Clear Braces - Austin Orthodontic Arts

The Clear Choice With Ceramic Braces

Clear ceramic braces are incredibly popular with Austin adults or anyone who wants the power and ease of use of traditional brackets but the lower profile of a more discrete option.

Tooth colored ceramic brackets blend in with your natural smile’s color.

What Are Clear Braces?

Clear braces are a type of orthodontic appliance that uses clear or tooth-colored brackets and wires to gradually shift your teeth into the desired position. These braces work in a similar way to traditional metal braces, but they are much less noticeable and more aesthetically pleasing.

Our clear braces come with tooth-colored ceramic brackets, and they’re a great option to treat orthodontic issues such as:

Crowded or overlapping teeth
Spaces or gaps between teeth
Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
Crooked or rotated teeth

How Do Clear Braces Work?

Clear braces apply gentle, constant pressure to your teeth, gradually shifting them into the desired position. We’ll create a customized treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals, then attach the clear brackets to your teeth using a special adhesive.

The brackets will be connected by a thin wire, which will be tightened or adjusted periodically to ensure that your teeth are moving in the right direction. As your teeth shift into place, you’ll need to visit us regularly for check-ups and adjustments.

How Do Clear Braces Differ from Traditional Metal Braces?

While traditional metal braces are still the most commonly used type of braces, ceramic braces are becoming increasingly popular. Here are some of the key differences between ceramic braces and metal braces:

Looks

One of the most obvious differences between ceramic braces and metal braces is their appearance. We make our ceramic braces with clear or tooth-colored materials that blend in with the natural color of your teeth, making them less noticeable than metal braces.

Cost

Ceramic braces tend to be more expensive than metal braces, primarily because they’re made from more expensive materials.

Strength & Durability

Metal braces are a bit stronger and more durable than ceramic braces, making them a better choice for more severe orthodontic issues.

Staining

Like metal brackets, ceramic brackets won’t stain. And while the clear elastic ties that hold the archwire in place can stain, we’ll change your elastics at every adjustment appointment. So it’s unlikely you’ll have to wear elastic bands long enough for them to become discolored.

However, if you’re concerned about discoloration between adjustments, you may choose to avoid food and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, tomatoes, mustard, etc.

Treatment Time

Ceramic braces sometimes require a bit longer treatment time than metal braces. This is because the clear or tooth-colored materials used in ceramic braces are not as strong as the metal materials used in metal braces.

Because clear braces can’t exert as much force on the teeth, smaller adjustments are required, which can lengthen treatment time.

At the end of the day, we’ll work closely with you to find the best option for your smile. If you're concerned about the appearance of metal braces and are willing to pay a little extra for a more discreet option, ceramic braces may be a good choice for you.

Who Should Get Clear Braces?

Clear braces are a great option for anyone who wants to straighten their teeth while maintaining a natural appearance. They are especially popular among adults and teenagers who are concerned about the appearance of traditional metal braces.

If you have mild to moderate orthodontic issues, such as crooked or crowded teeth, clear braces may be a good choice for you. However, if you have severe orthodontic issues, your orthodontist may recommend traditional metal braces or another treatment option.

The Choice is Clear

If you have mild to moderate orthodontic issues and are interested in a lower-profile treatment option that doesn’t need to be managed like clear aligners, clear braces might be the perfect solution for your smile goals.

If you're interested in clear braces, contact Austin Orthodontic Arts to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.