About Ceramic Braces
in Kent
At Belli & Streit Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer ceramic braces to our patients in Kent and surrounding areas!
Our clear braces at Belli & Streit Orthodontics are designed to be less noticeable on your teeth than metal braces. They're more comfortable than ever and made of nearly invisible tooth-colored polycrystalline ceramic material.
All About Clear Braces
Ceramic braces are made of clear materials that are less visible on the teeth than metal braces. For this reason, ceramic braces are used on those who prefer or require braces but also have cosmetic concerns.
Ceramic braces offer patients a discreet treatment option, but, they can sometimes be slightly more fragile and more expensive than metal braces.
Because of this, Dr. Belli and Dr. Streit typically recommend them for older teen and adult patients.
Blend in With Clear Braces at Belli & Streit Orthodontics
Ceramic brackets are a less obvious way to straighten your smile when paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties. This option is especially attractive if you’re an esthetic-minded adult or teen.
Ceramic braces are perfect if you want an aesthetic treatment option but don't want the extra hassle of removable aligners and the responsibility of wear time.
Even though most of our Belli & Streit Orthodontics patients in ceramic braces love how discrete they are, we do have some teens and adults who like to use colored ligature ties.
This gives braces an almost neon look. The colors pop off the clear brackets, creating a really unique look most people haven’t seen before.
Cost of Ceramic Braces in Kent
One of the biggest factors that affect the cost of your treatment at Belli & Streit Orthodontics will be the materials used to make your braces. Because of this, ceramic brackets in our Kent office cost a little more than metal brackets.
The good news is, we offer flexible payment plans, automatic bank drafts, and we will also check with your insurance company for orthodontic benefits. Our goal is to provide outstanding value for reasonable fees!
Our treatment coordinators will be happy to go over the cost with you at your first consultation.
Differences Between Ceramic & Metal Braces
Metal braces are known for their durability and strength. Ceramic braces are also tough, but they are made from a different, more fragile material that is more likely to chip or crack. Traditional braces are also better at tolerating pressure than newer ceramic ones.
If you need more drastic corrections, your doctor may determine metal braces could be a better option. Adjustments with ceramic braces have to be slightly smaller, so it can take a little more time to align your teeth.
Having said that, 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 can stain.
This can give an overall impression of discoloration or staining over time. You can choose to avoid things like coffee and tea, red wine, tomatoes, mustard, etc. to cut back on the chance of any staining. This isn’t necessary since we change your elastics at every adjustment appointment.
As long as you maintain a good oral hygiene routine and follow the treatment plan put in place by Dr. Belli or Dr. Streit, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about giving up your morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine.
We bring clear and metal together by providing clear ceramic braces for the upper teeth to maintain a discreet appearance while using metal braces for the lower teeth to make the best in both aesthetics and functionality.
Better for Adults
After a thorough orthodontic evaluation with Dr. Belli or Dr. Streit, we can determine which treatment option will be best for you and your smile.
At Belli & Streit Orthodontics, we think ceramic braces are generally better suited to adults and older teens. This is because ceramic brackets are more likely to break, and they're more expensive than metal brackets.
Schedule your first consultation with Dr. Belli or Dr. Streit at our Kent office to learn if clear braces may be right for you.