Clear Braces
Clear braces are similar to traditional metal braces. But because they’re made with tooth-colored materials, they’re less noticeable. Clear braces can correct the same orthodontic issues as metal braces, including overbites, underbites, crooked teeth and crowding.
What are clear braces?
Clear braces are a type of orthodontic treatment used to straighten your teeth. They can correct a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crooked, crowded, gapped and overlapped teeth. Clear braces are discreet and less noticeable than metal braces. Many orthodontists offer clear braces for adults and teens.
Clear braces vs metal: What’s the difference?
When you hear the word “braces,” you probably picture traditional metal braces. These dental appliances straighten your teeth using stainless steel bands, brackets and wires.
Clear braces work the same way as traditional metal braces. But they consist of ceramic brackets and frosted wires to match the shade of your natural teeth. As a result, clear braces are less noticeable compared to metal braces.
Clear braces aren’t as strong as metal braces. For this reason, it may take slightly longer to straighten your teeth using clear braces.
Note: There’s also a difference between clear bracket braces and clear orthodontic aligners (such as Invisalign® and ClearCorrect®). While clear braces use components similar to metal braces (like brackets and wires), orthodontic aligners are removable plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth. Both have pros and cons. Talk to a dentist or orthodontist to find out which option is best for you.