Clear Ceramic Braces Bethel Park & McMurray
A Subtle Way to Straighten Your Smile
While orthodontic treatment can create a wide range of improvement for a patient’s smile and overall oral health, most people are hoping for an aesthetic transformation – particularly straighter, more uniform teeth. However, the thought of having to wear noticeably metal braces for months or even years on end to accomplish this big change can feel like a roadblock, especially for image-conscious teenagers and adults with professional images to maintain. At Smiles by Palmer, our team understands these concerns very well, and we can help you find the right alternative for your orthodontic journey.
Why Choose Smiles by Palmer for Clear Ceramic Braces?
- More Discreet Treatment Than Metal Braces
- Friendly and Experienced Orthodontic Team
- Two Convenient Office Locations
Today, ceramic braces are becoming increasingly popular for younger and older patients alike, providing a more discreet appearance that can keep you smiling confidently throughout the course of treatment. If you’re ready to get started, please contact either our McMurray orthodontic office or our Bethel Park orthodontic office today to schedule your first consultation for clear ceramic braces with Dr. Nicholas Palmer.
How Do Ceramic Braces Work?
Much like traditional braces, the application process will consist of tooth-colored ceramic brackets. The arch wire snaps into the bracket. Over the course of your treatment, the arch wire will apply a controlled amount of pressure to the teeth in order to gradually shift them to their desired position. This wire will likely be changed during follow-up appointments.
What Are the Advantages of Ceramic Braces?
The biggest positive point of choosing ceramic braces is that they’re much less noticeable than their traditional metal counterparts. This means that patients will feel more confident about their orthodontic treatment and be able to carry on with their professional and personal routines as normal. It’s good to know that people are focusing on your smile instead of your braces, after all!
However, ceramic braces also come with some potential disadvantages that patients should keep in mind. For instance, ceramic braces do cost more on average than the metal version.
As with any orthodontic approach, it’s very important to discuss all of this information with Dr. Palmer so that he can help you select the treatment that best fits your unique lifestyle and preferences. We want to give you plenty of reasons to smile!
Understanding the Cost of Clear Ceramic Braces?
Are you interested in straightening your smile with clear ceramic braces? Many patients are hesitant to commit to treatment because they are worried about the cost. During your consultation with us, we will go over your treatment plan, the timeline, and the cost of your treatment in detail so you will know exactly what to expect. Until then, here are some things to take into consideration.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Clear Ceramic Braces
The cost of clear ceramic braces can vary depending on many factors. Here are some of the most prominent:
- Severity of misalignment: The greater the distance that the teeth need to move, the longer the treatment will take.
- Age: Adults’ teeth are more firmly set in the jaw, so they can take more time to move than adolescents’ teeth.
- Other orthodontic devices: Some patients with clear ceramic braces also need to wear other appliances, like space maintainers, palatal expanders, elastics, headgear, and retainers.
- Compliance: If you don’t comply with your treatment, it may take longer to achieve the final results. For example, if you don’t wear your rubber bands as often as your orthodontist directs, your teeth may not move as quickly as they should.
Professional Clear Ceramic Braces vs. “DIY” Braces: Which Costs More?
It is tempting to try to save money by taking a “do-it-yourself” approach. There have been recent online trends of people trying to straighten their teeth using various household and over-the-counter items, like fishing line, earring backs, superglue, rubber bands, and more. These items may sound like what you see at the orthodontic office, but they are likely to cause serious issues that will need to be addressed by an orthodontic anyway. This could cost you a lot of money in the long run.
Without the guidance of a dental professional, you could shift your teeth in the wrong direction, throw off the alignment of your jaw, and damage the soft tissues of your mouth. Ultimately, you could end up with some serious problems that need to be corrected. When you see an orthodontist for clear ceramic braces from the start, you can save your wallet!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Clear Ceramic Braces?
Some dental insurance plans include coverage for orthodontic treatment. However, it is more likely that you will receive coverage if you need your treatment to benefit your oral health, like to correct a misaligned jaw or address difficulty chewing. Additionally, some plans only cover orthodontic treatment for patients under the age of 18. If your insurance covers clear ceramic braces, you will likely receive up to 50% coverage, but this can vary. It is best to check with your provider ahead of time so that you know what to expect.
Options for Making Clear Ceramic Braces Affordable
If you don’t have dental insurance, or your plan doesn’t cover your orthodontic treatment, this doesn’t mean that you are left completely on your own. At Smiles by Palmer Orthodontics, we are proud to offer a variety of plans that include the following:
- Discount for full payment at the start of your treatment
- Monthly payments with no interest over the treatment time
- Third-party financing that allows you to pay over a longer period of time, like CareCredit
- Multi-family member discount
To learn more about your financial options or to address any questions or concerns that you have, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Ceramic Braces FAQs
Am I a Candidate for Ceramic Braces?
Are your teeth spaced out or crowded together? Are you struggling with a misaligned bite? Good news: ceramic braces may be the solution you’ve been looking for! This orthodontic treatment is considerably more discreet than traditional braces, but it can still correct a wide range of problems – from slight gaps to more considerable overbites. So, if you’re ready to pursue a healthier, happier smile, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us so we can determine if you’re a candidate.
Do Ceramic Braces Hurt?
As your teeth begin to move, it’s normal to feel some discomfort. The good news is that there are several ways you can alleviate soreness and pressure that arise, like avoiding crunchy foods, sipping on cool water, using a cold compress, and taking OTC pain medication. You can also use dental wax to cover any sharp brackets or wires, protecting your gums, lips, and tongue from irritation in the process.
Is There Anything I Can’t Eat with Ceramic Braces?
In an effort to prevent an orthodontic emergency, like a protruding wire, we do recommend steering clear of extremely crunchy and sticky foods, like hard pretzels, raw almonds, tortilla chips, and taffy. We also recommend keeping foods and drinks with added sugar to a minimum since they dramatically increase your risk of decay. In short, it’s best to eat healthy, well-balanced meals that contain nutrient-dense foods, like bananas, cottage cheese, and oatmeal.
Can I Drink Coffee with Ceramic Braces?
While you can drink coffee, it’s important to do so the “smile-friendly” way (a.k.a. using a straw, not adding sugar, and rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water afterward). Not only will this prevent stubborn stains from developing on your teeth, but it will keep your braces from turning yellow and drawing unwanted attention to your smile.
One of My Brackets Broke. What Should I Do?
Although orthodontic emergencies are pretty rare, they can happen. If you accidentally break a bracket or wire – don’t hesitate to give us a call! We have two conveniently located offices in Bethel Park and McMurray, and we offer same-day appointments for patients in pain.
What Happens After My Orthodontic Treatment?
At your “final” appointment, we will remove your braces and take impressions of your teeth so a custom retainer can be made. This dental device plays an important role in preventing orthodontic relapse (the phenomenon where teeth drift out of their perfectly aligned positions). Usually, we ask patients to wear theirs around the clock while their teeth “set” in place. Then, they can transition to wearing it only at night, which should become a life-long habit.