No more looking bad while you’re getting treatment! At Specialty Smiles we offer clear orthodontic braces as a way for people to fix their teeth without the sight of metal brackets. These new devices have changed orthodontic care by using materials that look and feel like your teeth along with tried-and-true treatment procedures. The end result is a treatment that straightens your teeth while you feel good about how you look the whole time.
Clear orthodontic braces work on the same principles that have worked for generations with regular braces. The brackets are made of different materials, that’s the main difference. Clear braces are made of ceramic or composite materials that match the color and transparency of natural teeth instead of stainless steel. When we put these brackets on your teeth, they become very small and hard to see when you talk to people or do other things. Many patients are happy to see how well their braces blend in once they are on. Adults, professionals and teens who want to improve their smile without drawing too much attention will love clear orthodontic braces because of how they look.
Over the years the technology behind clear orthodontic braces has come a long way. In the past ceramic brackets were a little fragile and would break easily when used normally. Modern materials are designed to withstand the forces needed to move teeth while keeping their look throughout treatment. These brackets stay in place as long as patients follow simple care instructions and stay away from things that could hurt them. Most patients can finish their treatment without too many breaks due to broken or damaged brackets because today’s clear braces are so strong.
When you come to our Miami Lakes office for a consultation we take a look at your teeth to see if clear orthodontic braces are for you. Most patients can get this treatment but we look at each case separately to get the best possible result. We look at your bite, evaluate the position of your teeth and talk about your treatment goals. Knowing what you want to achieve helps us create a plan tailored to your needs. Some adjustments happen fast, others take longer to get the best results.
Clear orthodontic braces start with a thorough treatment plan based on your assessment. We prepare each tooth surface and attach the ceramic brackets during the installation session. We then run a small wire through all the brackets and tie it down with small elastic ties. This puts light but steady pressure on your teeth which slowly moves them into place. During treatment you come to our office often so we can check on your progress and make any changes needed to keep you on track.
Regular adjustment appointments are an important part of orthodontic care. We usually schedule these appointments every few weeks depending on how your teeth are doing and what stage of treatment you’re in. We check on how your teeth are moving, change the elastic ties and change the wire tension as needed at each appointment. Because these sessions are less than an hour they are easy to fit into your busy schedule. Since our office is near Miami Lakes you can spend less time driving and more time on your daily tasks.
When you wear clear orthodontic braces it’s even more important to keep your mouth clean. If you don’t clean them properly the brackets and wires can trap food and debris on extra surfaces. We teach you how to brush and floss your teeth so you don’t hurt your orthodontic gear. Brushing your teeth after every meal keeps them from getting stained and protects them from decay while you’re in treatment. Flossing with braces takes more time and patience but it’s worth it to keep your gums healthy and avoid complications that can make your orthodontic care more difficult. Good hygiene habits can keep your ceramic brackets looking clear throughout your treatment.
Changing your diet can help keep your clear braces safe. Ceramic brackets can break if you eat hard items like nuts, ice or hard candies. Sticky things like caramel and taffy can pull brackets off your teeth. We give you a full list of what to avoid and suggest other options that will satisfy your cravings without putting your braces at risk. Most patients get used to these rules quickly and find many options that fit within the rules. Taking care of your braces means you won’t have to wait for repairs to be done and your treatment will go smoothly.
Putting money and time into clear orthodontic braces is an investment. Because they use special materials clear braces are usually more expensive than metal braces. But many patients think the cosmetic benefits are worth the extra cost. We work with most insurance companies to help you understand what your plan covers for orthodontic care. We offer payment plans that break down the cost into monthly payments for patients who don’t have insurance or who have to pay out of pocket. Anyone who needs it should be able to get good orthodontic care.
The length of treatment depends on how complicated your case is and how your teeth respond to it. It can take a few months to fix simple problems but it can take two years or more to fix more complicated ones. At each appointment we check on your progress and let you know how long it will take. Most patients see visible changes in the first few months which helps them stay motivated during the long treatment process. Seeing your smile change over time makes the time you spend on it worth it.
Some patients with braces want to know how clear braces compare to other current treatments. Removable aligners are getting popular but they work best for mild to moderate cases and only work if the patient follows the rules. Clear orthodontic braces stay in place and work all the time even if the patient doesn’t cooperate. This makes them better for complicated cases and moving teeth a lot. We also give information about Retainers for patients who want to learn about other options. This is because good retention after active treatment protects your investment and keeps results for a long time.
At Specialty Smiles we are happy to help our patients get beautiful healthy smiles with clear braces. We use latest technology and personalized care to make your experience better than you expected. We know choosing orthodontic treatment is a big decision and we appreciate the trust you have in us. We will be with you from your first appointment until the day we remove your braces. Your makeover is more than just how your teeth look. We see confidence build as smiles get better which is why we love what we do. Clear orthodontic braces might be the best option for you if you’ve been thinking about getting braces but are worried about how they will look. We would love to schedule an appointment with you so we can discuss your options, answer your questions and create a treatment plan that fits your needs. A simple consultation is the first step to a straighter, more confident smile. Let us show you how clear orthodontic braces can change your teeth and fit into your lifestyle. Dr. Eddy J. Sedeño III, DMD, MS is a board-certified orthodontist based in Miami Lakes, Florida, renowned for combining advanced technologic approaches with patient-centric care to deliver exceptional and lasting smiles.