Longview & Vancouver Ceramic Braces for Treatment That’s Discreet
At the office of Dr. Lauren Cai, we offer a variety of orthodontic treatments that best suits your goals and needs so that you can achieve a better and more beautiful smile. We understand that traditional metal braces may not be for everyone, which is why our ceramic braces are a great alternative if you’re looking for a more discreet treatment option. Our helpful team of orthodontic professionals are here to answer any questions you may have about ceramic braces and the lifelong effects it can have on your smile!
What Are Ceramic Braces?
Ceramic braces feature transparent brackets that blend in with the natural color of your teeth. When you’re wearing ceramic braces, you can smile with complete confidence for the entire orthodontic process, knowing that most people won’t even notice the braces on your teeth. These braces are a great choice for adults and teens who don’t want to wear highly visible metal braces. Ceramic braces are great if you’re looking for orthodontic treatment that is:
- Discreet: If you want your treatment to go mostly unnoticed by others, ceramic braces are a good choice to make.
- Cost-effective: Ceramic braces are budget-friendly and don’t come with any laboratory fees.
- Precision cut: Every bracket is precision cut to ensure you get the best possible results.
- Innovative design: The smooth brackets with rounded corners are dome-shaped to ensure a comfortable fit.
How Our Vancouver Orthodontist Places Ceramic Braces
Placing ceramic braces on the teeth is a fairly simple process. The teeth must be dry and clean so before putting these braces on the teeth, Dr. Cai will apply a product called etch to each tooth. This is then washed off and the teeth are dried. The next step involves Dr. Cai cementing the brackets onto the teeth. Once this has been done, a thin archwire is threaded through each bracket and held in place by a small clear elastic band.
What To Expect During Treatment
Once your ceramic braces are in place, we’ll ask you to visit us every eight to twelve weeks so Dr. Cai can check your progress and make adjustments to the wire. After each of these visits, you’ll notice some discomfort as your teeth are moving closer to their desired final positions. Your total treatment time with ceramic braces can be anywhere from 12 to 24 months, depending upon the nature of the problem being treated.
On the day we put your braces on, we’ll give you some directions to follow regarding what foods to avoid eating while wearing braces. We’ll also cover oral hygiene so you know how to brush and floss your braces-covered teeth.
What Happens After Treatment?
When your braces are removed at the end of your treatment, we’ll give you a retainer to wear that will hold your teeth in their new positions. There are several different types of retainers used with the most common being a removable retainer that is worn for a set number of hours each day. We’ll give you more information about this toward the end of your treatment with ceramic braces.
Having the braces put on isn’t uncomfortable. However, you can expect to have some discomfort, soreness, and sensitivity after your appointment due to the pressure the archwire puts on your teeth.The good news is that this discomfort usually passes in a few days. If need be, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever according to package directions, just like you would if you had a headache.
If a bracket or wire loosens, breaks, or comes off, you should contact us right away. If your next appointment with Dr. Cai is several weeks away, we’ll fit your into our schedule so we can repair your braces. Otherwise, your braces will be repaired during your routine visit with Dr. Cai. If the end of a wire is poking and irritating the inside of your cheek, try putting some orthodontic wax on the part of the wire that’s causing the problem. If this doesn’t work, call us so we can arrange to see you to fix the wire.
Contact Your Vancouver & Longview Orthodontist
If you have any questions about ceramic braces, please feel free to contact us for the answers you need! If you’re ready to take the big first step toward achieving your most remarkable smile, please get in touch with us to set up your first visit with Dr. Cai. We love meeting new patients and are eager to welcome you to our office, where we’re passionate about improving smiles!