When most people think of braces, metal is what comes to mind. While traditional metal braces can still be an effective way to realign teeth, adults needing to straighten their teeth may prefer something more discrete. An increasingly population solution is clear braces. The results are still the same, but the required dental attachments are much less noticeable.
Clear Braces Are Almost Too Discrete for Their Own Good
Clear or invisible braces are quite common. However, this may surprise you! The reason is because clear braces aren’t noticeable, so it’s not easy to be aware of people you may randomly see who are wearing them. But it’s this discretion that makes clear braces so appealing!
What to Consider with Brace Selection
When weighing your options with braces, there are many things to consider. This is also true if you’ve narrowed your selection down to metal or the different versions of invisible braces that are available. Let’s take a moment to discuss some common brace-related considerations.
Cost of Clear Braces
The specific cost of invisible braces will depend on the type of clear braces you prefer. Personal comfort should also be considered when determining if the cost involved is justified. For instance, metal braces that are cheaper may not be very appealing if they are uncomfortable and not aesthetically pleasing. Most patients need to wear braces for 1-2 years, so personal comfort definitely does matter.
Yes, metal braces are more affordable. They also tend to be better if you have severe alignment needs. Even so, metal braces do have a higher chance of breaking or becoming loose.
Clear Brace Options
As mentioned above, clear braces will involve more of an investment than traditional metal braces. But they are a great option for patients preferring the positive benefits of braces without having to worry about appearance concerns. There are three main options with clear braces:
• Clear ceramic
• Invisalign
• Lingual braces
Clear Ceramic Braces
Most clear braces have tooth-colored brackets, which allows them to blend in naturally with your teeth from a distance. With ceramic braces, however, the materials used aren’t as durable as what you would get with metal braces. It’s also important for wearers to stay away from foods that are excessively hard or difficult to chew.
Invisalign Braces
These clear braces are appealing because they are easy to overlook, even from short distances. Invisalign braces are also known for their comfort. In fact, they are often considered the most comfortable type of braces on the market today! Plus, they’re not easy to break.
What’s also great about Invisalign is that they are removable! Patients are given several sets of clear, plastic aligners. Each set is custom made and created with specialized 3-D technology. The aligners work by gently moving teeth into the correct position.
Each set of aligners is worn for 2 weeks. Once all aligners have been used as directed, the final result will be a healthy, perfectly aligned smile! Other facts to consider with Invisalign include:
• Patients don’t have to be concerned about limitations with food since aligners can be removed.
• They are the most expensive of all brace options.
• Treatment length varies, although treatment plans are, on average, completed in about a year.
• Patients may not be ideal candidates for Invisalign braces if they have a severe misalignment or dental issues such as over-crowding or malocclusion.
Lingual Braces
Technically not “invisible,” lingual braces can still be discretely worn. They’re also more affordable than Invisalign braces. They are metal, but installed behind the teeth and not in front. They can take some time to get used to, a process that usually takes a week or so.
Patients in Texas looking to explore their options with braces will have a wide range of choices to consider. Our friendly, trained team will help you find a solution that’s right for your needs and budget.
Contact Texas Orthodontic Specialists today for a free consultation and learn about the type of braces that are right for you.