Are Clear Braces More Expensive?
Clear braces, also referred to as ceramic braces, come with several advantages, the most significant of which is their aesthetic appeal. Clear braces function just like metal braces, applying pressure to the teeth and the jaws to repair and restore their alignment, but they use clear or tooth-colored braces and wires that are far less noticeable than traditional metal braces. This can make a world of difference in patient confidence and can make wearing braces a little less stressful, especially for patients who feel self-conscious about smiling with obtrusive braces. While the brackets used for clear braces may be a bit larger than metal brackets, they’re more comfortable than metal braces, lacking the rough metal edges that can irritate the soft oral tissues. Because of the advanced design and materials used, however, clear braces do tend to be more expensive than metal braces.
Ceramic braces aren’t the only option for patients who want to correct their dental alignment without bulky metal braces. Clear dental aligners, often referred to by the brand name Invisalign, can also be used to align the teeth and correct the bite, though these aren’t recommended for complex or extreme cases. Depending on the complexity of the case and the duration of treatment, the cost of clear aligners is reasonably similar to that of metal braces, ranging from around $2000 to $8000. Treatment with ceramic braces can take a bit longer than treatment with metal braces, and the cost ranges from about $4000 to $9000. Because the material used to make clear brackets and wires is porous, they may be more prone to staining than metal braces, and they are also more prone to damage than metal braces, which may lead to extra repair costs. For many patients, these possible drawbacks are a small price to pay for the confidence and comfort clear braces can provide.
The best way to get the most for your money, regardless of which orthodontic treatment you choose, is to make sure to take care of your teeth and your orthodontic appliances correctly. Observing an effective oral hygiene routine is the best way to keep the gums and teeth healthy during treatment with braces, but the techniques for keeping braces might differ from your usual hygiene techniques. Orthodontists recommend brushing the teeth, and the braces, after every meal, to be certain that no food particles linger among the brackets or behind the wires. Regular toothbrushes can work well for this, or your dentist can recommend or provide a specialized brush with a narrow head that can reach the spaces around the brackets. Your dentist or orthodontist can also provide instruction for flossing correctly while navigating around brackets and wires, or you may prefer to use a water flosser or interdental brush.
All types of braces require periodic adjustments, which make the teeth move into position, and the gums and teeth might be extra sensitive after an adjustment; again, your dentist can help you learn how to keep your teeth, your braces, and your oral tissues clean and healthy without adding to this discomfort. Sometimes, orthodontic treatment like braces can leave stains on the surfaces of the teeth, even with the most diligent hygiene routines, but these stains can be improved with whitening treatments once the braces come off. You, your dentist, and your orthodontist are part of a team who, together, can ensure you have the confident, brilliant smile you deserve.