Clear / Ceramic Braces Mt. Vernon & Heath
An Image-Friendly Way to Straighten Teeth
When it comes to straightening teeth and fixing a wide variety of orthodontic issues, braces are simply the best solution available today, and that has been true for decades. However, they have always had one distinct drawback: they’re extremely noticeable. When you have braces, people can instantly tell. While this might be alright for children, this presents a real problem for adults. While you might know that your teeth need to be straightened, you may be unable to fathom facing the world every day with metal braces. You might even be afraid that you’ll be viewed as too young or immature.
At Wigal Orthodontics of Heath and Mt. Vernon, we completely understand these concerns, which is why we offer a variety of orthodontic options that are perfect for adults. One of them includes clear/ceramic braces. With them, you get the reliability and guaranteed results of traditional braces with no cosmetic drawbacks. Call us today if this subtle approach to braces sounds like something you might be interested in.
Why Choose Wigal Orthodontics of Mt. Vernon or Heath for Clear/Ceramic Braces?
- Orthodontists Who Care About Making Treatment Affordable for Patients
- Three Convenient Orthodontic Locations for Greater Accessibility
- Free Consultation Available with One of Our Orthodontists
What Are Clear/Ceramic Braces?
With this treatment, the brackets are made of a clear, ceramic material that is much less noticeable than traditional metal ones. The wires and elastics are typically made of a clear or tooth-colored material as well. The result is a much less noticeable treatment that easily blends with the teeth’s natural color.
With clear/ceramic braces, you truly get the best of both worlds. You get the dependability and versatility of metal braces with none of the aesthetic disadvantages. You’ll be able to smile assuredly throughout your treatment because people will barely notice it. That way, you can go to work and spend time with your loved ones without having to worry about your smile. In the end, the only thing people will really notice is your beautiful results.
How Clear/Ceramic Braces Compare to Traditional Braces
Clear/ceramic braces shift the teeth using the same method as traditional ones: brackets are applied to the teeth, a wire is used to connect them, and it applies a gentle force that gradually aligns the teeth. This is the same basic principle used by all orthodontic treatments. The wires are anchored by rings placed around the back teeth and held in place using small elastic ties attached to each bracket. Each month, the wire will be slightly tightened to move the teeth, and treatment will take about 18-30 months depending on a patient’s particular situation.
The type of clear ceramic brackets we use are smaller and shallower than those typically used in the past, and this enables them to be much less noticeable. This can also make them slightly more brittle than metal braces, so a patient should be careful to avoid sticky or hard foods that could damage them.
Also, as with regular braces, a patient will need to be more diligent about their brushing and flossing habits, as the brackets and wires can easily trap food particles that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. With clear brackets and wires, they can sometimes be discolored if they are exposed to foods or drinks with dark pigments (such as coffee or wine). Fortunately, this can be avoided with routine oral care.
How to Get Clear Braces
If you are interested in getting clear braces to get the smile you’ve always wanted, all you need to do is contact Wigal Orthodontics of Heath or Mt. Vernon. During your complimentary initial consultation, Dr. Timothy Wigal will examine your teeth and jaw and let you know if clear/ceramic braces can help you.
We pride ourselves on being able to serve patients of all ages, and clear/ceramic braces are just one way we can help adults who may have thought it was too late for their smile.
If clear braces sound like they would be perfect for you, please contact us today to schedule a FREE consultation.
Clear/Ceramic Braces FAQs
Do Clear/Ceramic Braces Hurt?
As your teeth begin to move into their ideal places, it is normal to experience some soreness. The good news is that it’s only temporary, and it can easily be managed with cold compresses, dental wax, and OTC pain medication. Of course, it’s also important to avoid doing anything that could exacerbate your discomfort, like eating hard pretzels, raw carrots, and other crunchy foods.
Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Clear/Ceramic Braces?
To reduce your risk of experiencing an orthodontic emergency, we will provide you with a list of foods that we recommend avoiding, including raw nuts, tortilla chips, and thin pizza crust. The good news is that the list of foods that you can eat during your orthodontic treatment is significantly longer. A few examples include cooked carrots, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese, plain yogurt, oatmeal, and bananas.
Am I Too Old to Get Clear/Ceramic Braces?
Oftentimes, patients assume that the ship has sailed on having straight teeth if they didn’t get braces as a teenager. That’s not the case. In fact, there isn’t an upper age limit for orthodontic treatment! So, if you are ready to leave overcrowding, noticeable gaps, and the like in the past, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with our team at Wigal Orthodontics. Once we have an in-depth understanding of your dental history, needs, and goals, we can review your treatment options, including clear/ceramic braces.
How Should I Take Care of My Clear/Ceramic Braces?
Since tooth decay can bring your treatment plan to a temporary stop and yellow stains can draw unwanted attention to your smile, it’s important to know how to take care of your clear/ceramic braces in Mt. Vernon & Heath. The first step? Using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste to brush your teeth after each meal. In the process, clean the top, underneath, and front of each bracket as well as the surface of your tongue. When you’re done, floss and rinse with mouthwash so the spaces between your teeth and along your gumline are cleaned as well.
How Long Do Clear/Ceramic Braces Take?
That depends largely on two factors: the complexity of your case and how well you follow the treatment guidelines provided. The good news is that we can provide you with an estimate at your consultation. During your visit, we will also share what to do and what NOT to do to avoid frustrating delays.
Can I Drink Coffee with Clear/Ceramic Braces?
Yes, you can drink coffee throughout your teeth-straightening journey with clear/ceramic braces. However, you need to take a few precautions to prevent the liquid from coming in contact with your teeth. After all, you don’t want there to be uneven, yellow stains on your teeth when it comes time to take the brackets off. We recommend using a straw, rinsing your mouth with clean water when you’re done, and brushing your teeth about 20 minutes after that.
