Having braces doesn't necessarily require highly noticeable metal brackets and wires. In fact, many of today's braces are made from either clear or natural tooth colored materials to provide patients with an attractive, less noticeable alternative to traditional braces.
What type of clear braces do we offer?
At NOI Orthodontics, we offer LightForce™ customized clear braces, one of the most advanced digital orthodontic systems available today.
Unlike traditional braces, which use the same standard-shaped brackets for every patient, LightForce brackets are custom-designed and 3D printed specifically for your teeth. We begin with a digital scan of your smile and digitally plan your treatment from start to finish. Each clear ceramic bracket is then individually created to match the unique shape and surface of the tooth where it will be placed.
This customized approach means we do not have to rely as heavily on adjusting a standard bracket to compensate for differences in tooth shape or position. Instead, the bracket itself is designed around your anatomy and our treatment plan, helping us deliver the precise tooth movements we want from the very beginning.
Why we love LightForce at NOI:
- Customized for you: Every bracket is individually designed for your teeth and your treatment plan.
- More discreet: Tooth-colored ceramic brackets blend naturally with your smile.
- Digitally planned: We can visualize and customize your tooth movements before your braces are even placed.
- Precise fit: Brackets are 3D printed to conform to the unique surface of each tooth.
- Efficient treatment: Customized brackets and digital planning are designed to create more precise, efficient tooth movement and may reduce the need for some of the adjustments associated with traditional braces.
LightForce combines the reliability of braces with the precision of modern digital orthodontics, giving our patients a treatment option that is customized, aesthetic, and designed around their individual smile.
What is the difference between clear braces and clear aligners?
Clear braces are the same as traditional metal braces except that they are clear! Clear braces are a less noticeable alternative to traditional metal braces and provide patients with an equally effective treatment.
Clear aligners are different from clear braces. Clear aligners are pieces of hard plastic that are designed to fit into your mouth like a mouthguard. Clear aligners are great for patients requiring minor orthodontic treatment.
What are the advantages and disadvantages to clear braces?
As with any orthodontic treatment, it is important to choose the right option for your needs and lifestyle. Clear braces are a great alternative to traditional metal braces and your orthodontist will help you determine whether they are the right treatment for you.
Advantages to clear braces:
- Appearance: Ceramic braces and clear braces are much less noticeable than traditional metal braces. Clear and ceramic braces offer an aesthetic alternative for patients seeking options other than traditional metal braces.
- Confidence: Many patients who choose ceramic or clear braces feel more confident about their orthodontic treatment, especially knowing that people are focusing on their smiles rather than their braces.
Disadvantages to clear braces:
- Cost: Ceramic and clear braces may cost more than traditional metal braces. Your orthodontist may offer convenient payment plans to help control the costs of your treatment. Be sure to talk to your orthodontist about all of your financial options.
- Discoloration: The clear elastic ties used with clear and ceramic braces may become slightly discolored when you drink tea, coffee, or wine, and eat certain foods or smoke. Ask your orthodontist about how you can keep your braces looking their best.
Are clear or ceramic braces the right choice for my smile and me?
By talking to your orthodontist, you can decide if clear or ceramic braces are the right treatment for you. Your orthodontist can provide answers to your questions and extra information explaining the benefits of each treatment. If you would like to learn more about clear braces, ceramic braces, and all of the options available to you, please contact our practice and schedule an appointment today.