What Are Translucent Braces?
By Steven Kazley | Published on June 30, 2011 | 0 Comments
Orthodontic braces have come a long way in the last decade, and patients who want orthodontia have far more options than ever before.
When patients want braces that are less noticeable than the traditional metal kind – without actually being removable, which is the case with Invisalign – then the No. 1 most requested option is translucent braces. According to Dr. Steven Kazley of Kazley Orthodontics in Rochester, braces of this type are barely visible on most people’s teeth.
Unlike metal braces, translucent braces do not show up as shiny or silver. Instead, they usually reflect the underlying coloration of the teeth. This allows them to blend in without sticking out like a sore thumb every time a patient smiles.
Of course, patients whose main concern is esthetics typically choose Invisalign rather than metal or translucent braces. However, the Rochester braces specialist says that Invisalign does have some downsides. For one, Invisalign aligners are removable and not every pre-teen or teen patient is ready for that type of responsibility. Among patients who want braces that are less noticeable but don’t want to go all the way to Invisalign, translucent braces are a fantastic option.
Dr. Kazley says that the translucent braces he uses in his office in Rochester are made of a synthetic sapphire-type material. The Rochester braces expert and orthodontist says translucent braces can be self-ligating which means that they do not need tie wires or bands. Although Dr. Kazley is an orthodontist in Rochester who has been offering self-ligating metal braces for years, it wasn’t until recently that patients who had translucent braces could benefit from this technology. Dr. Kazley has been offering self-ligating translucent braces in Rochester for the past six to nine months.
Patients seem to really appreciate this new option, since having to use traditional ligature ties with translucent braces was always a limiting factor in the past. Even though he was offering translucent braces at his practice, Dr. Kazley says it was frustrating to have to use ties that were easily discolored. Self-ligating translucent braces don’t have that disadvantage, and the clarity is much nicer.
By offering self-ligating translucent braces at his practice, Dr. Kazley is able to give his patients the advantage of being able to have clear, fixed braces without needing to bother with cumbersome and distracting ties. He recommends that anyone who is curious as to whether translucent braces might be a good option for them come into Kazley Orthodontics for a consultation and an examination to find out more.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.