Orthodontists today provide many advanced treatment options. These include clear aligners, lingual braces, and ceramic braces.
Each orthodontic appliance has its own benefits. Metal braces are well-known type of braces for cases of all complexity. Clear aligners are a discreet choice.
Personalized orthodontic care should help you select a treatment option that fits both your dental needs and personal preferences.
When looking at orthodontic treatment options, many patients compare traditional metal braces to alternative choices. Clear braces definitely fit somewhere in the middle.
Clear braces are a type of orthodontic appliances. They work like traditional braces but have one main difference: they are almost invisible. Rather than metal brackets, these braces use brackets made from clear or tooth-colored ceramic materials. Combined with thin, subtle wires, clear braces provide the same powerful straightening capabilities as metal braces.
Ceramic brackets and clear braces are two names for a type of orthodontic device. They come in two main designs: self-ligating and traditional.
Because of the properties of ceramic material, these brackets are generally larger than metal ones.
Ceramic brackets are more fragile than their metal counterparts. Smaller versions often appear whiter and more visible, rather than transparent. Despite the less optimal aesthetics, some patients still prefer the discreet profile of smaller brackets.
Recently, the orthodontic field has introduced 3D-printed ceramic braces, such as Lightforce. These new-generation brackets bring customization to orthodontic care at the expense of non ideal appearance. A digital molds of your teeth will be used to plan your tooth movement and the size and shape of these 3D printed braces.
Hard foods can easily break ceramic braces. Maintaining good dental hygiene is similar to metal braces.
Traditionally orthodontic treatment has been delivered using metal brackets. This type of braces are predictable and deliver great choice for patients of all ages.
Maintaining a good oral hygiene with these braces requires diligent daily flossing and brushing.
Adding color ties around the braces is the most fun activity for patients with metal braces.
While metal brackets have been successfully straightening teeth for decades, the introduction of Invisalign aligners has changed orthodontics.
Invisalign is a type of clear aligners and was the first brand of aligners in orthodontics.
Patients who won’t like to wear their braces all the time opt this option. Invisalign trays are partially visible. The main advantages of clear braces over Invisalign is not managing Invisalign aligners through the day.
The main success in Invisalign or clear aligner treatment is consistently wearing aligners for 22 hours a day.
The medical term for Invisalign treatment is clear aligner therapy. Invisalign aligners were the first type of clear aligners on the market. Now, there are over 150 other brands of removable aligners available for patients. All of these aligners system have unique features.
Your orthodontist should be able to explain differences between Invisalign and alternative aligner choices. All of these clear aligners can correct overbite, underbite, crowded teeth, crooked teeth and more.
The orthodontist’s skill with aligners is important. Their strong knowledge of orthodontics also helps. Both factors are key for good results with clear aligners.
An alternative to all other type of braces (clear braces, metal braces or Invisalign) is lingual braces. This is a treatment plan that you might have never heard of before.
Lingual braces are placed behind your teeth and are the only truly invisible choice. Most patients who choose lingual braces either tried Invisalign and had no success or do not want to wear aligners all the time.
The cost of your treatment usually depends on how complex your orthodontic plan is and treatment time. It is not based on the appliances used – e.g., clear brackets. Yet, some offices charge more for clear braces or Invisalign. You should ask all questions about cost of treatment, insurance coverage, and payment plans during your consultation.
The cost of orthodontic treatment includes orthodontic appliances, all the check-ups and retainers.
The ideal time to learn about your orthodontic treatment plan is during your consultation. This is your chance to look at different orthodontic appliance options. You can also talk about any worries you have about your teeth and bite alignment.
Understanding your orthodontic issues and treatment options is the first step toward achieving the smile you’ve always wanted.
Many orthodontic offices provide free consultations, making it easier to get started.
At PORTH, we proudly offer complimentary consultations at our Sammamish and Bellevue locations. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward the new smile of your dreams!
Clear braces typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000, varying by case complexity, location, and treatment duration.
Invisible braces (Invisalign and similar brands) range from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on treatment length and case complexity.
Clear aligners cost $2,000 to $7,000 from orthodontists. At-home aligner services cost between $1,200 and $2,500. However, at-home services may not work for everyone.
Ceramic braces cost between $4,000 and $8,500, typically higher than metal braces due to material costs.
Plastic retainers cost $100 to $500 per arch, with prices varying by provider and region.
The ceramic brackets resist staining, but elastic ties can discolor from foods and drinks. Self-ligating brackets eliminate this issue.
Clear braces are tooth-colored ceramic brackets that function like metal braces but offer a more aesthetic appearance.
Yes, clear braces cost more than metal braces due to premium materials and aesthetic benefits.
The ceramic brackets maintain their color, but elastic ties may discolor. Regular hygiene appointments include fresh ties to maintain appearance.