Discreet Alternatives to Traditional Metal Braces Embrace a Confident Smile with Modern Orthodontic Solutions

Traditional metal braces can be substituted with a discreet orthodontic option that employs ceramic brackets of a tooth-colored hue and clear or frosted wires, or nearly invisible removable plastic aligners to straighten teeth and rectify bite problems such as overbites and crowding. Fixed ceramic clear braces Sunset Hills MO are less conspicuous, but they necessitate diligent oral hygiene, whereas aligners can be removed for eating and cleaning.

Types of Clear Orthodontic Braces

Sapphire Brackets

These brackets are manufactured from lab-created single-crystal sapphire (transparent and glass-like). Sapphire brackets are nearly invisible and clearer than those made of polycrystalline ceramic. They exhibit resistance to staining and discoloration, and possess a surface that is smooth, thereby minimizing irritation.

Ceramic Brackets

Clear braces Sunset Hills MO are manufactured from a ceramic material, specifically alumina, which has a subtle, frosted texture. While they are not completely invisible like sapphire, they are more budget-friendly and extremely robust. The main drawbacks of these brackets are their slightly larger size compared to metal brackets and the potential for staining over time when exposed to coffee, tea, or smoke.

Self-Ligating Clear Orthodontic Brackets

Self-ligating clear braces Sunset Hills MO are made of ceramic or composite materials and feature an integrated clip, eliminating the need for elastic ties. Brackets in this design are simpler to clean, require fewer adjustments, and have shorter treatment periods. The metal clip inside may still be somewhat apparent.

Lingual Braces

Metal brackets are used to make lingual braces, and they are positioned behind the teeth, making them invisible. They are completely invisible from the front, but cleaning them can be challenging and may at first impact speech. Complex cases can be efficiently treated with lingual braces, similar to metal and ceramic braces.

Transparent Aligners (Invisalign)

Invisalign, or clear aligners, are typically chosen for moderate cases and are not well-suited for severe misalignments. These trays are nearly invisible, made to order, easily removable plastic inserts that can be taken out for meals and sanitizing. Wearing Invisalign demands discipline, as it needs to be worn for 20-22 hours daily, which could be challenging for many individuals.

Limitations of Clear Braces

The key benefit of clear braces Sunset Hills MO is that they are virtually imperceptible. Clear ceramic braces have a sleek appearance that seamlessly integrates with contemporary tastes and living standards. There are, however, limitations to using this type of brace.

Color Staining and Fading

Clear braces Sunset Hills MO tend to stain more easily than metal braces. Ceramic braces are prone to absorbing stains from coffee, tea, red wine, smoking, vaping, curry, and ketchup. Sapphire braces have a higher level of stain resistance, yet the elastic bands, if utilized, will still ultimately discolor.

To prevent stains from forming on your braces, it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth following every meal. When using whitening toothpaste, opt for non-abrasive formulas to prevent scratching ceramic surfaces. Additionally, limit your consumption of highly pigmented foods and drinks, and refrain from smoking.

Foods to Steer Clear of with Clear Braces:

Hard foods including nuts (almonds, peanuts, cashews), hard candies (Jolly Ranchers, lollipops), ice cubes, popcorn kernels (unpopped pieces), whole apples or carrots (cut into small pieces), and crusty bread or bagels are problematic.

Foods with a sticky or chewy texture, such as gum (even sugar-free gum), caramel, taffy, gummy sweets, Skittles, and dried fruit.

Foods and drinks such as coffee, black tea, red wine, colas, dark sodas, soy sauce, curry, tomato-based sauces, and berries tend to stain.

Meats such as beef jerky and ribs with bone are particularly tough.