What Are Clear Braces?
Radiance Plus™ brackets are made from pure monocrystalline sapphire, which is one of the hardest materials in nature. The material is honed and polished to create a remarkably strong and translucent bracket. They are the clearest ceramic brackets currently available and are nearly invisible on your teeth.
Benefits of Clear Brackets
If you are concerned about braces affecting your appearance, clear braces are an exceptional alternative to traditional metal brackets, since they are far less noticeable. The translucent material lets your natural tooth color show through, allowing the brackets to blend with your smile. While Invisalign® is an even more discreet option, clear braces can address more complex misalignment issues.
Explore Your Candidacy
Clear braces work the same way as traditional braces, meaning they can treat many of the same conditions. However, ceramic, while strong, is more delicate than metal brackets. In addition, clear braces can be a more expensive option. Dr. Griffin will discuss your options with you during your consultation to help design an optimal treatment plan for your needs, budget, and goals.
Your Clear Braces Treatment
If you elect to proceed with clear braces, Dr. Griffin will bond the Radiance Plus™ brackets to the front surfaces of your teeth. He will then place an archwire through the brackets and wrap special bands, known as ligatures, around the brackets to hold the wire in place. Typically, patients return to our office about once a month or every six weeks to have their braces adjusted. Most of our clear braces patients complete their treatment in about 18 months, though your treatment timeline will depend on the extent of your misalignment.
Caring for Your Braces
With transparent brackets, it is especially important that you maintain a good oral health care routine. Discoloration can affect the ligatures and brackets, making them more noticeable. We recommend minimizing or avoiding highly pigmented foods, such as coffee, red wine, and tomato sauce. Smoking can also stain the ligatures.
