Clear-Ceramic Braces (no metal)

Clear braces are a type of ceramic braces with a specific type of bracket that is very clear. As opposed to the whiter, tooth-coloured shade of ceramic braces, clear braces are incredibly translucent and comfortable to wear.

clear braces can straighten your teeth and give you a bright and healthy smile without the need for unattractive wire and brackets that come with metal braces. Clear braces can enhance your self-esteem and confidence with their barely visible appearance. Conventional wires and brackets are no longer needed with clear braces!

Clear braces are, also called clear aligners, made with advanced computer technology. This technology is able to predict tooth movement which makes it possible for your teeth to be gradually straightened in comfort.

Conditions Treated with Invisible Braces

Clear braces may not be suitable for certain misalignment cases or other complex bite problems, as these problems should be better treated by traditional orthodontics. Clear braces could be used to treat the following conditions:

Overbite or overjet
- Crowded or widely spaced teeth
- Crooked teeth

Clear braces are not suitable for patients with baby teeth remaining, as well as on children and younger teenagers as they would require traditional metal braces. Although clear braces are not recommended in all cases, only your dentist or orthodontist can determine if clear braces are right for you. Clear braces were designed generally for adults as they require absolute cooperation to maintain.

Types of Invisible Braces

Some of the most popular types of cosmetic braces are inside braces, clear aligners, and ceramic brackets. Ceramic braces are not that different from metal braces: they use tooth-coloured brackets and sometimes tooth coloured wires instead of metal wires and brackets. The tooth coloured ceramic blends into your teeth which makes them much less noticeable than metal braces. However, these ceramic braces are not as invisible as inside braces and clear aligners. Clear aligners and inside braces (also known as invisible braces, iBraces, or lingual braces) make the treatment look virtually invisible.

Clear braces are made up of weaker and more brittle composite materials than the stainless steel of metal braces. In order to hold them to the arch wire, ceramic brackets are larger than metal brackets and have small elastic bands (also called ligatures), or built in spring clips on self-ligating brackets. These ligatures may stain because of their white or clear colour. However, as the ligatures are changed almost monthly, or every time you come in for an adjustment, the staining is not a problem. The self-ligating clips do not need any retying with wires or elastics.

Cermaic brackets are not removable until the end of the treatment. Like metal braces, ceramic braces may cause discomfort, irritation, and complications with regular oral care, eating, and speaking.

Clear braces most often require a longer treatment time, as they are not as strong as metal braces. Your orthodontist may need to apply a slower and more gradual force to the braces in order to ensure the clear brackets are not overtaxed. Ceramic braces are somewhat more expensive than metal braces at about $500 more. Some patients can choose to have ceramic braces placed on the most visible teeth such as the upper center teeth and have metal braces applied on all other teeth. However, there is a possibility of tooth abrasion if the incisal edges of the upper front teeth touch the lower ceramic brackets.

First Step: The first step to getting your ceramic braces is to schedule a consultation with us! Our orthodontic team will help you determine if ceramic braces are right for you. Because of the large array of different orthodontic treatments available, getting to know you and your orthodontic needs is essential. If you need other treatment such as tooth extractions prior to getting braces, your orthodontist may recommend this as well.

Second Step: During your first visit at our office, you will need to have an accurate mold made of your teeth and their positions. In order to do this, your orthodontist will first take photographs or x-rays of your whole mouth and individual teeth. After the photographs and x-rays are taken, your orthodontist will use soft impression material to create the mold of your teeth.

Third Step: The most important step to take before having your braces on is to brush your teeth! After this, the initial procedure is painless. Your orthodontist will begin by applying an adhesive material onto your teeth to make an ideal and smooth surface for bonding. This material is placed on the back of the braces brackets, and the brackets are hardened under a light once they are in place. After this, the dental arch wires are put in place, and additional bands are added. This entire process can take around a few hours, but then you made it!

Fourth Step: After your braces are put on, you will come in for adjustments every month or two. Because the wires and bands can weaken over time, it is important to come in and get them adjusted. Your orthodontist will also be able to review the progress your teeth have made. During your adjustment appointments, you can switch the colours of your braces bands! With so many colours available, your options are limitless!

Fifth Step: You made it to your final appointment and are about to see your beautiful smile! Removing your braces is a quick and painless procedure, so you won’t have to wait too long! After your orthodontist removes the brackets and bonding adhesive material, you will be able to see your perfect smile. After getting your braces removed, ask your orthodontist about how to take care of your new smile: you may need retainers to help your teeth remember their new positions. Continue to brush and floss your teeth regularly, and enjoy your beautiful and healthy teeth!