cardall-orthodontics

Metal Braces vs. Clear Ceramic Braces: Which Is Right for You?

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:19:01 GMT

Metal braces used to be the only option.

Then, in the 1980s, NASA and a company called Ceradyne (a defense and aerospace materials company) joined together to develop a ceramic material called translucent polycrystalline alumina, or TPA. This material was engineered to protect infrared sensors on heat-seeking missile trackers and was stronger than steel, and nearly transparent.

You’re probably wondering, what does any of this have to do with orthodontics?

Well, in 1986, a company called Unitek approached Ceradyne in search of a transparent material that was strong enough to be used for orthodontic brackets. Ceradyne had just the material, introducing them to TPA. The two companies partnered together, ran clinical trials, and launched the first clear ceramic braces in 1987.

So in a way, you can thank NASA for being able to have the choice of clear braces vs metal braces!

The Different Types of Braces

If someone says the word braces, an image of metal braces is probably the first thing that pops into your head. But the reality is that through modern orthodontics, several types of braces have come to be, designed to fit different lifestyles, budgets, and treatment needs. Of these dental braces types, there are two that many people find themselves deciding between.

Traditional Metal Braces: Known for their strength, precision, and affordability.

Clear Ceramic Braces: Offering a discreet, tooth-colored alternative to metal braces.

Both options use the same fundamental mechanics, where brackets are bonded to each tooth and an archwire connects them all. This bracket and wire system allows gentle pressure to be applied to your teeth, guiding them into alignment.

The fundamental differences, when you’re doing a side-by-side comparison of ceramic braces vs metal braces, are found in the materials used, the aesthetic appeals, and slight differences in clinical use cases.

By understanding these differences, you can feel confident that you’re choosing the right option for your smile transformation.

What Are Traditional Metal Braces?

Traditional metal braces are made from high-grade stainless steel. They’re incredibly strong, highly precise, and capable of correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues from mild crowding or spacing problems to more complex cases involving bite misalignments.

Over the years, metal braces have undergone many innovative changes and are much improved from what they once were. They are significantly smaller, more comfortable, and more precise.

And while metal braces aren’t discreet, many patients actually like the look of them, and enjoy the customization that’s possible with different braces band colors.

How Metal Braces Work

Each stainless steel bracket is bonded to the front surface of the tooth using a special dental adhesive. A thin metal archwire is then threaded through all of the brackets and held in place by small elastic bands (these bands are what give metal braces their “color”). Every 4 to 10 weeks your orthodontist swaps out the elastic bands, adjusts the tension of the archwire, and makes sure that your teeth are moving in the right direction. These adjustment appointments are critical to your treatment, because they ensure that the correct tension and force are being applied to each individual tooth, and that this pressure is leading to the desired tooth movement.

Pros of Metal Braces:

Most durable option available. They are stain proof and highly resistant to breaking.
Effective for complex cases. Offering precise control, metal braces are great for more significant tooth misalignments or bite corrections.
Generally the most affordable orthodontic treatment option when it comes to fixed appliances.
Suitable for all ages. Whether you’re an adult, a teen, or a child, metal braces can be a great way to fix your smile.
Color band customization at every appointment. This is especially a big pro with children and teens.

Cons of Metal Braces:

Most visible orthodontic appliance. The silver brackets do create a stark contrast against the teeth. There’s really no hiding them.
Initial discomfort as your lips and cheeks adjust to the roughness of the brackets. This discomfort will typically resolve within 1 to 2 weeks and can be assisted with things like orthodontic wax.
Food restrictions do apply, as you’ll need to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could damage your brackets or bend wires.

Who Are Metal Braces Best For?
Metal braces often make the most sense for patients with moderate to severe tooth misalignment, significant bite correction needs, or other complexities that require the highest level of precision and control to get the best results.

They also make sense for teens who are active in sports, patients who are working within a tighter budget, or anyone who simply likes the look.

When it comes to evaluating the best braces for adults with complex cases, metal often comes out on top for precision and cost.

What Are Clear Ceramic Braces?

Ceramic braces, also referred to as clear ceramic braces, or just clear braces, work the same as metal braces from a mechanical perspective. They utilize the same bracket and wire system, and follow the same adjustment schedule of 4 to 10 weeks, with a similar timeline to end of treatment.

The key difference is the material used. For clear braces, the brackets are made from a polycrystalline or monocrystalline alumina composite AKA a ceramic that’s either tooth colored or translucent. This allows them to blend in with the natural coloring of your teeth, making them less noticeable.

Ceramic braces aren’t completely invisible, but for patients who want a more discreet treatment option without going the route of clear aligners, they strike a great balance of function and aesthetics.

How Ceramic Braces Work
The mechanics of clear braces are identical to metal ones. The brackets are bonded to each tooth with dental adhesive and an archwire runs through each bracket, held in place by small elastic ligatures. In line with the more discreet look, the archwire of ceramic braces is often white or silver coated in order to reduce visibility.

A tradeoff with ceramic braces is that while the brackets are still very strong, they are less resistant to damage and require a bit more care. However, with consistent hygiene and mindful eating habits, most patients complete treatment without any bracket issues.

Pros of Clear Ceramic Braces:

Significantly less visible than metal braces, as the brackets and archwire are designed to blend in with your natural tooth color.
Effective for mild to severe cases , with outcomes for most patients being comparable to metal braces.
Confidence boost for teens or adults who are image-conscious.

Cons of Clear Ceramic Braces:

More expensive than metal braces , with the difference in price typically being $500 - $1,500 more.
Ceramic brackets can be more susceptible to damage than metal. Despite being incredibly strong, ceramic brackets can chip under impact which can make metal a better choice for teens who are active in contact sports.
Elastic ligatures are more susceptible to staining , since they’re often white or clear as a way of maintaining a discreet look. Coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato sauce are some of the most problematic, which is why good hygiene is important. Otherwise, the staining of the elastic can make your teeth appear yellowed. Pearl-colored elastic ties are often the best at resisting stain while blending in nicely with the teeth and brackets.
Food restrictions apply the same as metal braces. It’s important to avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage your brackets or bend wires.

Who Are Ceramic Braces Best For?

Ceramic braces for adults are incredibly popular because they provide the functionality of braces, while being more discreet than the metal alternative. Clear braces are a great option for adults who are in a professional setting or a client-facing role, or for older teens who are approaching graduation, prom, or college interviews.

If your budget allows for the upgrade, and a fixed appliance makes sense over aligners, then the decision of metal braces vs clear really comes down to just one question: how much does the visibility of your brackets matter to you during treatment?

Metal Braces vs Ceramic Braces: The Side-by-Side Breakdown

To make it super easy and digestible, here’s a table breaking down metal braces vs ceramic braces based on the factors that patients care most about.

When comparing metal vs ceramic braces, it can be helpful to use a chart like this to weigh the general pros and cons. However, the decision will ultimately come down to your individual case and this where an orthodontist is an invaluable resource.

During your initial orthodontic consultation, your orthodontist will evaluate your teeth, jaws, and bite, giving you a complete picture of what’s going on. They’ll then be able to make a personalized recommendation based on your lifestyle and needs.

How Much Do Ceramic Braces Cost vs. Metal?

Ceramic braces cost more than metal braces, with the exact difference varying based on factors like case complexity and treatment length. The reason for this cost difference comes down to the materials. Simply put, the specialized ceramic composites used in clear ceramic braces cost more to produce than stainless steel.

The good news is that for most patients, the gap between clear braces cost vs metal is manageable, especially when you work with a practice like Cardall Orthodontics where we provide you with flexible financing options to fit your budget. We truly believe that everyone deserves a smile they love, and we’ll do what we can to help get you there.

Which Braces Are Best for Teens?

As you can guess, children and teenagers make up the majority of orthodontic patients, which leads to a popular question of what are the best braces for teens?

It ultimately comes down to the individual, but let’s break down how you might start to think about it:

The Case for Metal Braces for Teens

Metal braces are the most common recommendation for teens. Part of that is because they’re the most durable. Let’s be honest, not every teenager is going to be the best at being mindful about what they eat and maintaining an extremely high level of oral hygiene. With metal braces, there’s simply less care and maintenance required, which can be a big pro for teens.

Additionally, for teens involved in contact sports, metal is generally the safer choice. Ceramic brackets are incredibly strong, but are more susceptible to chipping or breaking upon impact than stainless steel. A broken ceramic bracket can mean an emergency visit to the orthodontist and can lead to potential delays in treatment.

As a side note, it's important to mention that regardless of the type of braces your teen has, a properly fitted mouthguard that’s compatible with their braces is essential during any contact sport.

The Case for Ceramic Braces for Teens
Ceramic braces for teens make the most sense for older high schoolers who are doing college interviews or are approaching milestones like prom or graduation. They also make sense for teens who are especially self-conscious about the appearance of metal brackets. If your teen falls into one of these categories, then clear braces for teens could make a meaningful difference in their confidence and comfort during treatment.

Which Braces Are Best for Adults?

Adult orthodontic patients are a rapidly growing group in orthodontics. And the decision of clear braces vs metal in many cases comes down to appearance.

Most adults pursuing orthodontic care are doing so while also operating in a professional context with a combination of meetings, client interactions, presentations, social events, etc. taking place daily. For many people, they don’t want clearly visible metal brackets being a part of their image for 18-24 months.

Ceramic braces for adults address this concern, as the tooth colored or translucent brackets blend in and are much less obvious. Many patients feel like clear braces look more appropriate in an adult context.

That said, metal braces could be needed for adults with more complex cases, and there are plenty of people who aren’t bothered by the aesthetic of metal. In fact, some prefer the aesthetic of metal braces for adults.

When it comes down to it, the best orthodontic treatment options are always the ones that fit both your specific clinical needs and your lifestyle.

Can You Get Color Bands with Ceramic Braces?

When most people picture clear braces, they imagine a neutral look where everything is either translucent or tooth colored.

However, ceramic braces with color bands is absolutely an option!

The brackets of ceramic clear braces are tooth colored, but the elastic bands that hold the archwire in place can be whatever color you want, just like with metal braces.

Sure you can keep things neutral with white or clear elastic ligatures, but you can also feel free to go bold with bright colors.

And the fun part? You can switch up the colors at each appointment. So, every 4 to 10 weeks you have the option to personalize your look.

Care & Maintenance: What to Expect with Each Option

When it comes to taking care of metal braces vs ceramic braces, both require consistent oral hygiene throughout treatment. However, ceramic braces benefit from a slightly more attentive approach due to their potential to stain.

General Care Tips for Both Metal and Ceramic Braces:

Brush thoroughly after every meal, and at the very minimum every morning and night.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, ideally with a smaller head that allows you to navigate around tighter spaces. You can also get an orthodontic brush that allows you to get to hard to reach places. Electric toothbrushes have been proven to consistently remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes, so using an electric toothbrush is preferred.
Use a fluoride toothpaste.
Pay close attention to cleaning around every individual bracket. If not properly cleaned, plaque buildup in these areas can cause demineralization of the enamel, which may result in permanent white spots after the braces are removed.
Floss daily with a floss threader, orthodontic flosser, or water flosser.
If you’re experiencing discomfort from brackets rubbing on the soft tissues of your lips or cheeks, use orthodontic wax to provide a more forgiving barrier.
Avoid hard, sticky, chewy, and crunchy foods that risk damaging brackets or bending wires.
When playing contact sports wear a properly fitted mouthguard.
Attend all of your scheduled adjustment appointments (they’ll typically take place every 4 to 10 weeks).

Additional Care Tips Specific to Ceramic Braces:

Limit coffee, tea, red wine, tomato-based sauces, along with other dark pigmented foods/ drinks that have a high potential of staining your white or clear ligatures. This staining can make it so your braces take on a yellowed appearance.
Rinse with water, or better yet, brush your teeth promptly after consuming staining foods or beverages.
Be aware that ceramic brackets are less resistant to impact forces than metal brackets. Be especially careful when eating certain foods and avoid biting directly into hard foods like apples, crusty bread, or carrots with your front teeth. Instead, cut them into smaller pieces.

So, Clear Braces vs Metal, Which Should You Choose?

When it comes to clear braces vs metal there’s no universal right answer. For example, the best braces for adults who are client facing every day could be completely different from the best braces for teens who are involved in contact sports.

What matters is figuring out which braces are the best fit for you based on the complexity of your case, your lifestyle, and your budget.

At Cardall Orthodontics, we’ll help you determine which path makes the most sense. We’ll evaluate your teeth, jaws, and bite, talk with you about your goals and lifestyle, and walk you through your options so you can go into orthodontic treatment feeling ready and confident.

So, whether you found this article by searching for ceramic braces near me or still have yet to make a decision between metal vs ceramic braces, set up a complimentary consultation today, and we’ll help you get started on getting your smile on the right track.

Because after all, everyone deserves a smile they love.

7 Signs You Need Braces

Wed, 20 May 2026 22:07:32 GMT

If you’re here, reading this article, you’ve probably asked yourself: Do I need braces?

Maybe there’s a tooth that sits a little too far forward that you find yourself running your tongue over. Or maybe there’s a gap between your teeth that bothers you. Maybe it’s something more serious like jaw pain when you chew, or frequently biting your cheek. You may even notice your teeth are starting to wear down and get chipping on the edges.

There are a lot of reasons you may need to see an orthodontist and in this article we’re going to break down some of the main clues for how to know if you need braces. Because the reality is that some signs you need braces are obvious, but others are a bit more hidden.

So let’s get into it, and give you the rundown you need for why people need braces and what signs to look for.

Your Teeth Are Crowded or Overlapping

Crowded or overlapping teeth is one of the most common reasons to get braces or aligners. Crowded teeth happen when your jaw isn’t big enough to accommodate all of your teeth, and so they start stacking, rotating, and pushing each other out of the way.

Some people think that having crooked teeth is just an aesthetic issue, but it can have real impacts on your ability to clean your teeth properly. Crooked teeth can create tight spots that are difficult for your toothbrush or floss to reach, which leads to plaque build up, cavities, and other problems down the road.

Braces on crooked teeth can be critical for not only making your smile look better, but also improving your overall oral health. So, if you’ve been wondering how to fix crooked teeth, it’s time to see an orthodontist and explore what braces or clear aligners can do for getting your smile to where it should be.

You Have Gaps Between Your Teeth

Another common reason why someone would need braces is the opposite of crowding, and that’s too much space. Similar to crooked teeth, people often see gap teeth, or spaces between teeth as purely cosmetic, when in actuality they can pose functional issues as well. These problems include things like food debris getting stuck in hard to reach places, uneven pressure being placed on neighboring teeth and in some cases gap teeth can even throw your bite out of alignment.

This is why braces for gap teeth can be so important. So whether you have a noticeable gap between your incisors or small spaces scattered throughout your mouth, it’s important to see an orthodontist who can do a comprehensive evaluation and determine the best path forward.

Your Bite Feels Off

A lot of people think, why would someone need braces if their teeth look fine? Well, because a healthy smile isn’t just about straight teeth. You need the teeth, jaws, and bite all working together in harmony.

Jaw misalignment can cause a wide range of issues that you might not even realize are related to how your upper and lower jaw line up. From chronic headaches and jaw pain to uneven tooth wear to speech difficulties and cheek biting, and even sleep problems, jaw misalignment can be incredibly disruptive to a person’s life. Let’s jump into some of the most common misalignments.

Overbite vs Underbite

The two bite misalignments that show up most frequently are underbites and overbites, and a lot of people search for underbite vs overbite, wondering what makes them different.

What is an overbite?

An overbite is where the upper front teeth sit too far over your lower front teeth. A little bit of overlap is completely normal, but excessive overlap can be problematic. An overbite could be from the structure of the jaws where the upper jaw protrudes further forward than the lower jaw, or it could be from the position of the teeth themselves. When it comes to tooth positioning, habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting are a couple of the main culprits that lead to overbite development. If it’s left untreated, jaw pain can occur as well as uneven and excessive tooth wear, speech problems, and in severe cases, a noticeable change in facial profile where the chin appears to recede.

What is an underbite?
An underbite is the opposite, where the front upper teeth sit behind the front lower teeth. This too could be structural where the lower jaw has grown in such a way that it protrudes further forward than the upper jaw, but it could also be from the bottom teeth being angled in a way that has them resting on the outside of the upper front teeth. This can lead to difficulty chewing, uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, gum recession on the lower front teeth, and facial asymmetry. Braces for underbite can be an extremely effective solution for bringing the jaws back into alignment.

What is a crossbite?

A lesser known jaw misalignment is the crossbite. This is when some of your upper teeth end up falling inside of your lower teeth when you bite down. Crossbites most commonly involve the back teeth where one or more upper molars end up sitting inside the back lower teeth, often due to the upper jaw being too narrow. Crossbites can often result in excessive cheek biting which can be quite painful, as well as the appearance of a narrow smile.

A crossbite can also affect a person’s front teeth, but under these circumstances shouldn’t be confused with an underbite, as an underbite usually involves the entire lower jaw shifting forward while a crossbite involves just one or two teeth.

What is an open bite?
An open bite is when your upper and lower front teeth don’t actually make contact when your mouth is closed. This can create a whole host of issues. Discomfort while chewing, difficulty eating many types of foods, impacted speech, and added strain to the back molars (which can lead to cracking and the need for expensive dental work long-term such as crowns) are a few of the problems that an open bite creates. As you can imagine, open bite before and after results are often quite dramatic.

Importance of Early Evaluation with Jaw Misalignment
When it comes to jaw misalignment, it’s important to treat it as early as possible. If you’re a parent of a kid who’s over the age of 7 but hasn't been to an orthodontist yet, it’s time to set up a consultation. By catching an alignment issue early, an orthodontist has a lot more non-invasive avenues for correcting it. From palatal expanders to braces, they can guide growth in ways that aren’t possible in adulthood. What could have been fixed by a simple and non-invasive solution can quickly turn into a complex jaw surgery if not properly treated.

You Have Jaw Pain, Clicking, or Popping

If you have jaw pain or find that your jaw pops, clicks, or locks when you open and close your mouth then there’s a good chance your bite is out of alignment. Over time, tension builds in your jaw, as the muscles and ligaments surrounding your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) work hard to compensate for the misalignment.

It’s important to see an orthodontist sooner rather than later after experiencing these symptoms, because jaw tension relief can get more complicated the longer that it goes untreated.

Many people are surprised to find that jaw popping is one of the signs you need braces. But the reality is that your teeth, bite and jaws are all much more connected than people realize.

You’re Having Trouble Chewing or Biting

Another way that bite misalignment shows up is in pain or discomfort while chewing or biting, or difficulty chewing certain foods. This is because a misalignment of your bite can cause uneven force to be applied every time you bite down, and your jaw muscles end up carrying the stress of this imbalance. If you have a severe bite issue such as an open bite, then you may only be able to chew with your far back teeth, which can result in muscle fatigue and difficulty eating.

A lot of people won’t want to accept that this problem needs to be addressed and will change their behavior instead of fixing the underlying issue. They might start avoiding certain foods or take their meals at a slower pace to avoid their jaw from getting tired. But the reality is that pain and discomfort are your body’s way of telling you that something is off, and to ignore it is to accept a condition that will only get worse with time.

Chewing is something you do multiple times a day and when bite misalignment starts affecting such a critical daily function, it’s time to see an orthodontist.

Your Teeth Are Wearing Down Unevenly

One of the long term consequences of your bite being off is that your teeth can wear unevenly. While some teeth will be fine, other teeth will have enamel wear or tooth erosion that impacts the structural integrity of the teeth.

If you look in the mirror do you notice that some of your teeth look shorter or flatter than others? This could be a sign that your bite is misaligned, and that your teeth are in danger of taking on irreversible damage.

You’re Self-Conscious About Your Smile

While this isn’t as clinical as the signs that we’ve discussed up until this point, it deserves recognition, because the way you feel about your smile is important!

People smile every day and not just for photos. Smiling is a key part of how we communicate as humans. And if you feel like you can’t smile without being self conscious, or you don’t feel like your smile is an accurate reflection of you as a person, then it can absolutely make sense to explore orthodontic treatment options.

Will I get braces isn’t a question just reserved for people who have major bite misalignments or significant tooth alignment issues. Sometimes wanting to feel confident in your smile is reason enough for getting braces.

So, Do You Actually Need Braces?

If any of these signs you need braces rang true, then setting up an orthodontic consultation is your next step.

The reality is that how to tell if you need braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic treatment isn’t something you can always figure out on your own. While there are certainly some problems that are obvious and visible, there are others that require imaging and a trained eye.

The good news? If you’re trying to figure out how to know if you need braces and you’re in Bakersfield, California then you’ll be able to get to the bottom of “do I need braces?” completely free of charge. Because at Cardall Orthodontics we offer complimentary initial consultations, where we give you a clear understanding of what‘s happening and determine the best path forward.

So, if you’ve been wondering how to tell if you need braces, then book your free consultation today and leave the appointment feeling more in control of your smile.

What Color Braces Should You Get?

Mon, 04 May 2026 17:21:18 GMT

The power of choice. You get to choose the clothes you wear. You get to choose what you eat. You get to choose who you’re friends with. You get to choose what your hobbies are.

The world is filled with choices and when it comes to colors for braces, it’s no different! The braces color wheel is made up of all of the colors of the rainbow, and more.

So then the question becomes, what are the best colors for braces?

Well, in some ways, that’s up to you and your personal preference, but there are certainly plenty of factors that can help inform your decision. So without further ado, here’s what patients most commonly want to know most.

What Do the Colors on the Braces Color Wheel Mean?

When your orthodontist gives you a braces color chart, what you’re really choosing is the color of the small elastic bands that hold your wire to the bracket. In theory, could these braces band colors just be a neutral color? Sure. But where’s the fun in that? Color bands for braces provide an easy way to add customization and personalization to your braces experience.

The braces color wheel has colors ranging from neutrals like silver, clear, and white, to pastels, to more bold primary colors, all the way to neon colors, with plenty of variations in between. Some practices will have 20 color options, while others might have 50. Regardless, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

Now you could just go with your favorite color and call it a day, but what not everyone thinks about is how the different color braces look in the context of the other colors around them: the enamel of your teeth, the metal of the brackets, your skin tone, etc.

Which leads us to our next question that everyone wants to know.

What Color Braces Make Your Teeth Look Whiter?

The secret to making your teeth look whiter is contrast. Simply put, dark color braces create the most contrast against enamel, and because of that your teeth appear brighter and whiter than they actually are. Navy blue, dark purple, forest green, and deep burgundy are a few good colors for braces that can create a really clean and sharp looking smile if white teeth is your main goal.

Now, does that mean that if you’re leaning more pastel, that your teeth are going to look bad? Certainly not. It’s simply that if white teeth is your main goal, then darker colored bands for braces is an easy trick to make your teeth look whiter.

The band colors for braces that you should avoid if you want to maximize whiteness are yellow, pale gold, off-white, and clear. White bands are the biggest trap, because while they look like a nice color for braces when you’re taking a look at the braces color chart, they are not the most resistant to the wear and tear of everyday life. For example, they can stain easily from coffee, tea, and other foods.

Braces Colors by Vibe and Personality

A lot of people search for stuff like what are the best braces colors for girls or what are the best braces colors for boys, but at the end of the day, you should really just choose whatever braces color you like and feel comfortable with. There really isn’t a true best color for braces.

For example, if you want something bold like neon, then go neon. If you want something that’s more understated and low-key, then navy, dark green, or charcoal could be good options. You could even choose braces colors that complement an outfit if you have a big event coming up.

Some offices will allow you to choose two or more colors. In this case, you may want to choose complementary colors that look good together. Some of our most popular combinations among girls are pink and blue or pink and purple, in all of their various shades. Your favorite sports team colors are also always a great choice. Green and red are very popular around the Christmas season, while orange and black are a common choice around Halloween.

And the great thing about choosing your braces colors? Nothing’s permanent! There’s a good chance that you’ll try out all kinds of color options during your treatment. After all, you’ll get band replacements every 4 to 8 weeks.

There aren’t any rules here, just preferences, so have some fun with it, and choose braces band colors that feel right for you.

Conclusion

When people search for what is the best color for braces, they’re often hoping for a clear cut answer. However, if the answer was cut and dry, then there wouldn’t be a braces color wheel with 20+ color options. When it comes down to it, the best colors for braces are the ones that help you feel good when you smile in the mirror.

Whether you go bold with colors that pop or more subtle with neutral colors, there’s no wrong answer.

At Cardall Orthodontics, we know that choosing a color can be difficult, which is why we are there during your consultation to talk things through, and help you pick a nice color for braces that suits you and allows you to feel confident during treatment. We maintain a very large selection of color choices so you’ll always be able to find something you’ll love.

If you’re looking for the best quality orthodontist in Bakersfield, CA then feel free to reach out and we’ll help get you on the path to a brighter and healthier smile.

How Long Do I Have to Wear My Retainer?

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:04:41 GMT

You look in the mirror and a big smile spreads across your face. Why?

Because today marks the day that you’re done with your orthodontic treatment.

So naturally, you’re probably wondering: what are the next steps? How do I keep my smile looking this good, 10, 20, 50 years down the road.

Well, one of the single most important things you can do to protect your result is wear your retainer. Now a common follow up question to this is: how long will I have to wear a retainer? Is it temporary or do I have to wear my retainer forever?

The truth is that even after treatment, your teeth will want to shift. These forces are natural. The best way to prevent that movement from happening is a retainer.

In this blog, we’ll make sure we answer all of the questions you might have from how long do you have to wear a retainer to how long do retainers last to how often do you have to wear your retainer. So let’s get started!

Why Retainers Are Necessary in the First Place

Before we get into the timeline for wearing your retainer, let’s break down the reason why

wearing your retainer is so important.

Because after all, without truly understanding the “why” behind it, you’re bound to start

wondering things like when can I stop wearing my retainer? Or how long can I go without

wearing my retainer? And the reality is that not being consistent with your retainer wear can

have some real consequences for your smile. Here’s why:

When your braces come off or you complete your clear aligner treatment, your teeth aren’t fully

locked into their new positions. The bones and the ligaments surrounding your teeth are still

adapting to this new positioning, and are still applying forces to your teeth that can cause them

to shift. Your teeth naturally want to move back to their original positioning.

Your tool for preventing this from happening? A retainer!

Wearing retainers after braces or after clear aligners isn’t optional. It’s the device that’s going tokeep your new smile in place. Think about all that you’ve gone throughduring your orthodontic

treatment: the time, the effort, the investment....and now you have a beautiful smile! So protect

it! And as we’ll talk about in the next sections, wearing a retainer isn’t as bad as you might think.

How Long Do You Have to Wear Retainers After Braces or

Aligners?

So, how long do you wear a retainer after braces or clear aligners?

Retainer wear can really be broken down into two phases.

Phase I: Full-Time Wear

Every case is unique and after removing braces, how long you wear a retainer full-time depends

on a range of factors, including the complexity of your case. For example, if treatment required

significant bite correction or a lot of movement of your teeth, then a longer full-time retainer wear

period may be necessary. It can also depend on how your body responds to treatment.

Ultimately, this period lasts anywhere from a few months to a year, and “full-time” can be defined

as wearing your retainer around 20 to 22 hours per day. So, you’re probably thinking how long

can I leave my retainer out to eat? During this phase, it’s best to keep removal time under 2

hours per day. This will give your teeth the extra stability they need while all of the surrounding

bones and tissues settle into place.

Phase II: Night-time Wear

Once your orthodontist tells you it’s okay, you’ll transition from full-time wear to wearing your

retainer only at night.

From here, how long should retainers be worn after braces? You’ll wear your retainer

indefinitely, because your teeth are always going to want to shift.

So, should I wear my retainer every night? Yes. By wearing your retainer nightly, you’ll ensure

everything stays in place, and your smile stays looking great for years to come.

Are Retainers For Life?

Even after that explanation you’re probably wondering: do I really have to wear my retainer for

the rest of my life? Are retainers for life? Can I stop wearing my retainer after 2 years or so?

What happens if you stop wearing your retainer? Nothing, right?

Unfortunately, if you stop wearing your retainer, your teeth will inevitably shift. It might not be dramatic at first, but gradually the results you worked so hard to get will change for the worse.

So, if you want to keep your smile looking as beautiful as it does at the end of treatment, it’s

important to wear your retainer every night. Consistency is key!

And it’s really not as inconvenient as it sounds when you put it into perspective.

Putting Lifelong Retainer Wear Into Perspective

Wearing a retainer for life can feel intimidating at first, but once you make it a part of your

routine, it quickly becomes something you hardly even think about.

Do you stress about having to brush your teeth twice a day? Exactly, it’s just a part of life. Soon

wearing your retainer will just be part of what you do.

Plus, it’s not like you have to wear the retainer around during the day for the rest of your life.

You’re asleep when you’re wearing it! Ready to go to bed? Just pop it in and off to sleep you go.

Super easy!

How Long Can I Go Without Wearing My Retainer?

Oftentimes patients ask: what happens if I stop wearing my retainer for just a short time? How

long can I go without wearing my retainer?

It obviously depends on the individual, but even a few weeks of not wearing your retainer can

make it difficult to get it back on comfortably. This is because your teeth will begin to shift and

the longer you go without wearing it, the more movement there will be.

Important Note: If you’ve gone a while without wearing your retainer and it doesn't fit well

anymore, it’s important to reach out to your orthodontist. Your orthodontist will be able to

correctly determine the best path forward and see if your retainer needs to be re-made. If you

are able to force the retainer in and it feels tight but acceptable, then you can typically go back

to full-time wear for a few weeks, and the teeth will often return to where they were

before, depending on how long you went without wearing retainers and how much they moved.

How Long Do Retainers Last?

Something else that a lot of people wonder is how long do retainers last and how often should

retainers be replaced?

We’ve focused this blog primarily on removable retainers in order to highlight the importance of wearing your retainer consistently and getting into a good routine. But in actuality there are two

types of retainers: removable and permanent.

In the removable retainers bucket, there are two common models. Essix retainers (the clear

plastic type) and Hawley retainers (custom acrylic arch with metal wires that wrap around teeth).

A permanent retainer, on the other hand, is a thin wire bonded to the back of your front teeth.

Let’s break down how replacement timelines vary for these different models:

How long do clear retainers last?

Essix retainers typically last 1 to 3 years with proper care.

How long do Hawley retainers last?

A bit more durable than Essix retainers, these typically last 5 to 10 years.

How long does a permanent retainer last?

While the name might beg the question of do permanent retainers stay in forever? In reality, a

fixed or bonded retainer has a limited life span, and it is often difficult to predict how long it will

last. It could break off in less than a year, or it could last 10 to 20+ years. It’s important to have it

monitored during regular dental checkups to verify that it isn't becoming loose.

Regardless of the type of retainer you have, caring for your retainer properly can go a long way

in extending its life as long as possible.

Conclusion

So to answer the main question of the blog, how long are retainers worn for? The truth is, you’ll

be wearing them for the long haul.

But no need to stress, because once you’ve developed the habit, it’ll fit seamlessly into your

routine and come as second nature like all of the other little things you do on a daily basis.

Spending a few seconds before bed to pop in your retainers is a small price to pay to keep your

smile looking good for years to come!

If you haven’t started orthodontic treatment and are looking for an orthodontist in Bakersfield,

CA, or have any remaining questions about how long you have to wear a retainer, then reach

out to us, and we can help you out with your orthodontic needs.

What is a Palatal Expander? Understanding Its Role in Orthodontics

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:22:40 GMT

Our lives are filled with milestones measured by turning a certain age. Maybe it’s turning 13 and

being old enough to see a PG-13 movie in theaters, or getting your driver’s license, or turning

18 and finally being an adult. Now, as you replay in your mind all of your significant birthdays,

does the age of 7 come to mind? Probably not.

But that doesn’t mean this isn’t an important birthday. In fact, in the world of orthodontics, this is

the most important birthday of all, so much so that we call it “the magic age of 7”. Around age 7,

your child’s mouth is undergoing all kinds of developmental changes, from a changing jaw

structure to the emergence of permanent teeth. Because of all of these changes, it's often the

perfect time for an early evaluation with an orthodontist.

While everything might look good and on track, there are certain issues that can quietly start

developing that a parent wouldn’t be expected to spot, but that an orthodontist can catch early.

One of the common issues that orthodontists look for at this age is a narrow upper jaw. This

might not be a super obvious problem at first, but as more of your child’s permanent teeth come

in, it can set the stage for a wide range of issues like crowding, bite misalignment, and teeth

getting “stuck” as they erupt.

The good news is that by catching this issue early, there’s a tool that can help guide growth in

the right direction: the palatal expander.

So, what is a palatal expander? Simply put, it’s a mouth appliance that gently widens a person’s

upper jaw, creating additional space where needed.

In this blog, we’ll do a deep dive into what expanders do, why orthodontists use them, and how

they can make sure your child’s orthodontic care is on the right track from the beginning. If

you’re a parent looking for a quality orthodontist in Bakersfield or you need some helpful info on

palatal expanders, you’re in the right spot, so let’s get started!

What is a Palatal Expander?

A palatal expander or a palate expander is a custom-made mouth appliance that is designed to

gradually widen the upper jaw. The device anchors onto the back molars with small metal

bands, and then runs along the roof of the mouth where a small keyhole in the middle allows for

the device to be cranked incrementally.

The reason a palatal expander is effective on children is because everyone has two palatal

bones that don’t typically fully fuse together until the mid teenage years. What an expander

does is it applies slow and controlled pressure to the back molars, pushing apart these two

palatal bones that haven't fully fused. This allows new bone to form in the newly created space,

ultimately making the jaw wider. This is why it’s important to identify a narrow upper jaw early.

Most children wear a palatal expander for about 6 months, with a period of active expansion

(turning the key daily or as instructed), followed by a stabilization period where the device stays

in place, allowing for the bone to fully solidify.

What is a Palate Expander Used For?

When people hear the words palate expander they often know it’s used to create more space,

but apart from that, what is a palate expander used for? What makes it such an important

orthodontic treatment option?

There’s actually quite a few benefits of widening a narrow upper jaw that can drastically improve

your child’s future oral health. So let’s get into them!

Creating Space for Crowded Teeth

This is the most obvious one. When the upper jaw is too narrow, there’s simply not enough

space for a person’s permanent teeth to come in. Expansion creates more space, and allows for

teeth to be guided into better positions more naturally.

Correcting Crossbites

A crossbite is where some of the upper teeth sit inside of the lower teeth. This issue can lead to

uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, and facial asymmetry. Luckily it can be corrected by widening the

upper jaw, so that the upper teeth sit properly aligned with the lower teeth.

Improving Bite Alignment

When the upper and lower jaw don’t fit together as they should it can be uncomfortable, painful,

and make certain daily functions, like chewing, difficult. If left untreated, it can also worsen or

cause long-term problems that are more difficult to treat.

Supporting Healthy Jaw Growth

By intervening early, when it’s clear there’s a problem, an orthodontist is able to guide your

child’s jaw development instead of needing to correct problems later. In orthodontics, prevention

and guiding growth are almost always going to be better options than correcting a problem later

through more complex and costly treatments.

Helping Airway Development

For some patients, a wider upper jaw can actually support better nasal airflow. This can be

important because if certain airway issues are left unaddressed they can manifest into a wide

range of problems from mouth breathing, to poor sleep quality, to changes in facial growth

patterns.

Palatal expanders are a common part of orthodontics for children, because they offer a

non-invasive way to guide growth and help prevent more serious issues from developing down

the line.

Types of Palatal Expanders

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all expander and your orthodontist will choose whichever is right for

your child. There are two main categories of palatal expanders:

Fixed Expanders

Fixed palatal expanders, also referred to as rapid palatal expanders (RPE), are the most

common type of expander for children. They attach to the molars and stay in place throughout

treatment. Parents are then responsible for consistently turning the key at whatever frequency is

instructed by the orthodontist.

Removable Expanders

Removable palatal expanders offer, as their name suggests, an option that can be taken out.

They are used in specific situations, such as when small adjustments are needed. Even though

they’re removable, they should still be worn 24 hours a day, as consistent pressure on the teeth

is necessary for a successful outcome.

Your orthodontist will work with you to determine which of these orthodontic treatment options is

right for your child.

Benefits of Using Spacers for Teeth

People will sometimes get confused and think that spacers for teeth and palatal expanders are

the same thing, when in reality, they have completely different uses.

A palatal expander is used to widen the upper jaw, creating more space and improving how the

bite fits together.

Spacers for teeth, on the other hand, are small devices placed between specific teeth, creating

small gaps so that orthodontic bands or appliances can be placed without having to use a lot of

force.

Orthodontic Treatment Options For Children

We talked about this at the beginning, but it’s worth highlighting again: even if everything looks

fine with your child’s mouth, an early evaluation around the age of 7 can be really important.

That's why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every single child be

evaluated by an orthodontist at age 7. A lot is changing during this time, as the jaws develop

and adult teeth start to come in, and an orthodontist can spot early signs of crowding, bite

issues, or jaw development concerns.

Catching problems early often means that simpler, more non-invasive treatment options can be

used. Instead of waiting for an issue to fully develop, your orthodontist can guide growth and

make space in more natural ways. On the flip side, if a problem is left unchecked, it can develop

into a much bigger problem that is more difficult to correct. Treatment can go from something

simple and painless to something complex, invasive, and expensive.

A palatal expander is one example of a tool that is used in orthodontics for children, but it’s not

the only one. Depending on what issues are detected during your child’s orthodontic evaluation,

there are a bunch of other orthodontic treatment options that may be recommended.

- Simple monitoring of jaw growth and tooth eruption over time

- Habit appliances (for things like thumb-sucking)

- Growth guidance appliances- Limited braces or phase 1 treatment

An early evaluation doesn’t automatically mean that your child will need treatment. In many

cases, the orthodontist will just keep an eye on development and step in only when it becomes

necessary.

Conclusion

If your child is 7 years or older, and you’re unsure whether they could benefit from a palatal

expander or another form of early orthodontic treatment, the best step you can take is

scheduling an initial free consultation.

Many parents start their hunt for a quality orthodontist with a quick search of “orthodontist near

me,” but choosing the best orthodontist for your child isn’t just about location. What’s more

important is finding a practice that’s going to truly have your child’s best interests in mind, and

that takes a thoughtful and growth-focused approach to care.

At Cardall Orthodontics in Bakersfield, early evaluations help us establish a baseline for your

child’s oral health and development. From there, we can carefully determine if treatment is

needed, and if it is, when it should take place. Our goal is to guide growth at the right time,

taking a proactive, but never rushed, approach to orthodontics. This makes for simpler future

care and yields stable, long-term results.

Set up an early evaluation today, and we’ll make sure that whether your child needs a palatal

expander, some other form of orthodontic care, or just simple monitoring, they’re on the right

track!

How to Correct Gummy Smiles with Orthodontics: The Ultimate Guide to a Confident Smile

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:44:16 GMT

It’s a beautiful day on the beach and everyone gathers for a photo. The day’s been perfect and there’s big smiles all around.

Later that night you look at the photos. Despite the amazing backdrop of white sand and crashing waves, you can’t stop zooming in on your smile. And all you’re thinking to yourself is “why do my gums show so much?”

A “gummy smile” is a common aesthetic concern that many patients bring up during their orthodontic consultation. It’s not so much about chasing perfection, but rather wanting a smile that’s well balanced. Even if your teeth are healthy and straight, a disproportionate amount of gums showing can make your smile feel off.

The good news is that if you’ve been finding yourself searching for how to correct gummy smiles with orthodontics, you’re in the right place!

In this article, we’re going to explore a few of the things that can cause a gummy smile, along with some of the orthodontic solutions that can make a real difference.

What is a Gummy Smile?

So, what is a gummy smile anyway? In clinical terms, it's an excessive gingival display. In common terms, it just means there’s a noticeable amount of top gums showing in a person’s smile.

Some have tried to attach a number to the exact amount your gums need to be showing for a smile to be classified as a gummy smile. In reality, there’s not a true measure. What actually matters is how your smile looks and feels to you .

If you’ve already spent some time researching gummy smile causes, you’ve probably realized that there isn’t just one reason why this happens. There could be any number of factors from your teeth positioning, to how your jaws align, to the muscles around your lips, or any combination of these.

The key to figuring out how to fix a gummy smile is first figuring out the true cause of it. Once there’s an accurate diagnosis, it’s much more clear which gummy smile correction options make sense.

The Role of Smile Design Orthodontics

Done properly, orthodontics isn’t about just straightening teeth. The best orthodontists carefully consider how every piece of a person’s smile fits and works together. Tooth position, gum display, lip movement, facial features, and proportions all play a part in how a smile looks and feels. With smile design orthodontics, the goal is to bring harmony and balance to a person’s smile, creating a natural feeling result.

At Cardall Orthodontics, we focus on the gums a lot when designing treatment plans, regardless of whether the patient has a gummy smile or not. This is because the balance between your gums and teeth plays a big role in how polished your final result looks. After all, your gums are what frame your teeth.

This is where aesthetic orthodontics comes in, because the small details matter. Orthodontics isn’t just about giving you a healthy smile that functions well; it’s also about giving you a smile that feels great and gives you confidence as you navigate life.

An example of how we lean into aesthetic smile design, is after braces or clear aligners treatment we offer complimentary laser gum contouring, because once your teeth have settled into their final positions, it can reveal your gumline isn’t perfectly even. Laser gum contouring isn’t going to make it easier to chew or create a more comfortable bite, but it is going to help you feel even better about your smile and make it look more balanced, symmetrical, and polished.

When we’re determining the best gummy smile fix, our techniques and methods are rooted in smile design orthodontics. These principles become incredibly valuable for restoring your facial balance and giving you the best smile possible.

Treatment Options for Gummy Smiles

If you found this blog by searching something like “how to fix gummy smile” or “fix gummy smile,” then this is the section you’ve been looking for, so let’s get right to it!

Since gummy smiles don’t have a universal cause, gummy smile correction relies on first figuring out what’s causing it and then moving forward with a treatment that addresses the source of the problem. So what are some of these potential treatment options?

Braces and Aligners

Braces and aligners are a great place to start treatment when the cause of the gummy smile is the upper front teeth sitting too low.

Braces and aligners are designed in a way that allows forces to be applied in many different directions, so you can move teeth from side to side, rotate them, move them forward or backward, and even move them up into the gums. This vertical movement is called intrusion. By applying vertical forces to your teeth through braces or aligners, your teeth can be moved up slightly, which moves your gumline up, giving you a smile that’s more balanced.

TADs: A Non-Surgical Approach
When your upper front teeth require more vertical movement than can be achieved from braces or aligners alone, there’s another non-surgical orthodontic treatment method that can be used.

TADs, or temporary anchorage devices, are small, temporary anchors placed in the jaw bone that provide a stable point for vertical force to be applied. By placing this anchor point, a more controlled and more significant vertical movement of the upper teeth can be achieved. For the right patient, this can be a highly effective gummy smile fix that can reduce the need for surgical orthodontics.

Laser Gum Contouring

Tooth positioning isn't always the problem. One of the examples of this is when there’s truly an excessive amount of gums or an uneven gumline. When this is the case, laser gum contouring can be used to remove and reshape the excess gums, improving smile aesthetics and creating a more symmetrical smile.

Jaw Surgery

Jaw surgery comes into consideration when the gummy smile is a symptom of a more severe skeletal imbalance of the jaws. Not only could a jaw misalignment create an excessive gingival display, it could also cause all kinds of additional issues like uneven tooth wear, bite strain, difficulty chewing and even problems with speech.

For these types of cases, this is where functional orthodontics for patients who are still growing, or surgical orthodontics for more severe adult skeletal cases might enter into the conversation.

However, gummy smile surgery is less common than people think and there are a lot of situations where a pretty significant gummy smile can actually be corrected using more conservative approaches like TADs.

Lip-Focused Options: Botox and Lip Repositioning Surgery

There are other circumstances where the issue isn’t with the teeth, gums or jaw. Well what else is there? The lips of course!

In some cases, the problem is that the upper lip lifts higher than normal when you smile. This could be because the muscles are hyperactive, or because the lip is shorter than it needs to be to cover the gums.

One of the ways that patients might solve this issue is through Botox. In fact, what brought you to this very blog might be your research of gummy smile botox or botox gummy smile.

Botox for gummy smile treatment works by relaxing the muscles of the upper lip so that they don’t lift as high. This is an effective way to reduce gum show, but it is important to note that Botox is a temporary solution that only lasts a few months before needing retreatment.

Another option for addressing lip concerns is lip repositioning surgery. This procedure limits how much the upper lip is able to lift when you’re smiling and unlike Botox is a permanent surgical approach.

It’s important to figure out the true cause of your gummy smile, because if the underlying issues are structural then orthodontic treatment could create a better long term outcome. However, if the main reason for your gummy smile is truly an issue with the lip muscles, then these treatments of Botox or lip repositioning surgery could be a good way to bring your smile back into balance.

Conclusion

If you’ve been wondering how to correct gummy smiles with orthodontics, you should be able to walk away from this blog with a good idea of what causes a gummy smile, and what gummy smile correction options exist.

Maybe you’ll just need braces to fix your gummy smile, or maybe you’ll need a customized treatment plan that combines orthodontic treatment with other cosmetic dentistry solutions for a full smile makeover. Whatever the plan, an orthodontist is well equipped to diagnose the causes of your gummy smile and figure out which smile makeover techniques or aesthetic dental procedures will be required to get you the best result possible.

At Cardall Orthodontics, we carefully evaluate the relationship between your tooth position, bite alignment, lip movement, and facial balance. Once we’ve determined the underlying factors impacting your smile we are able to put together an effective treatment plan to help you achieve the smile you want.

So, if you’ve found yourself typing in the search bar, best orthodontist Bakersfield, and you want to explore what gummy smile correction could look like for you, then schedule a consultation with us today and we’ll help get you on a path to a brighter and more balanced smile!