Are Ceramic Braces a good option?

 

Today orthodontic surgeries have taken a huge leap with the help of advanced technology and getting this treatment makes it much easier for the patient to solve the problem of the braces.

Ceramic braces are the form of advanced technology that allows you to enhance your smile. Ceramic braces are tooth-colored braces also known as clear braces consisting of ceramic braces and tooth-colored wires and are considered to be effective in the same way as metal braces.

Ceramic braces are less noticeable and are considered a good option for those who do not want to show metallic braces especially for adults, teens, and working professionals. These braces are an add-on advantage for people who cannot afford to go for Invisible braces & Invisalign treatment.

Who should opt for ceramic braces?

When you plan to straighten the teeth but don’t want to get the look of metal braces, then ceramic braces are considered a great option. It is generally opted by teens, working professionals, and adults.

Ceramic braces are bound to get stained easily, hence those people can opt who are responsible enough to avoid certain food and beverages and can take proper care of their braces.

Ceramic braces aren’t for everyone instead for those who are looking for reliable and effective orthodontic care which easily blends with your smile is an excellent choice for them.

Which conditions are treated with ceramic braces?

Ceramic braces treatment is often done with the same technology as metal braces but with the clear or tooth-colored brackets which are affixed to the teeth and connected with the help of flexible arch-wire and the orthodontist will re-align the teeth into proper positions by tightening and adjusting the wires.

There are different types of orthodontic conditions that can be treated with the help of ceramic braces known as malocclusions with each one requiring careful planning and expertise to treat on the same to achieve the healthy smile.

Common malocclusions treated with ceramic braces are excessive overjet, overbite, gaps between the teeth, crossbite, or crowded teeth. The treatment may take longer time due to the material used for the brackets.

Pros & Cons of ceramic braces

Pros:

1. Colorless or tooth-colored brackets are invisible to others.
2. Effective like metal braces with reliable technology.
3. Improves smile with more confidence and no metal look.
4. Cheaper than Invisalign treatment and Invisalign clear aligners.
5. More comfortable than metal braces, giving a smooth feel of brackets.

Cons:

1. Ceramic braces are more delicate and are likely to break easily than metal braces.
2. Costlier compared to metal braces.
3. Stains can be visible due to light color brackets.
4. It may cause damage to top teeth when worn on the bottom of the teeth.

Length and cost of the treatment

This treatment may take up to about a year and a half or even three years wherein compared to three years for normal braces. They aren’t durable and hence when the teeth move brackets are required to be replaced more often to keep them breaking under pressure leading to slower adjustment time.

The cost of the ceramic braces treatment depends on the orthodontist you are opting for and the city where you are getting treated. Treatment for the ceramic braces is higher compared to metal braces but lesser than the Invisalign clear aligners.

Ceramic Braces vs Traditional Braces

Ceramic braces and traditional braces overall use a similar design for achieving straight teeth and healthy smiles with the major difference being the material from which the brackets are formed.

Ceramic braces use polycrystalline alumina which can be either clear or of the same color as your tooth which is appealing for their discreet appearance and hence they are known as clear braces since the brackets are transparent whereas metal brackets are made up of medical grade stainless steel which is easily noticeable against the whiteness of the teeth.

Ceramic brackets are bound to get stained due to their lighter color and hence they should limit their intake of dark food and beverages such as tea, coffee, red wine, ketchup, curries, etc all these stains or discolor the colored brackets though you can drink with help of straw or brush the teeth immediately to reduce the risk of staining which is otherwise not an issue with traditional braces.

Ceramic braces if placed on the lower front teeth can cause the wear and tear of the enamel on the backside of the upper row of the teeth while biting or chewing the food due to the abrasive nature of the material through which they are formed.

Though there are genuine benefits to ceramic braces there is always a drawback compared to metal braces as they are less durable and the material isn’t strong as stainless steel. Hence it makes care and compliance very important with you aren’t allowed to eat any kind of crunchy foods or hard candies with ceramic braces having the risk of breaking.

To summarize the biggest advantage of ceramic braces is the subtle appearance which blends easily and seamlessly with your smile making it a clear winner compared to traditional braces.