01 May Ceramic Braces: Advantages & Disadvantages

If you are considering clear ceramic braces over traditional metal braces, Taunton Orthodontics recommends considering the potential pros and cons of ceramic braces before making your decision.

What You Should Know About Ceramic Braces

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment to correct misalignment or other issues with your teeth, your Whitby orthodontist – Dr. Singer or Dr. Shapiro may recommend braces. Ceramic braces are a popular alternative to traditional metal braces, as they are less visible due to their tooth-coloured ceramic or porcelain brackets, or sometimes plastic brackets. These brackets blend in with your natural teeth, making them less noticeable when you speak, smile, or laugh. Ceramic braces are often used on front teeth, but the specific placement will depend on your individual orthodontic needs. Clear braces, which are a form of ceramic braces, use wires and brackets to shift teeth into their new positions.

It’s important to consider factors like visibility, treatment length, cost, diet, and oral care when deciding between ceramic or metal braces. Invisalign clear aligners, which are transparent and removable, are a different type of orthodontic treatment. Aligners are custom-made to fit your mouth and help correct orthodontic issues.

How Braces Help

Ceramic braces may be a suitable option for correcting a variety of orthodontic issues, including misaligned bites, crowded teeth, and gaps between teeth. These braces consist of brackets made of ceramic or porcelain, which blend in with the colour of natural teeth and are less noticeable than traditional metal braces. The brackets are connected by a wire, which applies pressure to the teeth to move them into their proper positions. The length of treatment with ceramic braces can vary, but it typically takes between 12 and 36 months to straighten teeth with this type of orthodontic treatment. Before deciding on ceramic braces, it’s important to consider factors such as durability, cost, sensitivity, diet, and oral care.

Your orthodontist at Taunton Orthodontics can provide more information on whether ceramic braces are the right choice for you and your specific orthodontic needs.

Candidates for Ceramic Braces

You may be a good candidate for ceramic braces if you want a less noticeable option for orthodontic treatment and all of your adult teeth have erupted. The ceramic material used for the brackets may blend in with the color of your natural teeth, making the braces less visible. Additionally, having all of your adult teeth may lead to a shorter treatment time and a lower risk of brackets breaking due to the strain of tooth movement. If you’re interested in a less noticeable option for your orthodontic treatment, consider discussing ceramic braces with your orthodontist at Taunton Orthodontics.

Important Factors to Consider with Clear Ceramic or Metal Braces

Here are some factors to consider when deciding between clear ceramic or metal braces:

Visibility

Metal braces are made of metal brackets and wire, and while they have become less noticeable in recent years with a lower profile appearance, they are still more visible than ceramic braces. Ceramic braces, on the other hand, use tooth-coloured ceramic or plastic brackets that blend in with your natural teeth, making them less noticeable. Some patients may choose to use a tooth-coloured archwire with ceramic braces to further blend them in with their teeth. While metal braces offer the option of colourful brackets and bands, ceramic braces may be less noticeable in photos. It’s important to consider visibility and aesthetics when deciding between metal and ceramic braces.

Length of Treatment

The length of treatment with ceramic braces is generally between 12 and 36 months, which may be similar to the treatment time for metal braces depending on the severity of your orthodontic condition or bite problem. However, ceramic braces are not usually recommended for severe misalignment issues.

Cost

Ceramic braces may be more expensive than traditional metal braces. It is important to verify with your insurance carrier whether or not they will cover the added cost before deciding on a treatment option. While ceramic braces are typically less visible, they may not be the most effective option for correcting severe orthodontic issues. Traditional metal braces are usually the most economical choice for orthodontic treatment.

Durability

Ceramic braces are often considered more durable and long-lasting compared to traditional metal braces. However, the ceramic material used may be more brittle and prone to chipping or breaking in the event of injury or participation in high-impact sports or activities. Repairs to ceramic braces can also be more expensive than those needed for traditional metal braces.

Diet Changes

If you have ceramic braces, you should be careful about the foods you eat to avoid damaging your braces or staining the ceramic brackets. Some examples of foods to avoid include apples, candy, popcorn, and caramel. It’s also important to avoid foods or drinks that can stain the ceramic brackets, such as tomato sauce, cola, coffee, and tea. While metal braces are also prone to food getting stuck in their components, they are generally more durable and less likely to break or chip. It’s still important to be mindful of your diet to prevent any damage to your braces.

Irritation & Sensitivity

Some patients may experience mild irritation of their inner lips when wearing ceramic brackets, as they are slightly larger than traditional metal brackets. However, this is generally a minor issue for most people. If you have a particularly sensitive oral cavity, it may be worth considering this when deciding between ceramic and metal braces.

Maintenance & Oral Hygiene Care

If you decide to get clear ceramic braces, it’s important to keep in mind that they can become visibly dirty if food and plaque build up in their brackets and wires. To avoid this, we recommend practicing good oral hygiene habits and flossing after each meal to keep your teeth clean while wearing ceramic braces. Remember, the more you care for your braces, the more effective they will be in straightening your teeth.

Do you want to know more about the benefits and drawbacks of ceramic braces as an orthodontic treatment option? Contact Taunton Orthodontics to schedule a consultation and discuss your questions and concerns with an industryprofessional.