Sapphire braces are made from single-crystal, pure grown sapphire, the second hardest mineral on Earth. Once bonded, Sapphire braces is nearly invisible on the tooth. Monocrystalline formation gives a solid core structure, as opposed to the strand structure of polycrystalline. A heat
treatment seals the bracket and ensures that no fissures exist on its surface. Sapphire braces features tie wings on its base, which are designed with a smooth radius to reduce fracture. The under tie-wing space is enlarged for easy and quick ligation. The patented Quad-Matte base features a strong bond in the center to hold the bracket in place, but a weaker bond on the edges to allow for easy and predictable debonding.

How Do Clear Braces Work?

Clear braces work the same way as metal braces do. The only difference is that they use clear or tooth colored brackets instead of metal ones. They are a great alternative for patients who want a more esthetic alternative to metal braces but are not confident that they will wear their clear aligners, such as Invisalign, as much as they would need to.

Clear braces are great because they blend in with the natural color of your teeth. They are made of either sapphire or ceramic, not metal, which is more comfortable on your lips and the mucosa lining your cheeks. Though they are not as aesthetic as clear tray aligners such as Invisalign, clear braces are more effective in straightening your teeth because they require less compliance from you, the patient.

Clear Braces and Staining

Sapphire braces do not stain. The elastics used to hold the wire to the clear brackets is clear as well and, if you regularly drink red wine, tea or coffee or smoke, they will absorb the stain. These are the same products that will stain your teeth. The only way to prevent this staining is to minimize the amount of contact with these staining liquids and tobacco. However, these elastics are changed at every appointment so the staining is removed at least once a month. It’s only the ligatures that stain, not the brackets themselves!

While clear braces have many benefits, there are some things to keep in mind. Treatment sometimes takes longer with clear braces than with metal braces. Also, while they are strong, they may not be strong enough for severe cases; metal braces are recommended for these cases.