Ladera Ranch, CA – Ceramic and clear braces are a common alternative for orthodontic patients today. They work just like metal braces but are much less noticeable than traditional metal brackets and wires. So what are the advantages and disadvantages to ceramic/clear and metal braces?
Appearance
How important is it to you to make your orthodontic treatment inconspicuous? If it’s high on your list, ceramic and clear braces may be a more appealing option than traditional braces. Ceramic braces have brackets and wires just like metal braces but the brackets are made of ceramic or porcelain. Clear braces have brackets that are somewhat “see-through,” making them almost invisible in your mouth. And to make them blend in even better, some options even utilize tooth colored or clear wires.
Insurance
One big concern when seeking out orthodontic treatment is what treatments your dental insurance may cover. Ceramic and clear braces are a bit more costly than traditional braces but not by much. It is always important to be aware of what your dental insurance covers before agreeing to treatment. Some plans may not cover more cosmetically appealing options such as ceramic and clear braces.
Do they last?
In the past, there were concerns that ceramic or clear braces may not be as strong as traditional metal braces and therefore may not be the best option for everyone. However, that is no longer the case. At Ladera Orthodontics, Drs. Gire and Salmassian use Damon Clear Smile and Symetri braces – two of the best systems in the business with regards to strength, durability, and esthetics.
Symetri braces are made of a polycrystalline-alumina. They are extremely strong and resistant to stress and fracture, meaning they can withstand the pressures that come with everyday wear and tear. They also maintain their esthetics without any staining or wear.
Damon Clear Smile braces are made of a proprietary ceramic material. They are also stain resistant and they are one of the strongest clear self-ligating braces on the market today. The combination of esthetics and wear resistance is unparalleled to any clear self-ligating system available.
Both Symetri and Damon Clear are polished until they are smooth, so patients don’t need to worry about irritation to the inside of their mouths. One big concern with earlier generations of clear and ceramic braces was that the material they were made from was more porous, leading them to stain easier. That meant patients needed to be more careful about what they ate and drank to ensure their braces stayed looking as fresh as the day they were placed. With Symetri braces, that system utilizes an o-ring or tie to fasten each brace to the wire. If the patient selects a lighter color, the ties will tend to stain and they’ll remain that way until they’re changed at the next appointment. But the braces themselves do not stain. You don’t have to worry about that with Damon Clear braces. That system has a clear door that holds the wire in the brace (so no o-rings or ties!) so there is no worry about those braces staining. You can have that cup of coffee and not worry about anything!
As with any orthodontic treatment it is best to consult with a well-trained and board-certified orthodontist to make the right decision about treatment. To learn more about Symetri and Damon Clear braces, behind the teeth braces, clear removable braces, and traditional metal braces, please call Ladera Orthodontics today at 949-272-8782.
