Porcelain Ceramic Braces in Santa Barbara

Traditional metal braces are familiar to most of us, but porcelain braces, often called "clear braces", may not be as familiar. This type of braces is an alternative to the metal type and is less visibly obvious on the wearer.

What Are Porcelain Ceramic Braces?

Porcelain braces are made from a glassy composite that appears translucent and allows your natural teeth to shine through while they are adjusting and realigning.

Porcelain braces consist of porcelain brackets that attach to your teeth and are connected with wires. They are a more natural-colored alternative to traditional braces and are a less expensive option than Invisalign.

What's the Difference Between Porcelain Braces and Traditional Braces?

Porcelain ceramic braces function the same way that traditional metal braces do. The difference is the material with which they are made. As the name indicates, porcelain is used to create the "tooth-colored" braces that blend into the overall landscape of your mouth. The metal wires that connect the braces are the only potentially visible way that folks can know you're wearing braces.

In both cases, the wires pull the teeth into the intended position. They are also adjusted gradually over time to ensure that the progress continues.

What's the Difference Between Porcelain Braces and Invisalign?

Both are excellent choices in the invisible braces options. They are both clear and mostly appear to be your natural teeth, but Invisalign^Ⓡ works differently than porcelain braces.

Porcelain braces still use brackets and wires and are permanently affixed to your teeth with a non-toxic adhesive until the time for removal comes. Invisalign^Ⓡ does not use brackets but instead uses a tray - sometimes called an aligner - to adjust your teeth instead. They are also removable while ceramic braces are not removed until treatment is completed.

Porcelain Ceramic Braces Santa Barbara CA

Who Should Get Porcelain Braces?

Porcelain braces are generally considered the ideal option for patients looking for a more subtle look than metal braces. They are also a great option for people who like the concept of Invisalign^Ⓡ but have more serious orthodontic issues that aligners can't resolve. Children, teenagers, and adults may all fall within these categories.

Are Ceramic Braces Durable?

Despite the name, porcelain ceramic braces are, in fact, durable. They can last for the duration of treatment without issue, but may be more prone to chipping than metal braces.

Are Ceramic Braces Easy to Remove?

Once your treatment has been completed, ceramic braces are easy to remove and will not cause surface damage to your teeth. They also do not mineralize tooth enamel.

Won't People Still be Able to Tell You're Wearing Braces?

Ceramic braces are nearly invisible and while they require wires, the archwires can be colored to blend with your teeth, making them even more discreet. They also don't stain easily, making them easy to maintain and keep discreet.

Are Ceramic Braces Comfortable?

Ceramic braces are typically considered more comfortable than traditional metal braces, making them a better choice for anyone with a sensitive mouth.

Are There Any Advantages of Porcelain Ceramic Braces Over Invisalign?

Porcelain braces are the least expensive option in discreet braces. They can also treat more serious orthodontic conditions than Invisalign^Ⓡ trays can treat, while still appearing less noticeable than metal braces. Porcelain braces also cannot be lost, unlike aligner trays which are removable.

What Is The Process For Getting Porcelain Ceramic Braces?

The process for ceramic braces is the same as for metal braces.

After your initial consultation with us here at Orthodontics of Santa Barbara, you will be scheduled for your placement appointment. Dr. Hamid Barkhordar will design a treatment plan uniquely customized to meet your orthodontic needs, while fitting your budget and schedule.

Generally, when you come in for your placement appointment, you will spend about two hours having your braces placed. This allows for each step of the process to be done carefully, gently, and pain-free. During the braces placement process:

Your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned to ensure the best long-term quality of your braces
The surface of your teeth will be conditioned to prepare them for the braces
The brackets of the braces will be cemented in place using non-toxic adhesive
The arch wires will be placed

After your braces are placed, you will periodically come into the office for adjustments on your braces. These small adjustments help make sure that your treatment progresses as planned, on schedule, and as comfortably as possible.

Get the Smile You've Always Dreamed Of!

After your treatment is completed, we will fit you for one of our customized retainers and you'll be able to show off that beautifully straight smile!

Set up your consultation today and learn about getting your own invisible ceramic braces! Call us at (805) 979-9070 and start your journey toward that gorgeous, straight smile you've been dreaming of!