Metal, Clear, and Ceramic: Your Braces Options

Sep 7 • 1 minute read

Our Escondido dentist provides many options to meet patients’ orthodontic needs: traditional metal braces, ceramic bracket braces, and clear aligners. Each option has different benefits; knowing the advantages of each will help you receive the best treatment for your needs.

Traditional Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common orthodontic treatment available. Metallic brackets are cemented onto the teeth and connected to each other by a wire. The pressure applied forces teeth to slowly shift until they are realigned into a straighter, more comfortable smile. Once teeth are in their final position, a retainer is worn to keep teeth in place, until they have completely settled into their new alignment. From beginning to end, traditional braces can require over two years, depending on patient’s needs.

Metal braces tend to be the most successful orthodontic treatment and are one of the most predictable ways to effectively resolve severe cases of teeth misalignment. However, some patients find metal braces bulky, noticeable, and uncomfortable. It is also harder to maintain an effective hygiene routine when wearing metal braces, as they must be cleaned around.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are a popular cosmetic alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign® is the most well-known brand for this type of orthodontic treatment, but Dr. Patino also offers ClearCorrect® as well. These aligners gently shift teeth into place over a period of time.

Clear aligners have several advantages over traditional braces: they are removable for easier hygiene and a less restrictive diet; they are thin enough to be worn comfortably; they are clear and therefore difficult to notice. Invisalign® and ClearCorrect® are great for treating mild and some moderate teeth alignment cases, but may not necessarily be recommended for more complex cases.

Ceramic Bracket Braces

Ceramic brackets braces are an option for patients who would like the benefits of both metal braces and clear alignment trays. This treatment is the same as traditional orthodontics except that the brackets are made of dental ceramic, which mimics the color of natural teeth.

Ceramic brackets mix the proven techniques of metal braces with greater discretion than metal can provide. These braces do not stand out as much as metal, but are not removable, like clear aligning trays.

Call Us for More about Your Orthodontic Options

Dr. Patino of California Dental Solutions can provide these orthodontic solutions to Escondido, San Marcos, and Rancho Bernardo. For more information on our different options for teeth realignment, call us today!

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