If you're considering braces, one of the first questions patients ask us is whether there's a less noticeable option. The answer is yes — and there are several of them. Cosmetic braces are a broad term that covers everything from ceramic braces and lingual braces to clear aligners like Invisalign. Here's how each one works and what to consider when choosing.
Zombek Orthodontics is here to help you learn about the different kinds of braces and what is right for you. Do you want that braces look, or are you looking for something nearly invisible? Let’s explore your options.
What are cosmetic braces, and why do people prefer them? Cosmetic braces is a broad term that refers to the aesthetic aspects of braces and orthodontic treatment. Ceramic braces, lingual braces, and even clear aligners are typical components of a conversation about cosmetic braces. Some people also consider fashion braces or fake braces to be cosmetic braces.
There are several things that can be classified as cosmetic braces. We have patients who ask us about the different types and want to know, “Can cosmetic braces fix my teeth?” That all depends on the type of cosmetic braces you use.
Are braces considered cosmetic? Some can be. Cosmetic braces can include clear braces. These braces are usually made of a ceramic material designed to more closely match the natural color of teeth. Otherwise, clear braces are nearly identical to metal ones. They still include a metal archwire, in most cases, that gently presses the teeth to move into their proper positions.
Patients consider these braces cosmetic because, as with Invisalign, they take the braces' appearance into account. Cosmetic braces are harder to see than metal ones.
Lingual braces can also be considered cosmetic because they’re nearly invisible. That’s because they are placed on the back sides of the teeth rather than across the front. Lingual braces use pressure to pull the teeth into place. They're nearly hidden from view because they’re on the backside.
Lingual braces have a few disadvantages, however. It can be harder to clean teeth properly with lingual braces. They also tend to be much more costly than traditional braces or even Invisalign. They also can’t be used in every orthodontic case. That’s why we prefer self-ligating braces and Invisalign for treatment.
Some of the most popular cosmetic braces aren’t really braces, but they do the same work. Clear aligners offer the same movement power as braces but totally different looks. Zombek Orthodontics is a Platinum Provider of Invisalign, one of the most popular clear aligner systems.
Invisalign uses a special clear material to apply gentle pressure to your teeth and move them to their correct positions. They do this without wires or brackets. The clear material is custom-molded to your teeth, making Invisalign virtually invisible. Bottom line: Invisalign can fix teeth without looking like there is anything fixing them.
There is another type of braces making the rounds on TikTok and other social media platforms. That’s “fashion braces,” which are actually fake braces. Some are simply mouthguard-like devices that slip over your teeth and give them the look of braces as a gag. But others have brackets attached to a wire that slips over the teeth. Some believe they work just like braces.
Fake braces for teeth aren’t anything like real braces, and they can do more harm than good. Real braces require detailed planning to apply the right pressure to each tooth and move it into the proper position. They also need a certain amount of pressure. Anything over that can cause the teeth to become too loose, leading to tooth loss. Bottom line, if you need braces, see a professional. Do-it-yourself braces can cause much more harm than good.
Cosmetic Dentistry sounds like something that includes cosmetic braces. It’s actually different, but cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics go hand in hand. Cosmetic dentistry can include everything from veneers and dental implants to teeth whitening and teeth caps. These services are usually done by a dentist. Sometimes, however, they can’t be done well without orthodontic treatment.
A good example of this would be veneers. These are thin acrylic or ceramic shells placed on the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. People get veneers to improve the look of a tooth that’s chipped, cracked, discolored, or otherwise damaged. But if their teeth are crooked, it’s difficult to apply veneers.
That’s where orthodontics comes in. The dentist may recommend treatment with Invisalign or braces to straighten the teeth enough to apply veneers. Once the teeth are straight, it’s easy for the dentist to finish the job with the veneers.
Patients who want their smile to look great often use both cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics to achieve that goal. Treatment with braces or Invisalign can close gaps between teeth, align them properly, and space out crowded teeth. Let’s face it: Your teeth look better when they’re straight, and it gives you more confidence. That’s why we do what we do.
Braces or clear aligners may be how to get perfect teeth, but how long does the process take? The answer is, “it depends.” Several factors determine how long it will take, including the number and severity of dental issues. It also depends on the patient. There are certain things you must do to keep your treatment on track. In general, treatment with Invisalign can be anywhere from 6-15 months. Treatment with regular braces averages 12-24 months. However, we use LightForce braces at Zombek Orthodontics, which shortens treatment times.
One patient finished braces treatment in as little as 9 months with only a few office visits, thanks in part to LightForce braces. LightForce braces are custom-made for you to provide the absolute best treatment in the shortest time possible.
Unlike regular braces, which use the same brackets for everyone, LightForce brackets are custom-made, 3D-printed to fit each of your teeth perfectly and in just the right spot. That way, the pressure is applied exactly where it needs to be, moving the tooth more quickly and comfortably than with traditional braces. This means LightForce braces work faster. Patients can sometimes complete treatment in 9-18 months!
Yes. Ceramic braces work exactly the same way as metal braces — the difference is cosmetic, not functional. The brackets are made from a tooth-colored or clear ceramic material that blends in with your teeth, but the mechanics of how they move teeth are identical. They are a great option for patients who want the effectiveness of traditional braces with a less noticeable look.
They can. The ceramic brackets themselves are stain-resistant, but the elastic ties that hold the archwire to the brackets can pick up color from coffee, tea, red wine, and highly pigmented foods. Patients who choose ceramic braces should be mindful of this, especially in the first day or two after a new set of ties is placed. The ties are changed at each adjustment appointment, so any discoloration is temporary.
For patients who want truly invisible braces, lingual braces are a strong option since they're placed on the back of the teeth and completely hidden from view. The tradeoffs are cost — lingual braces tend to be significantly more expensive than other options — and adjustment, since some patients find them more uncomfortable initially and notice a temporary effect on speech. They're also not suitable for every case. We'll let you know at your consultation whether they're a good fit.
Treatment time depends on the complexity of your case, not the type of braces you choose. Clear aligners like Invisalign average 9 to 15 months. Ceramic braces are in the same range as metal braces, typically 12 to 24 months. LightForce custom braces, which we offer at Zombek Orthodontics, are 3D-printed to fit each tooth precisely, allowing for more efficient tooth movement and potentially shortening treatment time to 9 to 18 months.
In most cases, yes. Ceramic braces can treat the same range of bite and alignment issues as metal braces. Invisalign has expanded significantly and now handles many complex cases including overbites, underbites, and crowding. Lingual braces can treat most issues but aren't suitable for every patient. The right choice depends on your specific clinical needs, which we'll assess at your first visit.
At Zombek Orthodontics, we offer self-ligating metal braces, LightForce custom clear braces, and Invisalign — so whatever your preference on visibility, there's an option that works. If you're in the Hollywood or Weston, FL area and want to find out which type of cosmetic braces is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Zombek.
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