What the Best Orthodontist in Norwalk Says About Clear Braces
Clear braces can certainly help you achieve your orthodontic goals. Maybe you have been thinking about starting treatment to get the beautiful smile you always wanted, but traditional metal braces aren’t right for you.
If you did your research and determined metal braces aren’t for you, don’t worry; as your trusted Norwalk orthodontist here at Westwalk Orthodontic Group, we want to make sure you have as much accurate information as possible to make well-informed decisions about your oral care.
On top of that, we have a solution that doesn’t include a mouth full of metal brackets and wires. So, if you are ready, let’s take a look at ceramic braces, what they are, how they work, and some other considerations for you to keep in mind.
How Can I Fix My Crooked Teeth?
Most patients might see crooked teeth merely as a cosmetic issue. However, contrary to popular belief, crooked teeth don’t only affect the aesthetics of your smile, but they also influence the overall health of your mouth. Crooked teeth can:
- Interfere with proper chewing
- Keeping teeth clean is more of a challenge, increasing the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gingivitis.
- Strain your teeth, jaws, and muscles, increasing the risk of breaking a tooth.
- Make you feel self-conscious about your appearance and affect your self-esteem and even how you interact socially with others.
The most common treatment for crooked teeth is, undoubtedly, braces. They are a tried and proven true method. Let’s take a look at a more attractive type of braces that is not the traditional metal braces we are all familiar with.
What Are Clear Braces?
Clear braces are also known as Ceramic braces, these are similar to traditional metal braces in the way they work, but they use clear or tooth-colored brackets rather than gray or metallic silver brackets and wires we are used to seeing with traditional braces. You can learn more about your new set of braces here.
Many patients choose ceramic braces because they’re less noticeable on teeth than metal braces, and this can be a huge advantage if you’re considering braces but don’t want to feel self-conscious about wearing them.
Ceramic Braces Vs Traditional Braces
Just like with any other orthodontic solution, there are pros and cons to consider before choosing to use ceramic braces with your Norwalk orthodontist. These are:
Pros
- They’re less visible than metal braces. The ceramic material used in these braces can be either clear or tooth-colored.
- You can choose colors. Metal braces only come in one color: metallic. Ceramic braces, however, are available in almost any color imaginable.
- As effective, and as metal braces
- Increased confidence without having a mouth full of metal
- It may be more comfortable than metal braces, smoother feel of brackets
Cons
- Ceramic braces are $1,000 to $2,000 more expensive than metal braces. However, your dental insurance can help with the final cost. You can review this article to learn more.
- They may stain easily; depending on hygiene and diet habits, the elastic ties holding the wire to the brackets can stain and remain stained until they’re replaced.
- They are more delicate than metal braces
How Do Clear Braces Work?
Clear Ceramic braces work similarly to traditional braces in that they rely on adjustments or tightening performed by your orthodontist to straighten your teeth over time.
Although every patient is different, generally, your braces will be adjusted or tightened by your Norwalk orthodontist every 4-10 weeks. Keep in mind that your orthodontist will personalize your braces treatment to fit your individual smile needs, so there’s no exact adjustment time.
Can Anyone Wear Clear Ceramic Braces in Norwalk?
Typically, clear ceramic braces will be a good fit to fix your malocclusion as they work very similarly to traditional metal braces. However, depending on how severe your dental issues are, this can change even though most dental problems can be solved with any type of braces.
If you need to rotate your canine teeth or you have a misaligned jaw, then metal braces may be your only option. Although effective, aligners and other braces cannot fix complex dental problems. Common malocclusions treatable with ceramic braces include excessive overjet, overbite, gap teeth, crossbite, or crowded teeth. In any case, It is important to consult your Norwalk orthodontist because they will give you the most accurate answer for your individual needs.
How To Care For Your Ceramic Braces
As with any orthodontic treatment, caring for your braces is as important as your treatment itself, no matter the type of appliance you choose.
If you choose to wear ceramic braces, you might need to take special care to maintain the clean appearance of your braces and avoid stains and discoloration from the foods and beverages you consume.
There are some basic tips you can follow in order to maintain your ceramic braces as noticeable as the first day.
Oral Hygiene
- Be sure to brush your teeth after every meal and even snacks in order to keep stains from setting in.
- Floss regularly; you will need to be more proactive to ensure that food doesn’t get stuck in your braces, leading to tooth decay.
- Rinsing with mouthwash regularly will also help in keeping stains away
- If you happen to be a smoker, it may now be the best time for you to quit. Just as nicotine yellows your teeth, it will also stain the material in your ceramic braces.
Diet Restrictions
Unfortunately, Just the same as with traditional metal braces, there are some foods you will have to stay away from in order to avoid permanent staining.
Some include tomato products, coffee, sodas, mustard, berries, and foods high in artificial coloring.
As you can see, there are many different things to consider before choosing a type of braces to undergo your orthodontic treatment with. At Westwalk Orthodontics, We are proud to offer the best orthodontic treatment in Norwalk. You trust our team to help you achieve a happy, healthy and perfect smile, a smile as unique as you are.
Make sure you set your next appointment and come ready with all your questions. We’ll be happy to answer all of them. Contact us by calling: (203) 853-0808. We look forward to welcoming you to our family.