All About Clear Ceramic Braces

Traditional braces treatment has two types of brackets: metal and clear.  While they work the same way to straighten teeth and align jaws, choosing between the two is a big decision. Understanding what clear ceramic braces are and why they are a great option is the first step to making a decision about your braces treatment. At Muench Orthodontics in Vestal NY, our award-winning orthodontist, Dr. Muench,  treats patients with several different types of traditional braces, including clear ceramic brackets!

Clear Braces

A discreet option for a traditional style braces treatment is clear braces. Clear braces function exactly like metal braces but instead of stainless steel, these brackets are made of durable clear ceramic.

Pros

• Nearly invisible This option is very popular among teen and adult patients because of their low visibility on your teeth. With these beauties, your teeth are still the most visible feature of your mouth and smile. Someone really has to pay attention to spot these braces.

Cons

• Higher Maintenance With a great smile comes great responsibility. The brackets on clear braces are larger than their metal counterparts, and they require more vigilant cleaning and oral health to keep them undamaged and working correctly.

Clear braces are less resistant to breakage, meaning you have a greater chance of breaking a bracket and requiring a repair if you choose them. For that reason, clear braces are recommended for older children, teenagers and adults as opposed to young children. Since the brackets are made of a composite material, there is a higher risk of staining when drinking and eating certain foods, such as red sauce, soft drinks and coffee. However, clear ceramic braces are a great option for patients who are unable to use a clear aligner system due to their orthodontic needs, but still want the focus to be on their smile, not their braces!

Dr. Muench and his team have decades of combined experience evaluating patients and creating custom treatment plans just for them. If you would like more information on clear ceramic braces for your smile journey, contact us for your complimentary consultation today!