Clear Braces in Hoover
At Backus Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer ceramic braces to our patients in Hoover and surrounding areas! Clear braces are also referred to as ceramic braces, tooth-colored braces, or aesthetic braces, and they work just like metal braces, with the added benefit of being harder to see.
All About Clear Braces
Our clear braces at Hoover are designed to be less noticeable on your teeth than metal braces. Ceramic braces blend with the color of your teeth, giving you a treatment people may never notice. They're smaller than ever and made of nearly invisible tooth-colored polycrystalline ceramic material.
Dr. Jeff Backus uses ceramic braces to move teeth just as efficiently as metal braces, except the brackets are clear, so they’re less noticeable. 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, they’re much less noticeable than metal braces.
Ceramic braces offer our Hoover patients a discreet treatment option, but, they can sometimes be slightly more expensive than metal braces. Because of this, Dr. Jeff Backus typically recommends them for older teen and adult patients.
Blend in With Clear Braces From Backus Orthodontics
Ceramic brackets are a more subtle 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 in Hoover.
Ceramic braces are perfect if you want a subtle treatment option but don't want the extra hassle of removable aligners and the responsibility of wear time.
Even though most of our Backus Orthodontics patients in ceramic braces love how discrete they are, we do have some teens and adults who like to use colored ligature ties with their clear braces. The colors pop off the clear brackets, creating a unique look most people haven’t seen before.
The 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 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, Dr. Jeff Backus 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. Jeff Backus, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about giving up your morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine.
Cost of Ceramic Braces in Hoover
One of the biggest factors that affect the cost of your treatment at Backus Orthodontics will be the materials used to make your braces. In our Hoover office, ceramic brackets cost a little more than metal brackets.
The good news is, we offer flexible payment plans, in-house financing, and we’ll even check with your insurance company for orthodontic benefits. Our goal is to provide outstanding value for reasonable fees!
Treatment fees will vary depending on the complexity of your orthodontic treatment. Dr. Jeff Backus will determine a treatment fee that fits your specific orthodontic needs, and our office will do everything we can to accommodate you and your budget.
The work it takes to put your braces on, adjust them, and take them off must also be factored into the total cost of treatment. Placing and removing ceramic braces are more sensitive to technique and require more time at our office in Hoover.
Our Backus Orthodontics treatment coordinators will be happy to go over the cost with you at your free consultation.
Best for Adults
After your free initial consultation with Dr. Jeff Backus, he can determine which treatment option will be best for you and your smile. At Backus Orthodontics, we think ceramic braces are generally better suited to adults and older teens.
This is because ceramic brackets tend to be more expensive than metal brackets. Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Jeff Backus at our Hoover office to learn if clear braces may be right for you.
Hoover Clear Braces FAQs
Clear braces are a great option for people who want straighter teeth without the look of traditional metal braces. At Backus Orthodontics, many of our patients ask about how Hoover, AL clear braces work, how to care for them, and what to expect during treatment. Whether you're just starting to explore your options or getting ready to begin treatment, it's helpful to have answers to some of the most common questions.
Do Clear Braces Stain Easily?
Clear braces are made of ceramic materials that don’t stain easily on their own. However, the small elastic bands that hold the wires in place can pick up color from things like coffee, tea, tomato sauce, or mustard. We usually replace these bands at each visit, so any discoloration is temporary. Brushing after meals and drinking plenty of water can help keep everything clean between appointments. Choosing lighter foods and rinsing with water after eating dark sauces can also reduce the chances of staining.
Do Clear Braces Require Special Care?
Clear braces don’t need complicated maintenance, but they do require good daily hygiene. Brushing after every meal, flossing daily, and using an orthodontic brush or water flosser helps remove food and plaque from around the brackets. It's also a good idea to avoid sticky or hard foods that can break or dislodge the brackets. Regular checkups allow us to track your progress and make adjustments, keeping your treatment on track. Staying consistent with cleaning helps keep the brackets looking clear and your smile healthy. Over time, these braces will work to fix your bite through orthodontics and straighten your teeth at the same time.
Do Clear Braces Affect Speech?
Most people adjust to wearing Hoover clear braces quickly, and any changes in speech tend to be minor and short-lived. In the beginning, you might notice a slight difference with certain sounds as your mouth gets used to the new brackets. This usually fades after a few days. Practicing by reading out loud or speaking more often during the adjustment period can help you get back to your regular speaking patterns faster.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Clear Braces?
There are a few things to keep in mind with clear braces. The ceramic brackets are a little more brittle than metal ones, so they may chip or break if you bite into something hard. That’s why we recommend avoiding tough or crunchy foods. We will give you a large list of all the foods you should not eat when you get these braces. In some cases, the larger size of the brackets can cause minor irritation at first. With regular care and proper habits, though, most patients get through treatment without any major issues. Dr. Jeff Backus earned his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry from The University of Alabama at Birmingham and uses clear braces as a safe option for many patients.
What Are Alternatives To Clear Braces?
If clear braces aren’t the right fit, there are other options. Metal braces are the most common and are often recommended for more complex alignment issues. Metal braces are known for their durability and tend to be the fastest option for some cases. Clear aligners, like Invisalign, are another option for those looking for a removable and nearly invisible treatment. Each type has its pros and cons, so we talk through the options based on what works best for each individual case. At our practice, we offer metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners depending on the needs of the patient. You may be wondering what the best age is to get braces at, and braces are available for all ages, so we can discuss at your next appointment getting clear braces for you.
Dr. Jeff Backus, the owner and founder of Backus Orthodontics, grew up in Hoover and is proud to serve the community he calls home. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment and want to know whether Hoover clear braces or metal braces are a better fit, give us a call. We’ll take the time to answer your questions and walk through the options that meet your needs. Let’s get started on a plan that works for you.