Ceramic vs. clear braces: What’s the actual difference?

Metal braces are the first ones to come to mind when you think about teeth straightening. However, with the evolution of different orthodontic treatments, more options have now made teeth alignment easier than ever. Ceramic braces and clear braces, commonly regarded as clear aligners, are among the most popular options for teeth straightening.
However, not everyone is fully aware of the concept of ceramic and clear braces. When patients are given the options, the most asked question is what the actual difference is between ceramic and clear braces. Let's dig deep to get to understand the complete difference between the two orthodontic treatments. Learn the pros and cons of ceramic braces and aligners in order to make an informed decision for your smile transformation.

What are ceramic braces?

Ceramic braces are somewhat similar to traditional metal braces. However, the difference lies in the appearance. Metal braces are composed of metal brackets attached with wires. Ceramics are composed of tooth-colored brackets with wires, which makes them less visible as compared to the metal ones.

Key features of ceramic braces

Appearance

Ceramic braces are composed of tooth-colored materials, which makes them less visible than traditional metal ones. Due to their less visible nature, it has become a preferred option among individuals who want a subtle look during their smile journey. It is not completely invisible, but it still makes your braces journey less noticeable.

Treatment duration

The treatment duration is similar to that of metal braces, which ranges between one to three years. However, the treatment duration depends on the severity of the case. Moreover, one of the frequently asked questions is how long does it take to get braces on. It usually takes one to two hours to fit any sort of braces, but it might be prolonged in case of any complexity.

Wear time

Ceramic braces are fixed on the surface of your teeth, which is why they are worn around the clock. They cannot be removed without the supervision of an expert and require adjustments as the treatment progresses.

Food restrictions

Ceramic braces are fixed on the surface of the teeth, which makes eating and oral hygiene maintenance challenging. One of the frequently asked questions is, “Can you chew gum with braces?” Well, your orthodontist will recommend that you avoid hard and sticky foods, including chewing gum. Hard food particles can cause damage to brackets. On the other hand, sticky foods like chewing gum or candies can get stuck to the brackets or wires, making it a challenge to clean properly.

Cost of ceramic braces

Ceramic braces usually cost more than metal ones because of the materials and their less noticeable design. Expect to pay between $4,000 and $7,000 in most cases.

What are clear braces?

Clear braces, commonly known as clear aligners, are yet another effective aesthetic orthodontic option. They are orthodontic trays that are composed of BPA-free plastic material and, unlike metal braces, they are not fixed on the surface of the teeth. They're worn on both of the tooth arches to move teeth into a desired place over time, gently. With aligners, you are required to switch to a new set of aligners every couple of weeks as your treatment progresses.

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Key features of clear braces

Appearance

One of the key features that has made aligners a clear choice is their appearance. Since they are composed of transparent material, they are barely visible and can be worn without compromising your appearance.

Treatment duration

In addition to their invisible appearance, clear braces or aligners offer faster treatment. Instead of longing for your dream smile for more than a year, you can achieve perfectly aligned teeth in just four to six months. The duration also depends on adherence to the wear time and severity of each case.

Wear time

To get the best results, clear aligners need to be worn 20 to 22 hours each day. You can take them out to eat, drink (anything besides water), brush, and floss.

Food restrictions

Clear aligners are not fixed on the teeth and can be removed easily. It means you can enjoy your favorite food items without any restrictions. Be it sticky items like gum, candies, or chocolates. However, you must clean your teeth before and after every meal to prevent bacterial accumulation.

Cost

The cost of clear aligners usually falls between $3,000 and $8,000. How much you pay depends on the brand, your dental needs, and the clinic you choose. Some aligner providers also offer easy installment plans or plans inclusive of different accessories.

Difference between ceramic and clear braces

Here is a table showing a clear difference between ceramic and clear braces for a better understanding.

Smile transformation, the Caspersmile way!

Caspersmile brings you the ease of straightening teeth from the comfort of your home. From teeth gaps to crowding, openbite, overbite, or more, you can get your dental misalignments treated smoothly with our clear aligners. They are composed of BPA-free plastic material that ensures a smooth smile journey without causing any harm or disturbing your overall dental health.

Why choose Caspersmile Clear Aligners?

There is a range of clear aligner providers throughout the United States. However, you must do your research to choose a provider that has the best services to offer. Here are some reasons why you should choose Caspersmile for a smooth teeth alignment.

Affordable pricing

Teeth straightening has always been thought of as a luxury. However, with Caspersmile, achieving your dream smile is affordable than ever. You do not have to pay hefty amounts for the alignment of your teeth; instead, get your dream smile at just $895.

Flexible payment

Need more flexibility? Check Caspersmile's easy monthly installment plans and get a smooth and stress-free teeth alignment. It is an ideal approach for anyone on a tight budget. Do not let the high pricing of orthodontic treatments stand in the way of achieving your dream smile.

Caspersmile guarantee

If you're not entirely pleased with your smile during or after teeth straightening treatment, we'll make it right at no extra cost. In other words, we are here if you need more sets of invisible braces during the treatment or need help with dental alignment after your treatment.

Dream smile in just five months

Braces mean a longer duration to align teeth. On the other hand, with Caspersmile Clear Aligners get the smile of your dreams in just three to five months. The duration may vary depending on the case severity. Moreover, the treatment duration is increased when an individual fails to adhere to the wear time of aligners.

Nightlong option

Do you know that you can straighten your smile while you sleep? With our nightlong clear aligner option, get a straighter smile without the hassle of daytime wear. By wearing your aligners for ten hours while you sleep, get a smile makeover in just five to seven months, depending on compliance with wear time and case severity.

How does it work?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get Caspersmile Clear Aligners at home.

Initial smile assessment

Start your journey with an initial smile assessment. The evaluation helps to check whether you are eligible for the clear aligner treatment. If our smile experts determine you are eligible for the treatment, we would suggest the best treatment for you to move forward.

Create impressions

Once approved for the treatment, an impression kit will be delivered to your doorstep. Create your dental impressions with the help of all the necessary equipment included in the kit. Since our aligners are custom-fit, make sure you create perfect impressions. Once created, use the added shipping label to send your impressions back to us.

Treatment plan

A treatment plan will be created according to the received dental impressions. You will be provided with a 3D treatment plan to approve first. On approval, your custom-made aligners will be fabricated.

Get your aligners

Receive your customized clear aligners at your doorstep. Start wearing your aligners as prescribed by the orthodontist in order to get your desired results. A wear time of 22 hours every day must be followed to get your results within the given time. In case of any inconvenience, reach out to our customer service and get the required support.

Hear from our happy customers

Don't just take our word for it. Check what our customers have to say about their smile journey with Caspersmile.

The process from the start to the end was smooth and easy. As well as there was good communication, Olivia was really helpful, too early to see the result as I still have 5 aligners left, but so far so good, and I can see a big improvement in my teeth.

Nikola L

Great customer service; I was sceptical at first, but this seems to be going great so far! Scheduled the video call for the impressions

Samuel F.

Ceramic braces or clear braces: What to choose?

Both clear and ceramic braces are orthodontic treatments that help align any dental misalignments. The major difference between the treatments includes their appearance, treatment duration, and effectiveness for mild to complex cases. If you want to get your severe complexities addressed, ceramic braces can do wonders for you. However, if you want to be more discreet and want a smile makeover that doesn't impact your appearance, clear braces or aligners can be the right choice. Your orthodontist can best suggest the treatment plan and method after carefully reviewing your case.

FAQs

What is the difference between clear and ceramic braces? +

Clear braces, commonly known as clear aligners, are composed of plastic material, which makes them barely visible. On the other hand, ceramic braces are composed of tooth-colored materials but are as effective as metal braces.

What is the disadvantage of ceramic brackets? +

Ceramic brackets are slightly overpriced as compared to metal braces. Moreover, there is a high chance of getting your ceramic brackets stained.

Which type of braces are more effective? +

Metal braces and ceramic braces work similarly in effectiveness. They are best known for treating mild, moderate, to even severe dental misalignments. On the other hand, clear aligners are recommended for mild and moderate misalignments.

Do ceramic braces look better? +

As compared to metal braces, ceramic braces are tooth-colored and are less noticeable, which makes them look better.

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