Enjoy Discreet Orthodontics with White Braces

By: Dr. Markham August 3, 2023

Let’s face it. Traditional metal braces are not for everyone. We may like them for their reliability, but they’re not necessarily everyone’s first choice when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Clear braces, however, do enjoy a better reputation among teenagers and some adults.

If you have concerns about the prominence of traditional metal braces, then you may be an ideal candidate for white braces. Unlike conventional metal braces, ceramic braces do not use metal brackets to adhere to bands to teeth. Many adults and children prefer the orthodontic option because the attachments are discreet.

Dr. Davi Markham offers multiple orthodontic treatments for patients in and around Sacramento, CA. If you are looking for an experienced and qualified dentist, Dr. Markham has an advanced degree in dentistry and a Certificate in Orthodontics in addition to his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific.

Many patients have confessed they’ve been put off by how the stainless steel appliance looks in their mouths. Some have abandoned treatment altogether. In truth, orthodontics requires careful planning and setting expectations. Your orthodontist is here to help you make the best decision.

Are Clear Braces Right for Me?

While Invisalign treatments continue to grow in popularity, there are still multiple benefits to undergoing orthodontic treatments through traditional braces.

Traditional braces give Dr. Markahm better control over the treatment process and the final cosmetic results. Braces are also better equipped to correct conditions like crowding and issues that pertain to the bottom teeth.

If you are the teenager’s parent, you won’t have to worry about patient compliance because the appliance is not removable.

During your consultation with Dr. Markham, he will guide you through the benefits of undergoing traditional braces vs Invisalign. If you decide to undergo traditional braces, you can opt for ceramic braces.

Ceramic braces allow you to feel confident when smiling or taking photos throughout treatment. Many of our Sacramento area patients who are reluctant to get braces to opt for ceramic braces once they learn about the many benefits.

Ceramic braces generally come at a higher cost compared to metal braces. Patients will need to weigh pricing when considering this option. Metal braces tend to tolerate pressure and shifting better than ceramic braces can. If you need to correct significant teeth misalignment levels, Dr. Markham, an experienced orthodontist in Sacramento, may recommend metal brackets to avoid appliance breakage.

What are Ceramic Braces?

You may be familiar with, and perhaps not entirely like, conventional stainless steel dental braces. Fortunately, our ingenuity gave us ceramic braces in the late 80s.

The age of space exploration gave us some important advancements in materials science. Finally, some of the composite materials found their way to mainstream markets. Thanks to cooperation with NASA, we developed resistant materials that blended with our natural tooth color. You can learn more about that by following this link.

The translucent material used to manufacture brackets and even the wires were revolutionary for teenagers at the time. These patients flooded orthodontists’ practices to get the discreet option, fix their smiles, and still look the part for their prom photo album.

In a nutshell, ceramic braces are a discreet alternative to stainless steel braces. They leverage the same design and function while providing you with the added benefit of being nearly invisible. There are a few caveats, such as requiring more attention to what you eat as these are more fragile than metal.

Your orthodontist will have some recommendations you should follow.

Caring for Ceramic Braces

You should take special care any time you are wearing braces. If you are wearing ceramic braces, you will have to be even more careful. Unlike metal, the ceramic material can become discolored for the same reasons that teeth can become stained.

If you are not careful about some of your choices of beverages, you might stain the clear brackets, defeating the purpose of a discreet appliance.

It is important to avoid or cut back on certain drinks and foods that can discolor teeth, such as tea, coffee, wine, and sports drinks.

Brushing after drinking these liquids can reduce the chances of discoloration occurring. Do not use whitening treatments to correct ceramic bracket discoloration. Investing in an electric toothbrush is another useful tool for preventing tooth discoloration.

You will likewise have to be careful about your dietary choices. The same restrictions apply to traditional and ceramic braces, but while metal braces can resist your occasional indulge in popcorn eating, ceramic braces will break faster.

Avoid those orthodontic emergencies and take good care of your braces.

Who Is a Candidate for White Braces?

Candidates for ceramic braces have all of their adult teeth and have stopped growing. If you wish to correct misalignment issues with your teeth in a discreet manner, ceramic braces are an ideal option.

Candidates should be willing to clean and maintain their braces to prevent unwanted decay.

Ceramic brackets are not as durable as metal, so individuals with significant misalignment may not be ideal candidates for this treatment.

Athletes or patients who require extensive mouth movements for their profession may be at a higher risk of breaking ceramic braces. If a bracket does break, Dr. Markham can fix the breakage during a visit to our office.

In short, you’re an ideal candidate if you are a mature patient who understands the risks and follows your orthodontist’s recommendations. Likewise, you should be a patient whose dental structures have already finished growing.