Blend In With Ceramic Braces
Clear braces can be a great alternative to conventional braces in the Tampa Bay area. Clear braces at Orthodontic Associates feature tooth-colored ceramic brackets that blend in with your natural smile.
Giving You a Clear Alternative to Metal
Ceramic braces are also known as clear braces, tooth-colored braces, or aesthetic braces. Clear braces with Dr. Adam are less noticeable on your teeth than metal braces.
These ceramic options blend in well with your natural smile. Though they're not completely invisible, and the brackets are about the same size and shape as metal braces, they’re much less noticeable for patients around the Tampa Bay area.
Many older teenagers and adult patients at Orthodontic Associates prefer this more discreet option because you can straighten your smile without the visibility of metal braces.
The only drawback to ceramic brackets is that they’re more fragile, and the elastic ties can discolor between your visits to our Tampa Bay orthodontic office.
Differences Between Ceramic & Metal Braces
You probably know metal braces for their strength and durability. Ceramic braces at Orthodontic Associates are also tough, but they are made from a different, more fragile material that's more likely to chip or crack.
Traditional braces are also better at tolerating pressure than newer ceramic ones. If Dr. Adam needs to make more drastic corrections, metal braces could be a better option.
Adjustments with ceramic braces have to be slightly smaller, so treatment times can be slightly longer.
Both types of braces work on the same principles and tend to be equally as effective in most cases.
You may be worried about ceramic braces staining, but that hasn't been a problem for several years. Ceramic brackets won't stain, but the adhesive used to attach the brackets to the teeth and the clear elastic ties used to hold the wires in place can stain.
This can give an overall impression of discoloration over time. You can avoid things like coffee and tea, red wine, tomatoes, mustard, etc., to reduce the chance of staining. This isn't necessary since Dr. Adam will change your elastics at every adjustment appointment.
If you maintain a good oral hygiene routine and follow Dr. Adam's treatment plan, you shouldn't worry too much about giving up your morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine.
Cost of Ceramic Braces
Your treatment fee at Orthodontic Associates will vary depending on the complexity of your orthodontic treatment. Dr. Adam will determine a treatment fee that addresses your specific orthodontic needs, and our team will do everything we can to keep treatment in your budget.
Dr. Adam offers flexible payment plans and automatic bank drafts, and we will also check your Florida dental insurance plan for orthodontic benefits. We aim to provide outstanding value to the Tampa Bay area and beyond for a reasonable fee.
At our offices in St. Petersburg, Bradenton, and New Port Richey, ceramic brackets cost a little more than metal brackets. One of the most significant factors impacting your total treatment cost at Orthodontic Associates will be the materials we use for your braces.
We also need to factor in the work it takes to put your braces on, adjust them, and remove them into your total treatment cost. Placing and removing ceramic braces requires more attention and technique from Dr. Adam and our expert team.
Our treatment coordinator will happily discuss the cost with you at your first free consultation at our office in St. Petersburg, Bradenton, or New Port Richey.
Best for Adults
After a thorough orthodontic evaluation with Dr. Adam, we can determine which treatment option will be best for you and your smile.
At Orthodontic Associates, Dr. Adam believes that ceramic braces generally suit adults and older teens better than children and younger teens. This is because ceramic brackets are more likely to break and are more expensive than metal brackets.
Schedule a free consultation at our office in St. Petersburg, Bradenton, or New Port Richey to learn if clear ceramic braces may be right for you.