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Clear Braces
OR
CERAMIC BRACES
Those wanting "invisible or clear" braces can choose from three options:
Clear Braces (Ceramic braces)
Ceramic braces, also known as clear braces, are orthodontic tools used to straighten teeth and fix bite problems. They consist of clear or tooth-colored ceramic brackets attached to the surface of your teeth with similarly colored wires and rubber bands, which provide more discretion.
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Since the amount of time required to fix the problems with your teeth using either ceramic braces or metal braces is the same, the only difference between the two orthodontic devices is the fact that one is metal and the other is ceramic.
How Do Clear Braces Work?
Clear braces also known as ceramic braces work the same way
as metal braces do. The only difference is that they use clear or
tooth colored brackets instead of metal ones. They are a great
alternative for patients who want a more esthetic alternative to
metal braces but are not confident that they will wear their
clear aligners.
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Clear braces are great because they blend in with the natural
color of your teeth. They are made of either sapphire or ceramic,
not metal, which is more comfortable on your lips and the mucosa
lining your cheeks. Though they are not as aesthetic as clear tray
aligners, clear braces are more effective in straightening your
teeth because they require less compliance from you, the patient.
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Clear or ceramic brackets are made of composite materials. They are very strong and generally do not stain. Adults like to choose ceramic because they "blend in" with the teeth and are less noticeable than metal. These are the type of braces actor Tom Cruise had.
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The ligatures (tiny rubber bands) that hold the arch wire on to the ceramic brackets are often white or clear. This looks great at first, but the ligatures can stain . Unless you eat a lot of curry, smoke, or drink a lot of black coffee, this generally isn't a problem. Note that the ligatures are changed each time you get an adjustment -- usually, monthly. It's only the ligatures that stain, not the brackets themselves!
Difference between different clear braces
Ceramic, sapphire and lingual braces all function the same way as metal braces. Brackets are glued to the front of your teeth. A wire is shaped into the ideal position of your teeth, then threaded through the brackets. As the wire struggles to get back to its original shape, it gradually pressures your teeth into that shape as well. Your orthodontist (a dentist trained in tooth movement and dentofacial orthopedics) will tighten the wires every four to six weeks. You should see a nice, straight smile within two or two and a half years (though this time period can be shorter or longer, depending on the severity of your problem). Once your braces come off, you will likely wear a retainer for six months to a year, to keep your teeth from shifting and make sure your new smile stays in place.
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The difference, though, is that these three types of braces don't look like traditional braces.
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Ceramic brackets are transparent and blend in with the teeth.
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Sapphire brackets are also very transparent, but tend to look best against very white teeth (otherwise, they can stand out). Both of these types of braces are placed on the front of the teeth and are barely visible from over a metre away, or in photographs.
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Lingual brackets and wires, meanwhile, are glued onto the back of the teeth, making them completely invisible when you smile.
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We offer world class invisible braces. Click here to learn more.
Clear Braces and Staining
Sapphire braces do not stain. The elastics used to hold the wire to the clear brackets is clear as well and, if you regularly drink red wine, tea or coffee or smoke, they will absorb the stain. These are the same products that will stain your teeth. The only way to prevent this staining is to minimize the amount of contact with these staining liquids and tobacco. However, these elastics are changed at every appointment so the staining is removed at least once a month. It's only the ligatures that stain, not the brackets themselves!
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While clear braces have many benefits, there are some things to keep in mind. Treatment sometimes takes longer with clear braces than with metal braces. Also, while they are strong, they may not be strong enough for severe cases; metal braces are recommended for these cases.
Inspire Ice Clear Ceramic Braces
Dr. Anshu is proud to offer Inspire Ice Clear braces.
These are the highest quality aesthetic braces on the market. Their patented sapphire material makes Inspire ICE the only crystal-clear braces available. They're not only discreet, they're virtually invisible. Some aesthetic braces are white or colored to match a particular tooth color. But since we all have different tooth shades, these braces frequently stand out. Inspire ICE crystal-clear braces are the most discreet braces available, regardless of tooth color. Plus, they won't stain or discolor over time, so you'll look great throughout your treatment.
RADIANCE “Clear” Braces – Made from Sapphire Crystals
Radiance Sapphire brackets are made from single-crystal, pure grown sapphire, the second hardest mineral on Earth. Once bonded, Radiance is nearly invisible on the tooth. Monocrystalline formation gives Radiance a solid core structure, as opposed to the strand structure of polycrystalline. A heat treatment seals the bracket and ensures that no fissures exist on its surface. Radiance features tie wings on its base, which are designed with a smooth radius to reduce fracture. The under tie-wing space is enlarged for easy and quick ligation. The patented Quad-Matte™ base features a strong bond in the center to hold the bracket in place, but a weaker bond on the edges to allow for easy and predictable debonding.
