What are clear ceramic braces?
The traditional method of orthodontic treatment, which uses brackets and archwires to move teeth into position, is still in use today – and for good reason. It gets results. However, orthodontic technology has continued to advance and now provides patients with more discreet options. Clear ceramic braces are one of them.
Made of clear ceramic blocks and a thin metal wire, ceramic braces are fitted to the front surface of your teeth and offer a perfect compromise between metal braces and lingual appliances.
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How do ceramic braces work?
Ceramic braces work just like traditional metal braces do, and have the same strong and durable qualities. They also have the added benefit of enabling you to feel more confident throughout your treatment due to the aesthetic nature of the brackets. It is important to be aware that this method of orthodontic treatment can be more expensive because of the material used. The ceramic brackets are also more fragile and treatment time can be longer, but the results are worth waiting for.
Clear ceramic braces for the image conscious patient
The thought of having a mouth full of conspicuous metal can quite rightly put people off having orthodontic treatment. For teenagers, it’s the last thing they want during those ‘self-conscious years’ and for adults, it can feel a bit embarrassing needing orthodontic treatment ‘at that age’.
Clear ceramic braces which blend in with the natural colour of your teeth have a number of benefits for these groups of patients, such as:
- Tooth coloured material makes them a very discreet treatment option
- More aesthetically pleasing than traditional metal braces
- Material won’t stain over time so they’ll remain discreet throughout the duration of your treatment
- Based on the traditional method which means they’re effective
- Comfortable to wear and less irritation to the gums than traditional metal braces.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between fixed braces and ceramic braces?
- The main difference is the appearance! Clear ceramic braces work in the same way as metal fixed braces, have the same strength and durability, and provide the same results. Ceramic braces may take slightly longer to achieve your final results, but they are just as effective as traditional fixed braces.
Are clear ceramic braces painful?
- You may experience some discomfort when your braces are first fitted, and each time they are tightened, but generally, ceramic braces are more comfortable than the metal equivalent. We use high quality ceramic material for the rounded brackets, which will not irritate your gums or cause any soreness on your cheeks like metal can.
Can my clear ceramic braces become stained?
- The ceramic brackets won’t stain or discolour, but the ligatures (elastics) used to keep the wire in place can. If you enjoy a lot of tea, coffee, red wine, curry or are a smoker, your ligatures can change colour, making your braces more visible. You may wish to avoid consuming too many dark foods and drinks to avoid this, but we can replace the ligatures at your regular adjustment appointments and remove the discoloured element.
Will other people be able to tell I have clear ceramic braces?
- Clear ceramic braces are discreet, but not virtually invisible in the same way that clear aligners are. However, as they are tooth coloured, they are able to blend in much more effectively, and are less noticeable than metal. They are an ideal choice for people who are looking for all the benefits of fixed braces but in a more aesthetic way.
What happens if my ceramic bracket breaks?
- As ceramic is more fragile than metal, the brackets are more likely to become damaged or break off. If this happens, please don’t panic! Contact us as soon as possible and we can arrange an appointment to repair or replace the bracket.