People who need braces no longer have to deal with cold, gray metal brackets and wires unless they want to do so. There are more choices than ever for straightening your teeth, and all of them work just as well as traditional braces, but without the mouth of metal, which many may find unappealing.
If you’re considering braces or your dentist has recommended teeth straightening to improve your dental health, clear braces with colour bands are one of the most popular choices among people of all ages.
What Should You Know If You’re Considering Clear Braces?
Clear braces are an option for those who want an alternative to metal braces but want the same functionality and benefits as traditional braces. Traditional braces feature a bold look that’s difficult to ignore.
Clear braces, on the other hand, are more subtle. They are made from a ceramic material that blends more seamlessly into your natural teeth. They’re an ideal option for people who want braces but don’t want to draw attention to the fact that they’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Why Colour Bands?
For most people, the answer is “fun.” Colour bands allow you to make a style statement. They are entirely customizable rubber bands that wrap around the brackets of your braces. You’ll get the low-profile look of clear braces with a colourful splash.
But colour bands offer another benefit. If you prefer to keep all components of your orthodontic treatment on the subtle side, colour bands can be chosen to match the natural shades of your mouth. These neutral options mean that your braces are less noticeable, and in many cases, people won’t even see you’re wearing braces.
Benefits of Clear Braces
Clear braces offer all of the functionality of traditional metal braces without the noticeable look of a mouthful of metal. They allow you to improve the look of your smile and the function of your teeth without completely altering your appearance for several months or years.
Despite the benefits of clear braces, there are some drawbacks. For instance:
Staining
Some people are deterred by the staining that can occur with clear braces. Traditional braces are made of metal so there’s minimal risk of staining. Clear brackets are also relatively stain-resistant, but the rubber bands can stain over time. Luckily, it’s easy to change the bands frequently to avoid problems with staining if you’ve chosen a lighter or neutral colour.
Durability
Ceramic braces are durable but may not be as durable as metal ones. Many people find that they tend to chip in, especially if you eat a lot of hard foods. Your best bet is to avoid eating anything you think might put your braces at risk.
Cost
Clear braces often cost more than traditional metal ones. In some cases, the colour bands might also be more expensive. Many people are willing to make this trade-off to avoid the look of metal braces, but it’s not an option for everyone. You’ll need to determine if you can afford the upgrade in cost and if you’re willing to pay more if you want clear braces.
Extended Treatment Time
In some cases, wearing clear braces might extend your treatment time. Ceramic brackets aren’t always as efficient as traditional metal ones because your orthodontist can’t be as aggressive with adjustments to move your teeth. The good news is that gentler adjustments mean less discomfort while wearing braces.
Alternatives to Clear Braces
While clear braces with colour bands are the best choice for many people, they aren’t the only option for straightening teeth. Several alternatives include:
- Traditional metal braces: Still the most common and most affordable option, metal braces work as well as they always have.
- Invisalign: Less noticeable than metal braces, Invisalign is just as effective for shifting teeth as metal or clear braces.
- Lingual braces: Similar to traditional braces, they are placed on the backside of your teeth, so they are far less visible. However, they can be challenging to clean, and many people find them uncomfortable.
- Self-ligating braces: Similar to metal braces, these use a clip instead of rubber bands to hold the wires of the braces in place. The advantage of this style of braces is that you don’t need adjustments as frequently.
If you’d like to learn more about clear braces with color bands or explore your options for improving your smile, give us a call.
