At Brodie Bowman Orthodontics of Niceville and Fort Walton Beach, FL, we offer a range of different braces. Each option has its own benefits, and finding the right fit for you will depend on your needs and goals. Ceramic braces offer great corrective power paired with a more subtle appearance.
How Visible Are Ceramic Braces?
The Discreet Option
Ceramic braces are an especially good option for adults since these braces can be made of a clear material that blends into your smile. Many kids are used to seeing their classmates get braces, and may even enjoy customizing with different elastics. On the other hand, adult patients often put off getting braces due to not wanting to stand out from their peers.
Clear braces can help hesitant patients work up the courage to improve their smiles, knowing that these braces are much more discreet.
What’s the Difference Between Ceramic Braces and Invisalign?
Our office offers both treatment options, and either option can be a really great corrective tool depending on your needs. Both are clear, making them less visible to others. We would be happy to help you compare the different options and settle on the right choice for you. One thing that you may want to keep in mind is how confident you are in your ability to consistently wear Invisalign.
The only way Invisalign will work properly is if you consistently wear it for over 20 hours each day. If you live in a household with curious kids or pets, one concern is whether you’re at risk of your aligners being misplaced, which could set your treatment schedule back. One benefit of braces is they’re always securely in place, so you never have to worry about misplacing them.
FAQ About Clear Braces
1. Can Tooth Alignment Issues Get Better on Their Own?
Some parents are tempted to “wait it out” and see if their kid’s teeth correct themselves with age. Unfortunately, tooth alignment usually gets worse with age, not better.
While there’s no such thing as too late when it comes to improving your oral health, getting things treated sooner rather than later is often easier and cheaper. If you know there’s an issue you want to improve for your dental wellbeing, now is the time to act!
2. How Long Will I Be Wearing Them?
In general, you can expect your treatment to last between 18 to 24 months. That said, each patient is individual. Patients who only need minor adjustments may be done in less than a year, while other patients may need a little longer to achieve the results they want.
Some patients are able to speed up the process with Invisalign. Invisalign could start the corrective process and braces can finish it up, or vice versa. Our office does offer Invisalign, so if you’re interested in this approach we can let you know if that would be a good option for your needs.
3. Once I Get Braces, How Do I Take Care of Them?
Our team would be happy to give you information on taking good care of your braces when you come in to visit us. For now, here are some things you can keep in mind.
Keep Your Teeth Clean
It’s very important not to compromise on dental care when you have braces. Cutting corners when you brush your teeth can put your teeth at risk. Some patients think that if they brush their teeth harder, they don’t have to brush as long. Actually, it’s healthier to gently brush your teeth for a longer amount of time. Scrubbing at them too hard can be damaging to your tooth enamel as well as your gums.
If your teeth are kept clean and free of plaque buildup, it should help your braces look and function at their best.
Top It Off With Professional Cleanings
Even if you do an excellent job brushing and flossing consistently, dentists have the tools available to get a safe, thorough cleaning. We’ll be able to remove tartar, which can’t be safely done at home, and we’ll also be able to check your braces over to ensure they’re working properly. This can help us catch an issue before it turns into a bigger problem.
Coming in for your regular appointments can also help keep your treatment plan on schedule since we’ll be able to make prompt adjustments as needed.
Protect Your Mouth During Physical Activities
You don’t have to put your favorite hobbies on hold when you get braces, but you’ll want to protect them when you play sports. A mouthguard is a great tool for this, as it can protect your teeth and braces from damage.
That said, sometimes life has a way of throwing curveballs. If something does happen to your braces, contact us right away so we can fix them and get you back on track.
Be Careful With Them
It’s common knowledge that there are some hard foods that should be avoided when you have braces, but this also extends to chewing certain non-food items. For instance, some people chew on their pencils and pens.
This habit could damage your braces, but it could also lead to infection if the item splinters into hard pieces and pierces your gums. For that reason, it’s a good idea to avoid chewing items like these whether you have braces or not.
4. Why Should I Even Get Braces?
Reasons for getting braces can range from aesthetic to health concerns. Many adults don’t think that they qualify for braces because they fear the corrections they want are either too severe for braces or too mild. The truth is, ceramic braces can address a significant range of issues to help improve the patient’s quality of life.
Boost That Confidence
We don’t want our patients to feel self-conscious when they smile or laugh. If you find yourself trying to hide your teeth during pictures or social gatherings, we want to help. Getting braces can be encouraging for patients, as they know their treatment is underway.
Clear braces are an especially good option for patients who are self-conscious about their teeth, as they can correct your smile in a visually subtle way.
Braces Can Improve Future Oral Health
Cleaning misaligned teeth can be much more challenging. When teeth overlap, there will be parts of some teeth that are covered and unable to be correctly brushed or flossed. Teeth that are packed in tightly are more difficult to fit with fillings and crowns, so even professional dental care can be negatively impacted.
Correcting these dental concerns can make at-home and professional cleanings easier and more effective. When you’re able to properly care for your teeth, chances are you’ll be able to keep them and your gums healthy for longer.
They Can Also Benefit Future Comfort
If you have a sore jaw from misaligned teeth, correcting the root of the problem can help ease your symptoms. For some patients, this could even lead to better sleep down the road.
Correcting your smile could also help protect you from oral injuries. If you have one or more protruding teeth, that could put you at greater risk of mouth injury if you were to fall or if something hits your mouth during sports.
5. What Can Clear Braces Treat?
Alignment Issues
Misaligned teeth can completely throw off your bite’s balance, which can lead to a host of other concerns. When teeth aren’t aligned properly, it can cause excessive friction. Unnecessary friction can chip away at your protective enamel, leaving your teeth more vulnerable to disease and decay. This same friction can contribute to headaches, especially if you grind your teeth at night.
Jaw pain can be another symptom of a misaligned bite. Due to uneven strain, muscles in your neck and jaw can be put under stress. The development of temporomandibular joint disorder is a risk in these cases as well.
Overcrowded Teeth
Pretty much anything traditional braces can handle, ceramic braces can too. Overcrowding is a very common concern that can cause teeth to overlap with each other. Braces can guide these teeth into a more correct position.
Gaps Can Be Addressed
Just like some patients have teeth that are packed tightly together, other patients have teeth with spaces between them. Sometimes gaps can be a concern if they make cleaning the teeth more difficult, or if the patient has a harder time eating due to them. Regardless of the reason, if a patient wants to reduce gaps in their teeth, braces can do that for them.
Get Closer to Your Dental Goals
One of the best ways to know which treatment is a good option for you is to come in for a consultation. If you’re ready to take the next step toward treating your smile, reach out to us at Brodie Bowman Orthodontics of Niceville and Fort Walton Beach, FL, today to get your appointment scheduled.
