Blend In With Clear Braces
Clear braces can be a great alternative to traditional braces. At Parks, Schmit, & Fuller Orthodontics, we make them from clear material so they’re less visible on your teeth than metal braces.
A Clear Alternative to Metal Braces
Clear braces are also called ceramic braces. At Parks, Schmit, & Fuller Orthodontics, we use 3M™ Clarity brackets. We make brackets from clear materials, making them less visible on the teeth than metal braces.
Older patients in Cedar Rapids & Marion prefer this option because they can get a great smile with less visible treatment. Our team uses them to correct your bite and align your smile the same way as metal braces.
Differences Between Ceramic & Metal Braces
Metal braces are known for their durability and strength. Ceramic braces are also tough, but they are made from a different, more fragile material that is more likely to chip or crack. Traditional braces are also better at tolerating pressure than newer ceramic ones.
If you need more drastic corrections, metal braces could be a better option. Adjustments with ceramic braces have to be slightly smaller, so it can take a little more time to align your teeth.
Having said that, both types of braces work on the same principles and tend to be equally as effective in most cases.
You may be worried about ceramic braces staining, but that hasn’t been a problem for several years. Ceramic brackets won’t stain. But, the adhesive used to attach the brackets to the teeth and the clear elastic ties used to hold the wires in can stain.
This can give an overall impression of discoloration or staining over time. You can choose to avoid things like coffee and tea, red wine, tomatoes, mustard, etc. to cut back on the chance of any staining, but you don’t need to. We change your elastics at every adjustment appointment.
As long as you maintain a good oral hygiene routine, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about giving up your morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine.
Cost of Ceramic Braces
Your treatment fee at Parks, Schmit, & Fuller Orthodontics will vary depending on the complexity of your treatment. Our team will determine a fee that fits your orthodontic needs, and we will do everything we can to accommodate your budget.
One thing that will impact your total treatment cost will be the materials we use for your braces. At our office, clear brackets cost a little more than metal brackets.
The good news is that we offer flexible payment plans and automatic bank drafts. We will also check with your Iowa insurance company for orthodontic benefits. Our goal is to provide you with outstanding value for a reasonable fee!
We need to factor in the work it takes to put your braces on, adjust them, and remove them into your total treatment cost. Placing and removing clear braces demands more time, attention, and technique from our expert team.
Our treatment coordinators will be happy to go over the cost with you at your first consultation at our offices in Cedar Rapids & Marion.
Best Options for Adults
After your evaluation, our team will work with you to determine which treatment option is best for you.
At Parks, Schmit, & Fuller Orthodontics, we recommend clear braces to adults and older teens over children. This is because clear brackets are more expensive and more likely to break.
Schedule a free consultation at our offices in Cedar Rapids & Marion to learn if they may be right for you.