Clear Braces

Demko Orthodontics provides clear braces in Chesterfield, Washington, and St. Charles, Missouri. Contact us today at one of our 3 convenient locations to schedule an appointment.

Clear braces function very similarly to the more common metal braces, but the brackets are made of clear ceramic that blends in with your natural tooth color for a more subtle appearance. Often the brackets are undetectable in photographs or are easily airbrushed out for things like weddings and senior pictures. They are less noticeable than metal braces, but the method of straightening your teeth is the same. The brackets attach to the front side of each tooth and a metal archwire connects them. This archwire is used to shift the teeth into proper alignment so that your top teeth meet your bottom teeth correctly when you bite down.

Treatment time difference is negligible whether you get clear or metal braces. The only major difference is that ceramic brackets break more easily, which could delay your progress if you don’t get them fixed right away. It is important to keep them clean in order to prolong their clear appearance. Often patients like using a whitening toothpaste on a regular basis to keep surface stain to a minimum.

Clear braces are a popular choice because of their many benefits. Clear braces are: 

• Discreet. One of the biggest benefits of clear braces is that they are less noticeable on your teeth. You can straighten your smile without the metallic look of traditional braces.
• Effective. Clear braces are just as effective as metal braces because they use the same technology to shift the teeth. They can correct a complete range of orthodontic issues that clear aligner systems may be unable to correct.
• Convenient. Clear braces are fixed to the teeth, unlike clear aligners that are removable. This means you don’t have to worry about losing them, remembering to wear them, switching them, or cleaning them. You simply brush your teeth and brackets at the same time.

Ideal candidates for clear braces are those who would prefer to straighten their teeth discreetly, but do not feel they are disciplined enough for clear aligner systems, like Invisalign. To find out if you or your child might be a good candidate for clear braces, schedule an evaluation.

Clear braces are NOT susceptible to staining from foods and beverages. The first few generations made decades ago did stain. However, the ligature that holds the wire to the brackets can be stained by tea, coffee, red wine, beets, tomato sauce, dark berries, and artificially dyed items. Tobacco products may also stain your teeth and make the brackets  look less clear. To keep your braces clean, thoroughly brush your teeth at least twice a day.  Another good rule of thumb is to think about your teeth like you would a white shirt.  If you get a food or beverage stain on a white shirt, you want to clean it as soon as possible. The same is true for clear braces.  If you eat or drink one of the foods or beverages noted above, you will want to brush your teeth soon after to limit the possibility of staining.

The average cost of clear braces ranges from $6,000-$8,000. In comparison, metal braces range from $5,000-$7,000 and clear aligner systems are comparable to both. You can expect to pay slightly more for clear braces than traditional metal braces because they cost more to manufacture and are more fragile. Be sure to inquire about the office’s “breakage policy.”

YES! The biggest downside of clear braces is that they are more susceptible to breaking than metal braces or clear aligners. Clear braces are made of ceramic, which is a strong material often used for dental crowns and veneers because of its natural appearance. However, it is more brittle and less flexible than metal. If you opt for clear braces, be sure to avoid all hard foods and objects.

Most dental insurance plans include coverage for orthodontic treatment. It usually comes in a one-time lump sum amount paid toward braces or other orthodontic care. This amount can be applied to the total cost of your treatment whether you get metal braces, clear braces, or clear aligners, but it rarely pays the entire cost.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule your appointment.