You don’t have to wear metal braces that everyone can see to straighten your teeth anymore. At Specialty Smiles we have clear ceramic braces as an option for those who want to get their teeth straightened without changing how they look. These new appliances have changed the way people think about getting braces especially those who didn’t want metal brackets to show when they smiled. The ceramic material matches the color of your natural teeth so you’ll have a subtle look that will make you feel good about yourself during the whole process.
Clear ceramic braces work the same way as regular metal braces. The brackets are made of different materials. These brackets are made of a high quality ceramic compound that looks like real teeth and is not stainless steel. When attached to your teeth they are hard to see from a distance. We’ve seen a lot of people feel better when they see how subtle their braces look after they’re on. Ceramic braces are popular with adults and teens who care about their appearance and want straighter teeth without drawing attention to their orthodontic treatment.
Ceramic materials have become much stronger in the last few years. The first clear braces were a bit weak and would chip or break easily. Modern ceramic brackets are designed to handle the forces of chewing and talking without problems. Patients who follow basic care instructions do well throughout treatment. We give you step by step instructions on how to minimize stress on your braces. Most damage can be avoided by not eating hard or sticky foods and patients quickly learn which foods to avoid. Today’s ceramic braces are strong so you won’t have to stop treatment often because of damaged brackets or other problems.
When you come to our Miami Lakes office for your first appointment we will check your teeth to see if clear ceramic braces are right for you. Most patients can get this treatment but certain complex cases may require other methods. We will examine your bite, verify the alignment of your teeth and talk about what you want the final results to be. Knowing what you want helps us design a treatment plan that meets your needs and fits within realistic time frames. Some changes happen fast, others take longer to get into place.
It takes a few hours to get them on since we need to place each bracket precisely on your teeth. We prepare the tooth surface so the brackets will stick well and then we attach each ceramic bracket in its exact spot. After all the brackets are on we run a wire through them and tie it down with small elastic ties. These parts work together to put gentle pressure on your teeth which slowly moves them into place. The wire moves your teeth and during regular follow up visits we change the tension to keep your treatment on track.
Regular adjustments are a key part of orthodontic treatment that works. Depending on what stage of treatment you’re in we usually schedule these appointments every 4-8 weeks. We assess your progress, change the elastic ties and make any necessary wire changes every time you come in. These appointments are usually under an hour so it’s easy to fit them into your schedule. Since our office is in Miami Lakes you’ll spend less time getting here and more time having fun. We spot any problems early and keep your treatment on track by seeing you often.
When you have ceramic braces it’s even more important to keep your mouth clean. The brackets and wires create more areas for food and plaque to build up. We show you how to brush and floss correctly so they work well with braces and other orthodontic appliances. Brushing your teeth after every meal keeps them from getting stained and protects them from decay while you’re in treatment. You need to be patient and have the right tools to floss but it will make your gums and teeth healthier. If you don’t keep your clear ceramic brackets clean they can get stained. So to keep them clear throughout your treatment you need to have good hygiene habits.
Clear ceramic braces are more expensive than metal braces. The materials and technology used to make them are more costly. But many people feel the extra cost is worth it for the cosmetic benefits. We work with several insurance companies to help you understand your orthodontic treatment coverage. We have payment plans for those who don’t have insurance or have to pay out of pocket. Everyone should have good orthodontic care regardless of how much money they have.
The length of treatment depends on how complex your case is and how your teeth respond to the forces applied to them. Simple fixes can be done in less than a year but more complex ones can take 2 years or more. We monitor your progress and adjust our plan if your teeth aren’t progressing as planned. Most patients see big changes in the first few months which keeps them motivated during the extended treatment period. The slow change makes you excited about the end of your orthodontic journey when you’ll see the final results.
Some people want to know how ceramic braces compare to other modern options. Clear aligners are getting popular but they work best for mild to moderate cases. Ceramic braces address more complex orthodontic issues better because they stay in place and apply constant pressure. For those who want to know more about other options we also have information on Braces for Teens because this age group gets the most benefit from fixed orthodontic appliances. We help you choose the treatment that’s right for you and your lifestyle because each one has its own benefits.
We use the latest orthodontic technology and personalized care at Specialty Smiles to exceed your expectations. We really want to help you get a healthy beautiful smile that makes you feel good about yourself. We know choosing orthodontic treatment is a big decision and we appreciate the trust you have in us. We’ll be with you every step of the way from your first appointment until the day we remove your braces. Clear ceramic braces are a good choice because they work and look good. They straighten teeth while keeping your smile natural so you can smile freely while you’re in treatment. Book an appointment to talk about if ceramic braces are for you. Talking about your goals and concerns is the first step to a straighter, more confident smile. Let us show you how clear ceramic braces can change your teeth while being easy to wear every day. 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.