Thanks to modern dentistry, it is now possible to treat even the most complex and complicated orthodontic issues. Besides, numerous options are now available for fixing crooked and misaligned teeth conveniently and comfortably. So, if you have been putting off your orthodontic treatment simply because you don’t want to wear those unaesthetic and uncomfortable metal braces, we have good news for you. Now, you can have your teeth straightened inconspicuously with clear or tooth-coloured braces. What are white braces and how do they work? This blog offers all the information that you need to know about aesthetic braces. So, read on to find out how you can benefit from this orthodontic treatment option.
What Are Some Advantages Of Clear Braces?
Clear braces have the same shape and design as traditional metal braces. However, they do offer various advantages over the conventional braces. Some of these include:
- Inconspicuousness – clear braces, whether they are made of a transparent or tooth-coloured material, are virtually invisible and do not affect one’s smile and facial aesthetics, unlike metal braces.
- Convenient – clear braces cause less soft tissue injury and are more comfortable to wear than conventional metal-based braces.
- Less Risk of Allergy – many people are allergic to metal braces. On the other hand, there is virtually no risk of allergy or adverse effects with ceramic braces or other clear braces.
Can Ceramic Braces Damage Your Teeth?
It is often said that braces can damage one’s teeth. However, this does not always happen. For example, sometimes, the bonding agent used for bonding metal braces to the teeth can damage them over time. Similarly, if one does not look after their oral hygiene, food impaction around the braces can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. On the other hand, the bonding agent used with clear braces is different from one used with metal braces. So, they cause minimal damage to one’s teeth.
What Is The Advantage Of Ceramic Braces?
Ceramic braces are tooth-coloured brackets that precisely match the shade and colour of one’s teeth. So, the most significant advantage of ceramic braces is that they perfectly blend in with one’s teeth and become virtually invisible. Hence, they don’t affect one’s smile and facial aesthetics. Another advantage is that ceramic braces cause significantly lesser pain and discomfort than metal or lingual braces. Finally, these braces carry minimal risk of adverse effects or allergic reactions.
What Are The Long-Term Disadvantages Of Having Braces?
Although dental braces do not have any serious short-term disadvantages, they do have certain drawbacks when used long-term. The foremost is the difficulty in maintaining optimal oral hygiene due to the hindrance caused by the brackets and wires. If the teeth are not cleaned properly around the brackets, plaque and tartar deposits developed around the area, causing complications such as gum recession, gum disease, and tooth decay. Another disadvantage is the staining of the teeth in some cases caused by food deposition around the brackets.
Why Should I Go For Clear Braces?
If you are confused between choosing metal or clear braces, you should always go for the clear ones, even though they cost slightly more. Why? Because clear braces do not affect one’s appearance and smile, are more comfortable, and carry a lesser risk of allergy and adverse reactions.
Which Is Better, Ceramic Braces Or Clear Aligners?
Dental patients often find it challenging to choose between ceramic braces and clear aligners. So, let us make it easier for you to decide… So, if you are looking for reliability or treatment of complex cases, ceramic braces are better. But on the other hand, if your primary concern is comfort and aesthetics, then clear aligners may be a better option.
What Is The Difference Between Invisalign And Braces?
While both ceramic braces are clear aligners that have the same effect on the teeth – to straighten them – they work differently. Ceramic braces are made of tooth-coloured ceramic materials, which are fixed to the teeth and cause tooth alignment through the pressure exerted by the white-coloured orthodontic wires attached to them. On the other hand, clear aligners are removable appliances made of a flexible transparent material, forcing the teeth to move in the desired direction. So, the primary difference between these two options is that one remains fixed to the teeth while the other is removable.
What Colour Braces Should I Get If I Have Yellow Teeth?
While clear braces are either transparent or tooth-coloured, the ties used to attach the orthodontic wires come in different colours. So, for someone with yellow teeth, clear or silver-coloured elastics should be used to avoid colour contrast.
How Can I Prevent My White Braces From Stain As I Use To Smoke?
Generally, it is not recommended to smoke during orthodontic treatment as it may affect the treatment’s speed. However, if it is not possible to quit smoking permanently, maintaining optimal oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing is one of the most effective ways to prevent staining teeth and white brackets if you are a smoker. Furthermore, if you already have stains on your ceramic brackets, you may also use a smoker’s toothpaste, as it is quite effective in removing stains through abrasive action.
When considering orthodontic treatment with braces, one should always visit an experienced and qualified dentist or orthodontist for the best functional and aesthetic outcome. If you live in the Stockton or Redcar area, book your free virtual or face-to-face consultation with us at Cleveland Orthodontics, and let us give you the smile you genuinely deserve.
