If you want to straighten your teeth but don’t love the idea of wearing traditional metal braces (you’re certainly not alone in feeling this way), clear braces might be just the solution you’ve been looking for.

Clear braces (which are sometimes called ceramic braces or clear wire braces), are designed to be discreet. For this reason, they’ve become a super popular option for both teens and adults who need orthodontic care.

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about clear braces, including how they work, who they work best for, and how they compare to other discreet options like Invisalign. Let’s get started!

How Do Clear Braces Work?

Clear braces are made up of brackets and wires, just like traditional braces. The main difference is that the brackets are made from ceramic or other clear materials, so they’re much less noticeable.

These brackets are glued to each tooth, and a wire connects them, gently applying pressure to move your teeth into the correct positions. This movement happens through a process called bone remodeling, where your teeth shift, and your bones adjust to their new placement.

While clear braces usually take anywhere from 12 to 36 months to complete the straightening process, they may take slightly longer than metal braces because their materials are a bit more fragile.

To prevent breakage from happening, your orthodontist will replace the brackets on your clear braces every so often. Working with an experienced orthodontist in NJ will definitely minimize the likelihood of breakage and other issues, so just keep that in mind.

Are You a Good Candidate for Clear Braces in NJ?

Clear braces are a fantastic choice for people who want straighter teeth but don’t like the appearance of traditional metal braces. Not everyone will be a good candidate for clear braces, though. Here’s what your orthodontist will take into account if you tell them you’re thinking about getting clear braces:

Age and Growth Stage

Clear braces work best for teenagers and adults who have all their permanent teeth and are no longer growing. For younger kids, options like Invisalign First might be better. Children can still get pediatric braces, though. It just depends on what’s best for the kid, as well as what their orthodontist recommends.

Alignment and Bite Issues

If you have alignment problems or gaps, clear braces can be a great option. However, if you have really complicated issues with your bite or severe misalignment problems, traditional metal braces will probably be more effective.

Activity Level

Because ceramic brackets are less durable than metal ones, people who play contact sports or are very physically active might need a sturdier option like metal braces. Invisalign can also be a good option in this case, since the clear aligners are removable.

The Pros and Cons of Clear Braces

Before making this decision, we’d recommend weighing the pros and cons of clear braces. Here’s what you need to know about this orthodontic treatment option:

Pros

• Cosmetic Appeal: Clear braces are much less noticeable than metal braces. For this reason, they may be especially ideal for people who feel self-conscious about their appearance during treatment.
• Effective: Clear braces are more effective than clear aligners for certain cases because they constantly apply pressure to your teeth.
• Durability: While not as strong as metal, clear braces are sturdier than clear aligners like Invisalign. For this reason, they might be the best discreet choice for complicated alignment issues.

Cons

• Fragility: Ceramic brackets can break more easily than metal ones. This could potentially extend your treatment time.
• Staining: The clear or tooth-colored ties that hold the wires can stain if you don’t avoid eating certain foods. As long as you maintain your oral hygiene, this shouldn’t be much of an issue, though.
• Cost: Clear braces can also be more expensive than traditional metal braces because of the materials used to make them.

Clear Braces vs. Invisalign

Both clear braces and Invisalign in South NJ are great, discreet treatment options if you want to straighten your teeth. There are, however, some differences to keep in mind. For example:

Material and Appearance

Clear braces use brackets and wires that are clear or tooth-colored. Invisalign, on the other hand, uses clear plastic trays that are smooth and almost invisible.

Treatment Time

Clear braces usually work faster than Invisalign because they’re always applying pressure to your teeth. Invisalign trays need to be worn 20-22 hours a day. Although this makes eating and brushing your teeth a lot easier, treatment can take longer — especially for complex cases.

Removability

As previously mentioned, Invisalign aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. Clear braces, however, will stay on your teeth for the entire duration of your treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Clear Braces Fix Gaps in Teeth?

Yes, clear braces are quite effective for closing gaps between teeth. If you’re thinking about getting cosmetic braces in Pittsgrove NJ for this reason, you’re in the right place.

How Long Do Clear Braces Take to Work?

The treatment time will vary depending on the severity of your orthodontic issues. On average, clear braces take 12 to 36 months to straighten teeth and fix jaw alignment issues.

How Do I Clean Clear Braces?

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your clear braces. Avoid eating hard or sticky foods, since it could potentially damage your brackets. Remember to floss daily, too!

Conclusion

If you’re currently looking for a discreet way to straighten your teeth and are willing to commit to the care and maintenance clear braces require, we’d be happy to help you out. Whether you want to get cosmetic braces in Pittsgrove, NJ or Invisalign in South NJ, Centerton Orthodontics has got you covered.

All you have to do is schedule a free consultation. If you can’t make it into the office, we offer virtual orthodontic consultations as well. Don’t wait any longer to start working towards a beautiful smile — the process is easier than you might think!