throughout your treatment.

Additionally, clear brackets don’t collect food particles and plaque as easily as metal ones do, so you’ll spend less time cleaning your teeth and dealing with stains. However, it’s still important to brush and floss regularly, and we can help by providing you with tools like floss threaders that make it easier to clean your teeth while you have braces.

The only drawback to clear braces is that they can be more vulnerable to breakage than metal braces, and they may take a little longer to correct some orthodontic issues. However, this is a minor trade-off for the benefits of having a discreet and effective treatment option.

Comfortable

Clear braces are crafted with patient comfort in mind, with smooth materials that minimize irritation to the mouth. This means that you’ll experience less discomfort throughout your treatment – especially if you adhere to the dietary restrictions your orthodontist provides.

Like all orthodontic devices, clear braces can cause mild to moderate pain at certain times. However, this pain is typically short-lived & will subside as your teeth adjust to the gradual pressure applied. If you have a history of sensitive teeth or gums, be sure to let your orthodontist know so they can advise you on a pain management plan that’s right for you.

Ceramic brackets are prone to staining & discoloration, so you’ll need to be extra vigilant about your dental hygiene routine while wearing them. Avoid dark-colored foods & drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, ketchup & curry to minimize the risk of stains. You should also be careful not to eat hard or sticky candies as these may cause damage to the elastic ligatures that hold your wires in place.

Faster

Ceramic clear braces work similarly to traditional metal braces, using brackets & wires customized to blend in with the teeth’s natural color. They’re popular among teens & adults who care about how they look while getting braces.

However, since they’re made from a fragile ceramic material they can be more prone to damage than metal braces. This may prolong your treatment time as you’ll have to visit the orthodontic office more often to have broken pieces replaced.

Plus, the elastics that hold the arch wire can discolor over time if you’re not careful. You’ll have to brush your teeth more frequently to avoid yellow or brown stains on your elastics. And because of the material’s fragility, clear brackets can also break more easily than metal ones. This may make them more expensive to maintain compared to metal braces. This can be a turnoff for some people who choose clear braces because of their higher costs.

Affordable

Thanks to technological advances that weren’t available even a decade ago, clear braces are now more affordable than ever. During your initial consultation Brooklyn Orthodontics can explain the various types of clear braces on the market so you can determine which option is best for you.

The main difference between traditional metal braces and clear ones is the material of the brackets. Clear braces are made from a ceramic material that can blend in with your teeth, making them almost invisible. The wires are usually frosted or tooth-colored as well to further hide them from view.

While they are visually appealing, clear brackets are prone to staining & discoloration. Practicing good oral hygiene can help minimize this issue, but if you do notice any discoloration it is important to notify your orthodontist right away as this can impact the length of your treatment.

Overall, clear braces are a great option for patients who want to straighten their smile without drawing unwanted attention to themselves. They are comfortable, convenient and effective at repositioning your teeth.