Clear Braces
Clear Braces
Introduction
The world of dentistry has witnessed dynamic growth with numerous aligner providers, allowing people to easily achieve their dental health as well as aesthetic goals, in a shorter time and in a more discreet way.
Several invisible orthodontic options today have laid the path for our teeth alignment without any pain, without the hassle of any obnoxious braces, in much shorter duration and at a more manageable price. At Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic, we have made teeth straightening a more affordable option with our clear braces.
What are clear braces?
Clear, ceramic braces function in the same way as traditional braces, but offering a more discreet alternative. These are suitable for individuals of all ages, from kids to adults.
Made from ceramic brackets, clear braces remain attached to your teeth with a wire running through them. This wire gradually gets tighter as the treatment progresses, guiding your teeth to their desired position.
Clear, ceramic braces can come in transparent form or may resemble your tooth colour, making them virtually invisible. Often made from metal, this wire can also be designed according to your natural tooth colour, creating a more discreet look.
What is the cost of clear, ceramic braces?
Clear braces are usually only provided in private clinics, and are not available on the NHS. In the UK, the private clinics typically charge around £1,500 to £3,000 for braces treatment. However, these costs depend on the complexity of your case. After your consultation and assessment, your dentist or orthodontist determines which is the best option for fixing your tooth alignment. Next the dental care provider will make a bespoke treatment plan and an estimated cost breakdown structure aligning to your individual needs.
What factors affect the costs of clear braces?
Here are some factors which influence the clear braces costs in the UK:
- Use of technology
Robust modern technologies are used to design the clear braces and give them a more discreet and transparent look. While such technological advancements make the braces production more time-efficient, they come with higher costs as well. These technologies are integral to tailoring the orthodontic treatment plan to each individual patient needs, right from their first visit.
- Treatment duration
The duration for which the patient is required to keep wearing the braces depends on the individual case or dental problem. For instance, patients with more complex issues need to wear these orthodontic appliances for longer durations, eventually increasing the treatment costs and exceeding the average costs of braces.
Our dental specialists at Cosmetic Dentistry London offer personalised advice for your unique smile and dental care needs for the best results. This helps you get an estimate of the overall duration required for your treatment and plan your budget accordingly, without any surprises or hidden costs.
- Number of follow-up visits
For each orthodontic treatment, the number of follow-up visits necessary is determined by the dentist or orthodontist. While some clinics include these additional expenses of follow-up visits within the treatment costs, some other clinics charge separately for these repeated check-ups.
Moreover, almost every orthodontic treatment requires revisions with new set of braces almost every week. This frequency might increase in cases a piece of your braces falls off or a bracket comes off.
- Clinic’s location and reputation
With a huge number of orthodontic clinics and specialists in the UK, braces treatment undergoes competitive pricing. This is why the costs of braces treatment in the UK vary across various cities and locations in the UK. However, some clinics incur higher charges for clear braces as their reputation and brand recognition automatically draws patients to choose them.
Who need clear braces treatment?
The discreet appearance and shorter treatment time make clear braces a popular option among adults and socially active individuals. It fits seamlessly into both work and social life.
We have successfully treated many patients with concerns such as:
- Correcting crooked teeth
- Aligning the gum line
- Closing gaps between teeth
- Fixing flared or protruding teeth
- Reducing treatment time
- Managing complex dental cases
It is a subtle, effective solution designed for a confidence and straight smile.
How to know which is the right type of clear braces for you?
When it comes to choosing the right type of clear braces for your treatment, you should consider two main factors – your orthodontist’s recommendation and lifestyle habits.
Before picking a particular type of clear braces for your smile, schedule a free consultation with one of our expert orthodontists and figure what your smile actually requires. You can discuss the pros and cons of different clear braces options with your orthodontist, and he/she shall guide you on the right braces option for your individual dental condition and based on the severity of your case.
We understand that price stands out as a crucial factor in influencing your healthcare decisions. It is always wise to choose such a clear brace which can improve your appearance, position your teeth effectively, along with correcting your bite at the same time.
What are the benefits of clear braces?
Clear braces come with a broad array of benefits, including:
- Appearance
When it comes to appearance, most patients in the UK usually choose clear braces as a discreet option for their teeth straightening. On the other hand, fixed metal braces are often avoided because of their visible and prominent nature.
- Freedom of choice
While fixed metal braces remain permanently attached to your teeth throughout the treatment duration, clear braces are designed to be removed while eating, drinking, or cleaning your teeth. You need to wear the clear aligners for about 20-22 hours a day.
- Better oral hygiene
When you wear a fixed dental appliance, teeth cleaning can become problematic. This is because food particles and debris often get lodged within the wires and brackets, making it difficult to clean the teeth. On the other hand, the removability of clear aligners allows easy oral hygiene with uninterrupted brushing and flossing of teeth.
- No dietary restrictions
While fixed metal braces come with food restrictions on hard, crunchy, and sticky items due to the fear of them getting stuck in the wires and brackets, the removability of clear aligners allows you to take the braces off while eating. You can therefore enjoy your favourite foods without any hassle of your braces being affected!
- Comfortable fit
Fixed metal braces have sharp edges which might affect your tongue or mouth surface. On the contrary, clear aligners contain no sharp edges, brackets or wires, making them a more comfortable option for most patients.
- Treatment duration
The average treatment duration with clear braces typically range from 4 to 6 months on an average. However, this duration extends to about 12 to 18 months when you opt for fixed metal braces.
- Barely visible
Clear aligners are designed with such materials so that those braces can be hardly noticed by anyone, even when you are wearing them.
- Precise
Clear aligners can make precise changes in your smile and dental orientation, ensuring long lasting results of your braces treatment.
- Highly reliable
Clear braces also boast of thousands of success stories in fixing the smiles of numerous people across the UK. This is why it a highly reliable option for patients wanting to transform their smile.
Comparing Metal Braces vs. Clear Braces
- While metal braces are obvious in appearance, clear braces are virtually invisible.
- Metal braces are made of fixed wires and brackets; but clear aligners are easily removable, making eating habits as normal as possible.
- On one hand fixed metal braces are not comfortable to wear, clear aligners are a more convenient and comfortable alternative on the other hand.
- Treatment with metal braces requires long dental appointments, whereas clear aligners involve fewer visits.
How is clear braces treatment performed at our clinic?
At Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic, we perform clear braces treatment using the following steps:
- Initial consultation
First, one of the dental care specialists from our orthodontic team discusses your dental concerns and goals, and then determines an effective treatment plan for you.
- Preparation and customisation
Next we proceed with the treatment by making braces matching your natural tooth colour. For this, our dental team collects your dental measurements and impressions to customise a set of aligners, tailored to your unique smile.
- The trial
Our expert dental team then carefully attaches the tooth-coloured customised braces to your teeth, marking the starting of the treatment phase. This draws you another step closer to your dream smile.
- Routine adjustments
After your treatment, our orthodontists schedule follow-up visits to monitor the progress of your braces treatment and make necessary adjustments to your braces to achieve the desired results.
- The final day
After achieving the targeted alignment, our orthodontists finally remove the braces after the specified timeline to reveal your straight and beautiful smile.
Why is Cosmetic Dentistry Clinic your ideal option?
Read on to find out why we are the trusted choice for restoring your confident, straight smile:
- Personalised Care: Our compassionate dentists take sufficient time to understand your unique needs, delivering treatment with precision and empathy.
- Proven Results: We have transformed thousands of smiles across the UK and beyond - let yours be next.
- Custom Treatment Plans: Every smile is different. That’s why we design personalised plans tailored to your individual goals and preferences.
- Comfortable Procedures: From local anaesthesia to sedation options, we make sure your treatment is as comfortable and pain-free as possible.
- Modern Technology: Our state-of-the-art clinic features the latest equipment and techniques to deliver safe, efficient, and long lasting results.
- Affordable Care: With flexible payment plans and 0% interest financing, exceptional dental care is within your reach.
- Outstanding Experience: Our friendly team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring a seamless and positive experience.
- Upfront Pricing: No hidden fees, no surprises – just clear, upfront pricing from the very beginning.
- Simple Booking: Our online booking system is fast, easy to navigate, and designed to make scheduling appointments smoother.
- Flexible Appointments: Need a same-day visit? We have got you covered, with convenient scheduling options that fit your busy life.
Choose us to restore your smile with confidence, comfort, and care.
Are ceramic braces a right choice for you?
For patients seeking a more discreet way to straighten their teeth without compromising on results, clear braces offer an excellent alternative to traditional metal braces. Made from ceramic materials that blend with your natural tooth colour, they are much less noticeable, offering an ideal solution if you are self-conscious or prefer a subtle option. They deliver reliable, predictable results and are suitable for treating a wide range of orthodontic issues. While they do require regular cleaning to maintain their appearance, the routine is simple and easy to manage, making them both effective and convenient for everyday life.
The Bottom Line
Clear, ceramic braces offer a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces. Designed to blend with your natural tooth colour, they are far less noticeable – even at close range. Their subtle appearance makes them a popular choice for teens and adults alike, contributing to the growing demand for orthodontic treatment. These low-visibility braces deliver effective results while helping you feel more confident throughout your teeth straightening journey.
Contact our expert orthodontists at Cosmetic Dentistry London to get your dream straight smile! Email us at [email protected] to book your appointment.
FAQs
Choosing between traditional and clear braces depends on your lifestyle, treatment goals, and personal preferences. Traditional braces treat a wide range of issues but are more noticeable. Clear braces or aligners offer a discreet, removable option, ideal for mild to moderate cases, with minimal impact on daily activities.
Yes, clear braces can be just as effective as traditional metal braces when managed by a skilled dentist or orthodontist. The key decision lies in choosing between a cosmetic straightening solution or a complete smile transformation. Understanding your goals will help determine the most suitable treatment plan for achieving long-lasting, confident results tailored to your unique needs.
Tooth-coloured ceramic braces might be more expensive than traditional aligners. This is primarily due to the use of advanced materials; but the underlying aesthetic benefits make worth the investment.
The treatment speed with clear braces varies based on individual needs and complexity of the orthodontic issue. Clear aligners can sometimes work faster, but traditional braces may be more effective for specific severe cases. An orthodontist can recommend the best option based on your unique dental condition and treatment goals.
Braces are usually suitable for most orthodontic problems, from mild to moderate issues. However, severe orthodontic conditions need specialist treatment with other procedures.
For patients below 18 years, NHS offers orthodontic treatment for completely free of cost. However, orthodontic treatments are not generally available for adults on the NHS, but might be approved under specific circumstances.
The most suitable age to get braces is typically at the age of 12 or 13 years. At this stage, the child’s jaws and mouth are in a growing phase and can smoothly adapt to adjustments with braces. On the other hand, the scope of an effective braces treatment is relatively more limited in adults and eventually requires longer treatment durations.
Clear braces or tooth-coloured braces are usually designed to be stain-resistant. However, it is better to avoid coloured foods and drinks and quit smoking to prevent discolouration of the braces. Avoiding staining substances and regular cleaning are crucial to maintain your appearance with braces.
Based on your unique needs and challenges, the treatment duration usually ranges around 18 to 24 months, just like traditional braces.
Switching among various brace types in the middle of treatment is uncommon, as each has a specific plan. Changing partway through may disrupt progress or extend the treatment time. It is important to consult your orthodontist before making any changes to ensure your treatment stays effective and aligned with your dental goals.
If your aligners get lost or broken, visit your aligner provider immediately. Depending on which stage of treatment you are in, they can guide you on whether you should proceed with the treatment further or need adjustments. Strictly avoid putting off your aligners for prolonged durations to ensure treatment progress.
A healthy diet is integral to the proper maintenance of your clear braces. Moreover, cutting down on hard, crunchy foods, coloured drinks, and sugary items can cause damage to your braces.
You can take care of your ceramic braces by:
- Avoiding staining foods and drinks and coloured beverages like red wine, tea, coffee, berries, and tomato ketchup.
- Quitting smoking.
- Being cautious while eating as hard, crunchy and chewy items like chewing gum, popcorn, toffees, boiled sweets, or crusty rolls.
- Brushing after every meal with a fluoride toothpaste, and flossing regularly
One you get braces treatment, you will have nice straight teeth. It is a much healthier alternative to veneers which include drilling your teeth.
Just like other orthodontic treatments, our orthodontists recommend wearing retainers to ensure your newly straightened teeth do not move back to their previous position. The retainer can simply be a thin piece of wire bonded to the back of your teeth, or might be a special acrylic retainer which needs to be worn at night.
The braces treatment is a virtually painless procedure. While you might experience slight discomfort during the first few days of treatment, it tends to subside within a day or two.
As the braces are fitted on the outer side of your teeth, it will not affect your speech in any way.
Nearly invisible braces come in different types, including:
- Six month smiles: Discreet braces matching your natural tooth colour, which typically take around 6 months to make your smile straight.
- Cfast: This system includes tooth-coloured wires and clear brackets to make cosmetic changes to your front teeth.
If you are looking forward to achieve a straight and healthy smile, it’s never too late. Although most adults refrain from getting traditional braces because of their visibility, the discreet nature of clear braces makes them a more comfortable option for adults wanting to get teeth straightening in the UK.