Clear Braces

Ceramic Braces

If you’re considering having orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth and beautify your smile but are a bit apprehensive about the look and style of traditional metal braces, you’re not alone.

Many patients are not necessarily keen on the potential of having metal brackets, wires, and bands as a part of their smile, even for a short period of time. If this sounds like you, then we would like to tell you about other options that are available to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted, such as ceramic braces.

There are several key differences setting ceramic braces apart from traditional metal braces. While the actual treatment process is virtually identical to that of metal braces, there are a few things that need to be considered for patients with ceramic braces in order to get the best results, which we will explain further down this page. Let’s start things off by taking a closer look at ceramic braces and how they work.

Ceramic Braces Overview

Understanding Ceramic Braces

Clear Ceramic Braces

On the structural level, ceramic braces are essentially the same as metal braces. Both types of braces involve bonding brackets to your teeth, and those brackets hold the wires that straighten your teeth in place. The difference with ceramic braces is in the bracket itself. Instead of metal, ceramic braces are made of – you guessed it – ceramics. With ceramic braces, the brackets are available in a variety of colours, as well as clear and tooth coloured.

The obvious advantage of choosing ceramic braces is that they’re less noticeable. The main reason most people choose to get braces is to eventually have a more attractive smile, but the actual process of wearing them can make even the most confident among us self-conscious. Ceramic braces are much less visible, leading to fewer moments of awkward embarrassment for the patient, which is a major selling point for this type of braces.

Ceramic braces aren’t without their drawbacks. An informed decision means considering all the factors involved – including effectiveness, price, how they feel–and not just how good they look.  Also worth pointing out, traditional metal braces can interfere with MRI scans and will need to be removed before scans. Ceramic braces on the other hand are MRI safe and would not need to be removed. That being said, any metal parts would need to be removed before you’re able to undergo any scans.

PROCESS & PROCEDURE

What to Expect with Ceramic Braces

Ceramic Braces Treatment Process

When you come in to have your ceramic braces put on, we start with a final oral exam to make sure the teeth are clean and ready for your braces. If all is clear, we begin by attaching ceramic brackets to each tooth with a super high-strength bonding resin designed to keep the brackets in place. The resin is hardened with a blue light.

Next we’ll attach the molar bands, which are then anchored to your braces. The bands fit around your teeth and are also bonded with the same resin to make sure they can’t slip down the molar. The metal archwires you’ve selected will then be attached and secured to each bracket before trimming the ends to keep the wire from poking the back of your mouth.  With everything installed, now is your opportunity to take a minute and feel around with your tongue to make sure there aren’t any unusual sharp areas that need to be addressed.

This initial appointment lasts for about 2 hours for upper and lower braces. You may feel pressure as things are being installed and connected, but there shouldn’t be any significant pain or discomfort.

As for timing, wearing ceramic braces for one to two years is quite normal. This is the standard duration of treatment but depends greatly on the type of corrections being made, i.e. the more complicated the correction, the more time required to fix things.

Another important item to be aware of, is that the ceramic material is prone to temporary staining if you are a coffee, tea and wine drinker, however stains can be removed by dedicated cleaning. Other corrective options with less maintenance may be recommended for younger patients or adults who can’t commit to keeping brackets clean and stain-free.

Other Treatment Options

Ceramic Braces Alternatives

Why Ceramic Braces May Not be Right for You

There are reasons why you would want to consider other treatment options over ceramic braces, including:

• Cost – ceramic braces cost more than traditional metal braces and Invisalign braces.
• Pressure sensitive – ceramic braces can be damaged with too much pressure is placed on them. If your teeth require extensive treatment, metal braces may be a better solution.
• Strength – because the brackets are made from ceramic, they aren’t as strong as traditional metal braces. So if you’re into sports that could cause damage to them, or you’re into eating hard candies and other crunchy foods, you might want to consider metal instead.
• Larger brackets – the brackets used for ceramic braces are larger than traditional braces, so if you have sensitive gums, you may find them slightly more irritating.
• Staining – if you’re a major coffee nerd, or a red wine lover, ceramic brackets can stain – and while this can be controlled with thorough cleaning, metal braces obviously don’t share this trait.

Treatment Option Alternatives

If you’re looking for ceramic braces alternatives, here are some options to speak to your dentist about.

Fast Braces/Accelerated Braces – we understand that the reason you’re looking at ceramic is that they are clear, and more discrete, however if you’re willing to trade that discretion for speed, you might want to consider Fast Braces instead, as they’ll shave MONTHS off your total treatment duration.

Invisalign Tray Aligners – If the adjustments you’re looking for aren’t severe, Invisalign braces might be an option. After you’ve had your exam, your dentist will be able to tell you right away if they’re an option.

Traditional Metal Braces – If you’re looking to save some money, regular metal braces work exactly the same as ceramic braces, but cost much less.