Clear & Ceramic Braces – Richardson, TX
The Best of Both Worlds
These days, if someone needs to straighten their teeth, they aren’t limited to just getting metal braces like in the past. Advancements in orthodontics have brought many new materials to the table, leading to the creation of clear and ceramic braces in Richardson, TX. With them, Dr. Jones can offer patients all the benefits and reliability of braces as well as a more aesthetically-friendly treatment that won’t stick out whenever someone talks, eats, or smiles. They’re ideal for image-conscious teens and adults alike, and you can see if the treatment would be right for you or your child at a free consultation here at Richardson Orthodontics. To schedule this appointment, give us a call today!
Why Choose Richardson Orthodontics for Clear & Ceramic Braces?
- Custom-Designed Treatment for Every Patient
- Perfect for Adults & Teenagers Alike
- Board-Certified Orthodontist with 16 Years of Experience
How Do Clear & Ceramic Braces Work?
Clear/ceramic braces share a lot of similarities with traditional metal braces. Thin wires placed along each row of teeth, held by brackets, are used to apply a small amount of force that slowly and gently moves the teeth into more desirable positions. The biggest difference, you might have guessed, is that the brackets and wires themselves are completely see-through. The brackets are made of clear ceramic and lay flatter against the teeth compared to traditional braces, and the wires are either clear or tooth-colored as well. The end result is that the treatment is barely noticeable within the smile, but the results they deliver are always eye-catching.
Indications for Clear & Ceramic Braces
During your initial consultation with your orthodontist, it will be determined whether or not clear and ceramic braces are a viable option to straighten your smile. You may be able to benefit from them if you have the following:
Crowed Teeth
When teeth are crowded and overlapping either other, clear and ceramic braces can help to shift them to a more aligned position, therefore preventing future oral health issues, like cavities and gum disease.
Gaps Between Teeth
If your teeth are spaced too far apart, gaps become apparent. This can also put you at higher risk of tooth damage because food debris and plaque become more easily trapped and difficult to remove. Clear and ceramic braces to close these gaps so your teeth are the perfect distance apart.
Bite Alignment
Teeth that aren’t aligned quite right can cause issues, like temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) and bruxism (teeth grinding). Clear and ceramic braces are effective when it comes to correcting overbites, underbites, crossbites, and more.
The Benefits of Clear & Ceramic Braces
Choosing clear/ceramic braces has numerous benefits over traditional metal braces, including:
- Durability: Clear and ceramic braces are strong and durable, so you are unlikely to break a bracket during your treatment.
- Less Noticeable: This orthodontic treatment is very discreet and hard for others to detect.
- Versatile: Clear and ceramic braces can correct a variety of alignment issues.
Day-to-Day Tips for Clear & Ceramic Braces
Here are some tips to help you keep your braces looking great and stay on track during your treatment:
- Brushing your teeth after every meal. This will keep stains from forming as well as bacteria from growing on your teeth and potentially causing tooth decay or gum disease.
- Flossing and rinsing regularly will also help to curb the possibility of common dental problems.
- Avoid tobacco products and smoking. The nicotine found in cigarettes and other items can easily stain your braces.
- Limiting or avoiding stain-causing foods and beverages like soda, coffee, tea, berries, etc.
Understanding the Cost of Clear Braces
Like any orthodontic treatment, the cost of clear braces in Richardson varies from case to case and depends on a number of factors. During your consultation, we will be able to provide you with a personalized cost estimate and tell you about your payment options. In the meantime, we invite you to read over the information below to get a better understanding of the financial aspect of this treatment.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Clear Braces
Some factors that affect the cost of clear braces include:
- The complexity and severity of your case. More complex and severe cases of misalignment take more time to address and may require more frequent appointments than simpler cases. Logically, such factors can lead to a higher overall cost.
- The specific materials used. Clear braces may have clear or ceramic brackets. They can come from a variety of manufacturers, each of which has its own pricing structure.
- Missteps and accidents during treatments. Although clear braces are durable, they are slightly more fragile than their traditional counterparts. If you accidentally break a bracket or cause other damage to your braces, it may cost a bit extra to get your treatment back on track.
Professional Clear Braces — Are They Worth It?
Clear braces tend to cost more than metal braces; their price is usually in the same general ballpark as that of clear aligners, such as Invisalign.
Whether or not clear braces are a financially smart move for you depends on your priorities. If aesthetics are important to you, they are certainly worth considering. They are particularly beneficial for patients who do not want to constantly think about when to take clear aligners in and out of their mouth.
Of course, it should go without saying that clear braces offer a better value than at-home methods of straightening teeth, such as DIY “hacks” and mail-order clear aligners. With professional clear braces, you get the in-person support of an experienced orthodontist during every step of your journey. You can look forward to reliable, beautiful results!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Clear Braces?
Some premium dental insurance plans have a lifetime orthodontic maximum, which means that your policy might pay for a portion of your treatment, up to a pre-determined dollar amount. However, keep in mind that while such plans usually cover traditional metal braces, they are less likely to cover upgrades, such as clear brackets and wires. Our insurance-friendly team will help you understand your policy so there will not be any unpleasant surprises about your coverage when it comes time to pay for your treatment.
If your insurance will not cover clear braces, you might be able to use your flexible spending account or healthcare savings account instead.
Options for Making Clear Braces Affordable
We want you to be able to afford your desired treatment. That is why we offer convenient in-house financing that can allow you to break up the cost of your clear braces over the course of several months or longer. When you visit us for your FREE consultation , we will be able to talk to you more about your payment options.
Are you ready to learn more about the cost of clear braces? Get in touch today to schedule your first appointment. We look forward to meeting you!
Clear & Ceramic Braces FAQs
Do Clear & Ceramic Braces Hurt?
To be honest, some discomfort and soreness are normal as your teeth move into their properly aligned positions, especially toward the beginning of your treatment. With time, however, the sensation will go away. Plus, there are several things you can do to keep yourself comfortable, including avoiding crunchy foods, taking OTC pain medication as directed, and covering any sharp edges of your brackets and wires with dental wax.
Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Clear & Ceramic Braces?
In an effort to prevent orthodontic emergencies, like a protruding wire, we will provide you with some dietary guidelines. This really boils down to avoiding three things: crunchy, hard, and sticky foods. A few examples include popcorn, raw nuts, tortilla chips, and whole apples. Before you get discouraged, there are lots of foods that are still on the table, including cooked carrots, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, and soup!
Do Clear & Ceramic Braces Get Stained?
Yes, the elastics used to attach the wires in place can stain. That’s why it’s so important that you limit your consumption of foods that contain strong tannins. You should also use a straw when drinking dark-colored beverages, like coffee, juice, and soda. This will keep your braces discreet and your teeth stain-free!
Am I Too Old to Get Clear & Ceramic Braces?
Sadly, many patients don’t schedule an appointment because they are scared that they are “too old.” However, children, teens, and young adults aren’t the only age groups that benefit from braces! So, don’t let a number stop you from pursuing your dream smile. At your consultation, our Richardson orthodontist will learn about your dental history and assess the position of your teeth and bite. From there, they can determine if you’re a good candidate for clear & ceramic braces and, if you are, start working on your custom treatment plan.
Can I Chew Gum with Clear & Ceramic Braces?
Chewing gum during your orthodontic treatment is not advised. After all, the sticky consistency can easily cause a wire to come out of place, which would require an immediate visit to our office to fix. In short, if you want to freshen your breath, it’s best to opt for a sugar-free mint instead!
How Long Do Clear & Ceramic Braces Take?
Your road to a straight smile depends largely on the complexity of your case. That said, there is another factor that’s equally as important: how well you follow the treatment guidelines provided. If, for example, you don’t abide by the dietary restrictions and are constantly coming into our office with broken brackets and wires, there’s a good chance that you’ll fall off-track with your plan. If, on the other hand, you take good care of your teeth and stick to a well-balanced, nutrient-dense, and braces-friendly diet, you’ll breeze through your treatment plan!