About Ceramic Braces
in Lancaster
At Howard Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer clear braces with 3M Clarity Advanced Brackets to our patients in Lancaster and the surrounding communities!
Clear braces are also referred to as ceramic braces, tooth-colored braces, or aesthetic braces and they work the same way metal braces do.
All About Clear Braces
Our 3M Clarity Advanced clear braces at Howard Orthodontics are designed to be less noticeable on your teeth than metal braces. They're smaller than ever and made of nearly invisible tooth-colored polycrystalline ceramic material.
Ceramic braces offer patients a discreet treatment option, but they can sometimes be slightly more fragile and more expensive than metal braces. As a result, Dr. Howard typically recommends these for older teen and adult patients.
Blend In With Clear Braces at Howard 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 in Lancaster.
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.
Although most Howard 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.
The Differences Between Ceramic & Metal Braces
Metal braces are known for their durability and strength. 3M Clarity Advanced brackets 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, Dr. Howard may determine metal braces as 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. However, 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, tea, red wine, tomatoes, mustard, etc. to cut back on the chance of staining. However, 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. Howard, 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 Lancaster
One of the biggest factors that affect the cost of your treatment at Howard Orthodontics will be the materials used to make your braces. In our Willow Street office, ceramic brackets 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!
Treatment fees will vary depending on the complexity of your orthodontic treatment. Dr. Howard 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.
Our treatment coordinators will be happy to go over the cost with you at your first free consultation.
Best for Adults
After a thorough orthodontic evaluation with Dr. Howard, we can determine which treatment option will be best for you and your smile.
At Howard Orthodontics, we think ceramic braces are generally better suited for adults and older teens. This is because ceramic brackets are more likely to break, and they're more expensive than metal brackets.
Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Howard at our Willow Street office to learn if clear braces may be right for you.