Ceramic Braces
A Discreet Orthodontic Solution
Survivors of adolescence know: the older you get, the more you care about the way you look. Vanity is non-exclusive. Teenagers and adults striving for a straight, healthy smile want discreet solutions that won’t affect their appearance.
Ceramic braces, often referred to as clear braces or invisible braces, offer a subtle alternative to traditional metal braces. Ceramic braces are an ideal choice for adults and parents of teens who want to invest in improving their oral health without a metal mouth.
The experienced orthodontic team at Arcadia Orthodontics will provide you with all the information you need to understand how ceramic braces work, their advantages, the cost of ceramic braces, and why they’re a great option for teens and adults wanting a more aesthetically-pleasing option for straight teeth.
How Do Ceramic Braces Work?
Ceramic braces function in much the same way as traditional metal braces. They consist of brackets and wires that apply gentle pressure to the teeth to guide them into proper alignment over time.
The key difference between ceramic braces vs metal braces is the materials they’re constructed with. The brackets of ceramic braces are made from clear or tooth-colored ceramic materials to make them much less noticeable than metal braces.
Just like metal braces, ceramic braces use wires and can address a range of orthodontic issues, from simple misalignments to more complex bite problems. Clear braces are less conspicuous than metal braces without sacrificing strength or versatility.
Advantages of Ceramic Braces
- Aesthetic Appeal: Ceramic braces are designed to blend in with the natural color of the teeth, making them much less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
- Effective Treatment: Ceramic braces are just as effective as metal braces in correcting a variety of orthodontic issues, including crooked teeth, gaps, and misaligned bites. Because clear braces use the same mechanics as metal braces, they provide reliable results.
- Comfort: The ceramic material used in clear braces is smoother than meta so they provide a more comfortable patient experience. Patients with ceramic braces usually report less irritation to the gums and soft tissues inside the mouth compared to those wearing metal braces.
- Durability: While not quite as strong as metal, ceramic braces are sturdy enough to handle most orthodontic cases. Clear braces offer an ideal balance of aesthetics and functionality for patients with milder alignment issues.
Ceramic Braces Cost
For anyone considering orthodontic treatment for themselves or their children, money is a big consideration.
On average, ceramic braces are slightly more expensive than metal braces because of the materials used and the extra time it can take to make regular adjustments. The total cost of treatment with ceramic braces can range from $3,000-$8,000 depending on the complexity of the case and the duration of the treatment.
Dental insurance often partially covers the cost of clear braces, especially if the treatment is considered medically necessary. The billing team at Arcadia Orthodontics is experienced working with most insurance providers, including Medicaid, and we will work with you to ensure you’re getting the most out of your benefits and paying as little out of pocket as possible.
Best Invisible Braces
When referring to invisible braces, it's important to differentiate between ceramic braces and clear aligners like Invisalign®. Both options are discreet, but they work in different ways. Ceramic braces use brackets and wires while aligners are clear, removable trays that can be taken off to eat and clean.
For people who are not ideal candidates for Invisalign®—whether because of the complexity of their orthodontic issues or lifestyle needs—ceramic braces are the next best thing for cosmetically-conscious patients. While they aren’t completely invisible, the clear or tooth-colored appearance of ceramic braces makes them hard to notice.
Names for Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are referred to by a number of different names, all of which offer the same functionality and discreet appearance:
- Transparent braces
- Clear ceramic braces
- Invisible braces
- White braces
- Tooth colored braces
Clear Braces for Adults
For a variety of reasons, more and more adults are signing on to begin their orthodontic journey and achieve the smile they’ve been dreaming of. Ceramic braces offer a perfect option for adults that want straight teeth without the stigma of traditional metal braces.
Clear braces can address complex orthodontic issues that clear aligners may not be able to fix, making them a viable option for adults who need more comprehensive treatment for complex problems.
Get Ceramic Braces with Arcadia Orthodontics
Ceramic braces are a great solution for teens and adults looking for a discreet but effective solution to improve their smile and oral health.
Whether you choose clear braces for the aesthetic appeal, comfort, or ability to handle more complex orthodontic issues, the team at Arcadia Orthodontics in Scottsdale promises to make your experience as comfortable and cost-effective as possible.