Ceramic Braces
If you’re ready for straight teeth and a beautiful smile, ceramic braces are a great option.
As with every type of braces, teeth are straightened by applying pressure over time. Brackets are cemented on your teeth and connected via wire. The dentist or orthodontist tightens these wires gradually to adjust your teeth, jaw, and bite.
The materials used in ceramic and metal braces are different. Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires, typically dark gray in colour. Ceramic braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets made of ceramic. Clear wires are also often used with ceramic braces, to further decrease visibility.
The Benefits
of Ceramic Braces
Discreet
Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces, but the brackets / wires are less noticeable – as the ceramic material used for these braces is clear or tooth-colored, instead of metallic silver or gray.
Many people opt for ceramic braces for this reason. They feel far less self-conscious wearing their ceramic braces, especially important if they attend college or have a full-time job.
Fashionable
You can also choose a “special colour” for your ceramic braces, to make a fashion statement. Turquoise blue or orange or magenta, you can have fun with ceramic braces that match. You can get them in any colour imaginable!
Treats Severe Dental Problems
Invisalign isn’t effective for severe misalignment or malocclusion (crooked teeth). Ceramic braces (and metal braces) are very effective in treating these conditions.
However, ceramic braces move teeth less quickly than metal braces and clear aligners. You’ll likely wear ceramic braces from 18 to 36 months, whereas Invisalign can take over a year to straighten teeth – even when teeth don’t require much correction. Metal braces take less than a year up to three years to correct teeth.
Caring for Your
Ceramic Braces
Traditional metal braces are made of stainless steel, so they are resistant to staining. Ceramic braces are porous, so the tiny holes can absorb stains from food and drinks. Also, the small elastics (also called ligatures) attaching the wires to the brackets are prone to staining.
If you get ceramic braces, you’ll have to be careful about drinking coffee and tea, as well as eating tomatoes, blueberries, and other foods that stain. Smoking also stains teeth as well as ceramic braces.
As with any type of braces, it’s important to be careful with dental care. Plaque and food debris can build up around the brackets, which can cause tooth decay.
The Cost of Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are typically more expensive than traditional metal braces. But for those who want less noticeable braces, the cost is often considered worth it. Also, ceramic braces are often less expensive than Invisalign or other clear aligners.
The cost of ceramic braces will depend on your location, orthodontist, and severity of problems requiring correction. Correcting your bite helps to avoid these concerns:
- Jaw problems
- Chewing or speech problems
- Enamel wear
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Tooth loss
Like other braces, ceramic braces generally aren’t covered by healthcare or dental insurance plans – if you’re getting them for cosmetic reasons. However, if the braces are for the correction of a severe malocclusion or other dental condition that inhibits normal oral functioning, they may be covered by insurance..
While braces can be expensive, they are priceless in the confidence and self-esteem they provide – and they can prevent complications caused by crowded, misaligned or crooked teeth.
Who’s a Good Candidate for
Ceramic Braces?
Ceramic braces are a good choice if you want your braces to be subtle. However, ceramic braces aren’t as durable as metal braces – so brackets need to be replaced more often to keep them from breaking under pressure. This means the straightening process might take longer, as the orthodontist will need time to fix broken brackets, causing delays.
One study found that ceramic braces are twice as likely to break than metal braces, even from normal contact from biting down.
Playing contact sports or other extracurricular activities that involve mouth movements – like debate, public speaking, or singing – increases the risk of breakage. For these people, it’s best to consider more durable metal braces as they won’t crack easily.
Final Thoughts
Ceramic braces are a great choice when you want to keep your braces subtle. But consider that they are a little less durable than metal braces – and can take much longer to correct your bite problems. Ceramic braces may also be more expensive, and they can stain more easily.
We can discuss your options in an initial consultation, to help you make the right choice for your lifestyle and needs. Ceramic and metal braces, as well as clear aligners, are all good options.
