Ceramic Braces

Ceramic, or clear braces, offer an alternative to traditional metal braces. The most significant difference you will note is in the bracket. Unlike metal brackets, ceramic braces use a clear bracket. The clear brackets blend with the natural color of your teeth to make your braces less visible.

How Ceramic Braces Work

Ceramic braces use the same principle of tension to create a force as metal braces. The force applies pressure to teeth, gently pulling them into the correct alignment.

The process begins the same, with the doctor affixing clear brackets to your teeth using dental bonding. The archwire travels through a tiny clip on the front of each bracket. The clips lock the archwire into each bracket when the doctor performs adjustments, tightening the archwire. The tension pulls your teeth into proper alignment. When the doctor makes adjustments, your teeth shift to create your dream smile.

Ceramic Braces Offer Options

Ceramic braces are clear. A popular option is adding colored elastics. Elastics add stability to hold the archwire tight. Select favorite sports team colors, special colors to celebrate a holiday, or match your wardrobe.

If the low-profile look of clear braces isn’t what you want, Dr. Albert Lucas offers a completely invisible option with InBrace®. These custom metal brackets attach behind your teeth. The Smartwire™ locks into self-ligating brackets. InBrace is affixed behind your teeth so that no one can see your braces. The Smartwire has a patented wave that makes oral hygiene easier than traditional braces.

Cost of Clear Braces

The cost of braces ranges between $3,000 to $7,500. Ceramic braces are comparable in cost to metal braces. Most people have an average cost in the $4,500 to $5,000 range. Several factors apply to the overall cost of clear braces:

• How much correction is necessary
• The duration of the treatment plan
• Your location
• The age of the patient

Insurance may help by lowering your cost or offsetting some of the costs. If your employer offers a Health Savings Account (HSA) and you are a member, ask if those funds can be used for orthodontic treatment. Insurance usually doesn’t cover the total cost, but it should offer an amount that will help to defray the total cost. HSAs have different rules. You’ll need to check with your company representative to find out if you might use funds for orthodontics.

How Long Will You Wear Clear Braces?

Braces treatment can be as short as three to six months if you only need minor alignment corrections. Treatment periods typically last 12 to 18 months for most patients with ceramic braces. In some cases, treatment may take as long as 24 to 36 months for complex alignment problems.

The treatment period differs depending on the severity of the original alignment issues. Some factors may extend treatment, such as not having good oral hygiene or eating foods that damage your brackets or wires.

Advantages of Ceramic Braces

Although braces have the longest track record, ceramic braces utilize the same principle. Clear braces are equally effective and efficient. Some advantages include:

• Cost less than Invisalign
• Effective on many alignment problems
• Corrects chewing and swallowing
• Protects teeth from potential trauma
• Bonded to your teeth — no lost trays
• Improve self-esteem and boosts confidence

With clear braces, the low-profile look allows you to have braces without reflecting sunlight with every smile.

Disadvantages of Clear Braces

Some disadvantages include:

• Dietary restrictions to avoid damaging hardware
• Adjustments are necessary
• Oral hygiene may be time consuming

The benefits of ceramic braces treatment can truly change your life.

Contact Lucas Orthodontics to Discuss Braces

Lucas Orthodontics is your provider for clear, ceramic braces, Invisalign, and InBrace. To begin your journey to a new dream smile, contact our offices at:

Pembroke Pines — (954) 787-3052
Plantation — (954) 787-3849

New patients may also schedule appointments online at either Pembroke Pines or Plantation.