Ceramic Braces
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It used to be that metal braces were the only act in town. If you wanted straighter teeth, you were locked into metal brackets and shiny silvery wires.
Trouble was, metal braces weren’t for everyone. People with metal allergies would end up with raw, inflamed cheeks and lips and often a rash around their mouth. This made metal braces a non-option for many. And even those without allergies but with sensitive mouths found their time in braces so miserable it was hardly worth it.
Then there were those who didn’t want to spend months or years with a “tin grin.” This included adults who weren’t thrilled by showing up at board meetings, product presentations, or other professional activities looking like they were fresh off the school bus.
Enter clear braces, which ushered in a new era of orthodontic care. These braces were far more discreet than metal braces and didn’t stir up allergies like metal did.
The first clear braces were used in the 1980s and were made of plastic. They promised exciting possibilities, but they stained easily. For those concerned about aesthetics, it was a toss up as to whether metal braces were really so much worse than stained plastic brackets.
The introduction of ceramic braces, which didn’t stain nearly as easily as plastic braces, brought the best of both worlds. Patients could choose between clear or tooth-colored brackets, and even the archwire could be made from clear or white materials. The result was a winning combination of the precision alignment capabilities of braces without the look or discomfort of metal braces.
Why Our Adult Patients Love Ceramic Braces
- Low-profile. While many people want braces to straighten their teeth and fix bite problems, not everyone can afford to look like they have braces on. Ceramic braces for adults or youth are the perfect option. With their clear or tooth-colored brackets and matching bands and wires, they’re hardly noticeable.
- More stain-resistant than clear braces of the past. Ongoing technology makes tooth-colored or clear ceramic braces less susceptible to staining than ever. They do require more care than traditional metal braces, but with proper hygiene, you can keep them looking clean and clear from start to finish.
- Comfortable. The ceramic material doesn’t cause allergies like metal does, and the gentle contours of the smaller ceramic brackets won’t catch on the insides of your mouth like metal brackets do. The result is a far more comfortable orthodontic experience.
- Better than Invisalign for some patients. Many patients looking for discreet dental care inquire about clear aligners (Invisalign). While these are a great option for some patients, they don’t work for everyone. Some patients don’t get great results with Invisalign because the aligners aren’t permanent like braces are. The patients remove the trays more than they should, which delays progress significantly.
Other patients may not qualify for Invisalign due to severe bite problems (crossbite, overbite, underbite, open bite, etc.); small, eroded, or misshapen teeth; or TMJ. For these patients, ceramic braces can provide the benefits of metal braces without the drawbacks. - More durable than other types of clear braces. Compared to plastic materials used for the original clear braces, ceramic is far less susceptible to chips and cracks. Today’s clear ceramic braces are impressively durable, so you don’t have to worry as much about compromising your brackets.
Are Ceramic Braces More Expensive?
If you’ve price-checked clear ceramic braces in Utah, you know that they are more expensive than traditional braces. Talk to our team at Smile Ranch for a quote on getting ceramic braces at our Salt Lake City, South Jordan, and Lehi offices. We work with insurance providers and offer flexible payment plans to make tooth-colored and clear ceramic braces in Utah as affordable as possible.
Can I Get Self-ligating Braces in Clear or Tooth-colored Ceramic?
Have you heard about the new phenomenon known as self-ligating braces? These braces are often referred to as “Damon braces,” named for Dr. Dwight Damon who developed these comfortable, efficient braces.
Traditional braces have ligatures, or tiny rubber bands, that bind the brackets and wires together. But self-ligating braces are different. Instead of the usual brackets, they have sliding mechanisms that curve over the wire and tighten gradually as needed.
The sliding mechanisms are small, sleek, and comfy on the insides of the mouth. And because they tighten gradually, day by day, you don’t notice the pressure nearly as much as with traditional brace tightenings by the orthodontist.Many patients are opting for self-ligating braces for the comfort they provide and for their efficiency. (Some studies show faster results with self-ligating braces because you don’t have to wait between tightenings—the tooth adjustments are ongoing.)
And the great news is self-ligating braces are available with clear ceramic hardware. It’s a big win for people who want a discreet braces experience. Damon braces have a smaller profile on the teeth and spare you from the “metal mouth” look.
How Long Will I Have to Wear my Clear Ceramic Braces?
Some studies have shown that traditional metal braces are slightly faster than ceramic ones due to the strength and durability of the metal, but in general, the efficiency of ceramic braces is comparable to metal braces.
The average time in braces is about 18-24 months, but there are many factors that can affect that range. These include:
- Age. Kids’ teeth tend to move faster than adults’ because their mouths are still growing.
- Complexity. Complex misalignment and bite problems will naturally require more time in braces than simple adjustments.
- Compliance. Time in braces can be shortened or lengthened, depending on how compliant a patient is with their orthodontist’s recommendations. The best way to move treatment along efficiently is to practice good oral hygiene; wear rubber bands, removable appliances, etc., as directed; report any broken hardware immediately; and attend all your appointments.
How Do I Find the Best Orthodontist for Ceramic Braces?
If you’ve been searching “ceramic braces near me,” you’ve likely seen many options for clear ceramic braces in Salt Lake City, Lehi, and South Jordan. We think Smile Ranch is the best option, but don’t just take our word for it. Glowing reviews from our patients speak to the quality of our work and our customer care.
As leading ceramic braces orthodontists for adults and children, here’s what sets us apart from the competition.
- Experience. We’ve been serving Utah’s orthodontic needs since 1988. It’s hard to compete with the depth of experience that comes from this many years treating every orthodontic challenge under the sun. We’re proud to say that we’ve turned even the most complex bite problems into the most beautiful smiles. Whatever your starting place, we will help you achieve an outcome you will be thrilled with.
- Training. While experience is critical, it must be paired with ongoing learning. Even the best orthodontists can lose their edge if they don’t stay current. Continuing education takes top priority at our offices. We’re always on the lookout for new techniques to improve the quality and efficiency of your ceramic braces experience.
- An artist’s approach. We don’t get lost in the weeds of orthodontia. Instead, we take a holistic approach attuned to the artistry of your whole face. We take into account your jaw, your bite, and the structure of your face to create the most complementary smile possible. Orthodontics is both a science and an art. We don’t neglect the artistry of the process.
- Technology. Having the latest and greatest equipment is an investment—one that not all orthodontists are willing to make. But at Smile Ranch, if there’s equipment or systems that could make us better, we’ll be among the first to adopt it. This is why we offer things like self-ligating braces and clear ceramic braces in our Salt Lake City, Lehi, and South Jordan offices. It’s why we have cutting edge imaging technology and 3-D visualization programs for turning your mouth into the picture perfect smile. Our investments in technology pay off in better results for our patients. We wouldn’t do it any other way.
- Affordability. Some people consider orthodontic care a luxury, but we don’t think it should be. We believe everyone should have access to a great looking smile and well-aligned bite. If you’re concerned about the cost of clear braces, talk to our team about insurance reimbursement and payment plans. We’ll do our best to work with your budget so you can get the right orthodontic care for your needs and lifestyle.
- Easy scheduling. Orthodontic care should not dominate your life. Yes, you need to come in for periodic check-ups, but we know your life is busy. We’ll do all in our power to work around your schedule constraints so that you can get in easily and get out quickly.
- Customer service. Once you get your tooth-colored or clear ceramic braces, you’ll be seeing more of us, and we want that to be a very pleasant experience. Our patients love our happy, upbeat staff, and we are confident you will, too. They also love the little things we do to help patients feel valued and respected in our office. This includes our legendary, fresh-baked cookies and our Smile Bucks rewards program. This program offers incentives like gift certificates for keeping appointments, complying with treatment plans, and even getting good grades in school.
- Customized care. We are not a one-size-fits-all operation. We know that every person and every mouth is different. That’s why we offer options like our clear ceramic braces for adults, self-ligating braces, clear aligners, and more. We carefully evaluate your orthodontic needs and honor your preferences for the look and feel of your braces. The result is a treatment plan that is perfectly, uniquely you.
Your search for “ceramic braces near me” ends with Smile Ranch Orthodontics. Our track record over the past few decades and our tens of thousands of happy customers speak for themselves.
There’s no need to be self-conscious about your smile for one day longer. Thanks to ceramic braces, you can have the smile of your dreams without the discomfort or “tin grin” of metal braces. Come in for a consultation today, and we’ll show you what we can do.
Smile Support Staff
With their extensive knowledge and friendly demeanor, our dedicated Orthodontic team ensures that every patient receives personalized attention and support throughout their orthodontic journey, making the path to a perfect smile as comfortable and smooth as possible. You can trust our exceptional orthodontic team to be your smile’s greatest advocates and partners in achieving the results you desire.
Smile Ranch Google Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stacy Olson
Three out of four kids have had braces through Smile Ranch in Lehi. They have been awesome to work with and have worked around our schedule. Thank you!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Michelle Williams
We have been using Dr Jensen for a year. It has been a great experience. He is very knowledgeable and takes time to explain to his clients. Great staff and program.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amelia Miyasaki
We love Smile Ranch! Dr. J is fantastic, and the office staff is outstanding! The office is super efficient (three patients in and we’ve never had an unreasonable wait) but we never feel like a number, everyone is so helpful and friendly.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Whitney Rasmussen
Dr. J did my braces a few years ago and I was so amazed with his work. I absolutely love my smile and have received so many compliments on my teeth. I send everyone I know to the smile ranch, including my own kids who have just started braces!! 😁 woo hoo! They also have the best staff and make it so fun. Fresh cookies and rewards for the kids to earn smile bucks that turn into gift cards👍 We love smile ranch!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Aubrie Haymore
We love Dr. J and all the staff! They are soooo kind and my sons bite has improved and we are so grateful! We love them and I’ll bring all my kids here!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rachel Gardner
I love Smile Ranch! I took my oldest daughter here over a year ago. Her teeth look great. Im now back with my 10 year old daughter and myself. Dr J is extremely good at what he does and his staff are amazing. The most welcoming, loving and positive energy. My daughter has anxiety and Dr J and his staff have been so great to talk with her and explain what they are doing. They have eased her worries. They stay on schedule, but you never feel they are rushing you out their door. They truly care about you as a person and take pride in a job well done. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Emily Chidester
I am on my fourth child having orthodontic treatment from Smile Ranch and couldn’t be happier. Initially I went to three other orthodontics for consults and felt that Dr. Alan Jensen was the only orthodontist with the experienced needed to care for my one of my child’s treatment. We have had traditional braces, expanders, and Invisalign. The care we receive from the doctor and staff each time we visit is wonderful. I know that my children are getting the best smiles thanks to the care at Smile Ranch.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amy Sackett
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Robyn Green
We love Smile Ranch! We’ve had nothing but positive experiences and everyone there is amazing and friendly. It feels like a second home, so comfortable and welcoming.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Betsy Broadwater
I love this office! Dr. Jensen and staff make it so easy! They’re so kind to my family and they do a great job. They’re super easy to schedule with. They have a fun office atmosphere and I love taking my boys in. They know what they are doing and they do it well. They give us (all of us!) cookies after every appointment, the office is nice and clean and we are going to miss coming in here now that boys are getting braces off! … and most importantly, my boys’ teeth look fabulous!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Julie Johnson
Happy, clean atmosphere with friendly staff. We appreciate the care and attention they give. We have been very impressed with Dr. Jensen and the hygienists and their expertise. We have been very happy with the results so far!
