The Choice Is Clear – Damon Ceramic Braces Did you know that you can get the same great treatment you’d receive with traditional metal brackets, but with much less noticeable equipment? It’s true! Damon ceramic braces feature tooth-colored brackets that perfectly blend with the color of your very own smile, so they blend right in. Not only that, but they provide the exact same fantastic corrective care as traditional brackets. About Clear Braces All You Can See Are Results Ceramic braces — otherwise called clear, tooth-colored, or aesthetic braces — operate in the exact same manner as traditional metal braces to correct malocclusion in your bite and jaw alignment issues. Here at Grubaugh Orthodontics, our Damon clear brackets are designed to be less noticeable than ever, with the smallest brackets in the market. Not only that but they’re designed of a practically invisible tooth-colored polycrystalline ceramic material. The fact that ceramic braces are fitted naturally to the shade of your teeth means that they fade into the background in a way that metal braces just can’t compete with. That means the only thing people will notice is your smile. And don’t worry, Dr. Grubaugh can teach you how to care for them properly to avoid staining. When you get clear braces from our Dewitt or Lansing offices, you’re taking an option that means you won’t stand out because of your orthodontic treatment. Instead, you’ll only stand out for your winning smile and personality. This is particularly attractive to our teen and adult patients, who want a lower-profile treatment option. Damon clear braces provide this perfect, subtle option, so you can achieve the smile of your dreams without the visibility of traditional metal brackets. How Are Ceramic & Metal Braces Different? People in Dewitt and Lansing recognize the benefits of traditional metal braces for their dependable strength and hard-to-break durability. While ceramic braces are by no means weak, they are composed of a different material. The ceramic that provides that great tooth-colored invisibility also comes with the caveat that, unlike traditional metal braces, there is a higher likelihood of chipping or cracking in the event of an accident. Another consideration is that traditional metal braces are somewhat more tolerant of high pressures than ceramic braces. What this means is that, in the event that you and Dr. Grubaugh decide you need certain types of treatment, it might be that traditional metal braces are more appropriate, since they are a bit more resistant to the types of pressure that may be necessary for certain adjustments. In most cases, however, ceramic braces will be able to provide the exact same levels of treatment. Since the levels of pressure the ceramic brackets can withstand are a bit lower, this means treatment times may take be slightly extended, in some cases. Earlier models of ceramic, near-invisible style braces suffered from difficulties related to keeping the brackets free of stains, but this is something that hasn’t been a problem for several years now. It is possible to stain the adhesive used to attach the brackets to the teeth and the clear elastic ties used to hold the wires in place, so it’s important to pay close attention when Dr. Grubaugh demonstrates how to keep them properly clean and free of unwanted stains. If staining is a concern, you may want to avoid options such as coffee, tea, red wine, tomatoes, or mustard. However, this isn’t necessary, as Dr. Grubaugh will change your elastic ties (the most likely candidates for staining) at every adjustment appointment. This means that provided you follow a solid basic oral hygiene foundation, as well as pay close attention and adhere to your treatment plan, it won’t be necessary to sacrifice the all-important morning cup of coffee or that evening glass of wine. How Much Do Ceramic Braces Cost? Dr. Grubaugh and the team at Grubaugh Orthodontics will develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals, and your treatment fees will be adjusted according to the complexity of the plan. You and Dr. Grubaugh will work together to develop a plan that makes sense to you. When it comes to financing, Dr. Grubaugh is proud to work with patients to offer flexible payment plans that fit most budgets, and we’ll always work with your insurance provider to ensure you receive all the coverage you deserve. It’s important to Grubaugh Orthodontics that our prices, like our service, are tailor-made to serve our patients. Due to the greater complexity of the treatment plans and the higher cost of the materials and licensing, ceramic braces do cost a bit more than traditional metal brackets. Apart from that, we look to the time it takes to set, adjust, and remove your appliances when it comes to figuring out the final costs. The placement, adjustment, and removal of ceramic braces all take a bit more time than metal brackets, so that is reflected in the final costs. Our treatment coordinators are always available and happy to discuss the cost with you at your first free consultation at our offices in Dewitt and Lansing. Great for Adults Following your thorough orthodontic evaluation with Dr. Grubaugh, we’ll work to determine the absolute best treatment option for you and your smile. Here at Grubaugh Orthodontics, we’re of the opinion that given the unique character and desirables of ceramic braces, they are generally best suited to adults and older teens as opposed to children and younger teens. This comes down to a few things — for one, younger children and teens are less likely to be concerned with the visibility of their braces. In fact, kids love our multi-colored elastics. They often want more attention directed at their equipment, not less. Not only that, but since ceramic braces are a bit more expensive and a bit less durable than traditional metal brackets, they just make more sense for older patients who are more likely to be better able to properly care for them. Schedule a free consultation at our offices in Dewitt and Lansing to learn if they may be right for you.