An Alternative to Metal Braces
About Ceramic Braces in Austin and Bee Cave
At Luv Braces, we’re proud to offer our patients ceramic braces in Austin, Bee Cave and surrounding areas! Clear braces are also referred to as ceramic braces, tooth-colored braces, or aesthetic braces, and they work the same way metal braces do.
Our clear braces at Luv Braces 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.
All About Clear Braces
These ceramic options blend in well with your natural smile. Though they're not entirely invisible, and the brackets are about the same size and shape, they’re much less noticeable than metal braces.
Ceramic braces are also clear braces, but they are more delicate than their plastic counterparts are. Due to their delicate nature, we do not use these on all patients. Ceramic braces are good for more mature patients who do not play contact sports or engage in activity that could otherwise damage their braces.
Because of this, Dr. Tahbaz and Dr. Rezapour typically recommend them for older teen and adult patients.
Blend in With Clear Braces at Luv Braces
Ceramic brackets are a less obvious way to straighten your smile when paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties. Esthetic-minded teens and adults in Austin and Bee Cave find this option especially attractive.
Ceramic braces are perfect if you want an aesthetic treatment option but don't want the extra hassle of removable aligners and the responsibility of wear time.
Even though most of our Luv Braces 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. Ceramic braces 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. Tahbaz and Dr. Rezapour 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. If it really bothers you, you can avoid things like coffee and tea, red wine, tomatoes, mustard, etc. to avoid any possible 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. Tahbaz and Dr. Rezapour, 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 Austin and Bee Cave
One of the biggest factors that affect the cost of your treatment at Luv Braces will be the materials used to make your braces.
In our Austin and Bee Cave offices, 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. Tahbaz and Dr. Rezapour 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 treatment cost. Placing and removing ceramic braces are more sensitive to technique and requires more time.
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. Tahbaz and Dr. Rezapour, we can determine which treatment option will be best for you and your smile.
At Luv Braces, we think ceramic braces are generally better suited to adults and older teens. This is because ceramic brackets are more likely to break, and they're more expensive than metal brackets. Ceramic braces are good for more mature patients who do not play contact sports or engage in activity that could otherwise damage their braces.
Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Tahbaz and Dr. Rezapour at our Austin or Bee Cave office to learn if clear braces may be right for you.