Ceramic Braces

Everything You Need to Know About Ceramic Braces

Almost everyone loves straighter teeth, but not all are comfortable wearing visible metal braces. A popular alternative to the traditional metal braces is ceramic braces.

They are less noticeable, and you can also choose Invisalign clear aligners. They are almost invisible and can also help straighten your teeth.

We have put together this article to help you understand what ceramic braces are, what makes them different from other braces, what to expect when you fix them, and the available options in the UK.

We believe that the information we have put together in this post will help you make up your mind on the right type of brace that suits you.

What are Ceramic Braces?

Ceramic braces are similar to the traditional metal braces, but the difference is that they are made from clear or white materials. This makes them less obvious when compared to metal braces. Fixed ceramic braces are bonded to each tooth and connected with the help of an archwire. Sometimes the wire has the same colour as the tooth (or frosted).

This makes the entire brace blend with your teeth. Ligatures, which are small elastic bands, are used to hold the wire in place on each bracket. They also have the same colour as the bracket.

During this orthodontic treatment, you will have to go for check-ups every 6 to 10 weeks. Each time you visit, your orthodontist will check the progress of the treatment and adjust the wire so that the teeth can move in the right direction.

The total time required for treatment is usually about 18 to 24 months, but this can vary depending on the amount of correction that needs to be done on your teeth. Patients always experience sore teeth for a day or two after their braces are tightened. Apart from this, there are also minimal discomforts.

Some ceramic braces have self-ligating technology. This means that the wire can tighten and adjust itself automatically. This makes the treatment process smooth for the patient. It also eliminates the need for ligatures since the brackets are capable of clasping the wire. Fixed ceramic braces have some benefits, and some of them are:

  • The ceramic material is strong and durable. This prevents it from breaking or chipping easily.
  • It is a discreet way to straighten your teeth
  • It can treat a lot of teeth alignment problems, including severe overbite and underbite
  • It is suitable for both adults and teenagers

Many people choose to undergo orthodontic treatment because they are self-conscious about their teeth. This treatment helps to boost one’s self-esteem and confidence.

It boosts their oral hygiene because straighter teeth are easier to clean. Any money invested in quality dental brace is a good oral health investment for your future health.

Ceramic Braces vs Metal Braces

The components of both types of braces are essentially the same. Even their treatment methods and results are also the same. So you can choose to go for either the metal braces or the ceramic ones.

The only difference between ceramic and metal braces is the nature of the material used for the brackets. In ceramic braces, clear or tooth-coloured ceramics are used. This makes the braces blend with your teeth and make it less obvious when you are being looked at from a distance.

Ceramic braces are still noticeable when someone is closer, but they help people get more confident about wearing braces. This option is good for teens and kids who can be bullied at school and called “metal mouth”.

Adults working in cooperate organisations believe that these clear braces make them appear more professional. Right now, more advanced materials are used in making ceramic braces. This makes it more expensive than metal braces. People wearing ceramic braces will have to be careful of the food they eat to prevent staining the white or clear ligatures.

These are the only real drawbacks ceramic braces have when compared to metal braces.

Combining Ceramic Braces and Metal

In some cases, both metal and ceramic braces are combined for patients. This is mostly due to financial reasons. Ceramic braces are more expensive than their metal counterparts. Some patients can only afford ceramic braces on one jaw and use metal on the second jaw. In this case, the ceramic is usually fixed on the top jaw which is more noticeable, while the metal brace is fixed on the lower jaw. Although in some cases, the orthodontist might choose not to fix the ceramic brace on the lower jaw.

This usually happens in the case of a deep bite. This is done to protect your teeth because the ceramic is stronger than your teeth. Your teeth can chip if they knock against the brackets on the lower jaw.

Metal brackets do not cause this problem. It is important to note that both types of braces (and even all braces in general) need special attention when it comes to cleaning them and cleaning your teeth also.

Your orthodontist will educate you on the appropriate tools and techniques to use in cleaning them and your teeth. This will also help you know how to remove food and bacteria in tricky places. Though this is an inconvenience, it is worth it. This will boost your oral hygiene and ensure that your teeth are not stained or damaged while wearing braces.

Alternatives to Ceramic Braces

Invisalign clear aligners

If you prefer a more discreet way to straighten your teeth, then you can go for Invisalign braces. These are invisible braces that make use of a different system that consists of clear plastic aligners fitted over the teeth.

This is a great alternative to ceramic braces. They are almost invisible to a casual observer, and they are removable. However, if you want to get your desired teeth alignment, you must be disciplined to wear them for 20 to 22 hours every day.

The price for Invisalign braces is equal to or less than ceramic braces. It is suitable for about 90% of orthodontic cases. If you want an Invisalign aligner, feel free to contact or come to our office.

We will discuss your options and compare the prices of different brands for you.

Lingual braces

This is another good alternative to ceramic braces. It is similar to metal braces in that it is made from metal. However, it is fixed behind the teeth, and this makes it difficult to detect.

They can be custom-made to give you a more accurate result, but they are more expensive than other options.

Types of Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are of three main types, and these are:

Clear ceramic braces

This type is made from ceramic or plastic (polycarbonate). The clear ceramic brackets are made up of an aluminium compound which makes it stain-resistance and more durable than polycarbonate.

If you have naturally white teeth, clear braces will be a good option for you. Their transparent material will disappear on the surface of your teeth.

The clear ceramic brackets would not stain easily, but the clear ligatures will. Even though they will be changed at every checkup, you should still take extra care in what you eat and drink.

This will reduce your risk of staining.

White ceramic braces

Even though they are called “white”, these braces are coloured to be the same with your teeth. They would draw attention to the real colour of your teeth if they were pure white. White ceramic braces are ideal against teeth that have a slightly darker shade. The whitish colour of these brackets is created with a different aluminium compound.

There are quite some brands available. With this, you can be able to get the bracket that matches the shade of your teeth. Some brands come in standard shades that might not be an exact match for your teeth colour.

The brackets might not stain but the elastics might, just like clear braces.

Coloured ceramic braces

You can decide to jazz up your ceramic braces by using coloured ligatures. Most people choose ceramic braces because they want it to be as unnoticeable as possible, but you can personalise yours if you want to.

You can personalise ceramic braces just as metal braces are personalised. Your orthodontist will give you a range of coloured elastics to choose from.

Your ligatures will be replaced at every visit. This will give you plenty of chances to change your look.

Brands of Ceramic Braces in the UK

There are different brands of ceramic braces in the UK. Different orthodontists and dentists choose to work with different brands for some reasons.

For example, the choices the dentists make are influenced by the price, the comfort, quality, availability, removal, ease of fitting it, and customer service.

Some of the most common brands of ceramic braces in the UK are:

  • InVu
  • Damon Clear
  • Clarity (SL and ADVANCED)
  • Radiance Plus

Most dentists offer one brand while some offer two. If you need a particular brand for a specific reason, you may have to check beyond your local clinic.

Damon Clear

Damon clear braces have a self-ligating system. This eliminates the need for elastic ties, and they are less likely to stain. Many patients go for self-ligating braces because they are more comfortable.

It doesn’t require the braces to be tightened in stages as the teeth move gradually under constant pressure. This system also has a slightly reduced treatment time when compared to others.

It needs fewer checkups, and they are highly suitable for people who want the fast result within a time frame.

Radiance Plus

These are imported from America; they are very strong because they are made of sapphire, the nest strongest substance to diamond. They have a glass-like appearance, and this makes them the clearest braces available in the market.

They are also one of the most costly braces available.

Clarity

This system is manufactured by 3M, and it makes use of translucent tooth-coloured brackets. They are specially designed for a high level of comfort and easy removal on completion of the treatment.

They are self-ligating options and standard options.

InVu

These braces are tooth-coloured and made to match the exact colour of your teeth. Their standard version comes with tooth-coloured wires.

These metal wires are coated in Teflon. This makes the coating susceptible to chipping or scratching. This will reveal the metal beneath.

What is The Cost of Ceramic Braces?

In the UK, if you want to get ceramic braces for you or your teenager, you will have to pay for private treatment. Whereas, metal braces are provided in public healthcare centres to people who are under 18 and some adults who need them.

For private dental treatment, there is no fixed price. Every dentist is free to set their own rates. The table below is a quick guide showing the cost of ceramic braces in the UK.

 

Types of Braces

 

Costs Per Arch

 

Damon Clear

 

£1,500 – £2,750

 

Radiance Plus

 

£1,800 – £4,000

 

Clarity ADVANCED

 

£1,700 – £3,500

 

Clarity SL

 

£1,900 – £3,700

 

InVu

 

£1,800 – £3,200

 

Types of Braces

 

Material

 

Damon Clear

 

Clear

 

Radiance Plus

 

Clear

 

Clarity ADVANCED

 

Translucent, tooth-coloured

 

Clarity SL

 

Translucent, tooth-coloured

 

InVu

 

Coloured-matched (tooth-coloured)

 

Types of Braces

 

Self-ligating

 

Damon Clear

 

Yes

 

Radiance Plus

 

No

 

Clarity ADVANCED

 

No

 

Clarity SL

 

Yes

 

InVu

 

No

The prices in the table are indicative only. It is advisable you get quotes from 2 or 3 dentists. This will help you get a better idea of the rates of the treatment you need in your area.

Life With Ceramic Braces

In most of the reviews we read about ceramic braces, most of the patients say they feel self-conscious about wearing braces.

However, it is essential to note that these braces are still noticeable to some degrees. But people are less familiar with white and clear braces, so they will have to take more prolonged glances at your mouth to know something is in there.

Much curiosity is not needed in the case of metal braces because they are so obvious.

Do Ceramic Braces Stain?

The materials used in making the brackets are designed to be stain-resistant. However, there is a probability that the elastic bands placed on each bracket can stain.

These stains come from certain foods and drinks. If you are paying extra money for ceramic braces that blend with your teeth, it is advisable to make an effort to keep them that way.

This means you have to brush and rinse your teeth after every meal and floss every day. You can also use interdental brushes. Your dentist will even advise you on the ideal tools to use in cleaning in between your teeth and around your braces.

You should limit your consumption of foods and drinks that can stain the ligatures or avoid them completely. Foods that can cause stains are:

  • Red wine
  • Coffee
  • Berries
  • Curries
  • Balsamic vinegar and soy sauce
  • Brightly coloured sweets
  • Tomatoes
  • Tomato-based sauces
  • Tea
  • Dark fizzy drinks like cola

In addition to this, your dentist can also tell you to avoid chewy, hard, and crunchy foods. This will protect your braces. You should also quit smoking; it stains your braces and increases your risks for oral problems.

Your ligatures are changed every visit. So if they get stained, you will have to leave with them for just a few weeks. Make sure you are up to date with your dental appointment.

The longer you skip appointments, the higher your chance of staining.

Teeth Whitening

You can also choose to whiten your teeth to make your smile beautiful. The perfect time to do this is when you’ve removed your braces.

This will help the teeth whitening agent reach all the places covered by braces. You won’t be left with dark spots on each tooth. You should also avoid whitening toothpaste when wearing braces.

Your Choice

You can decide to go for ceramic braces or metal braces. Your budget and aesthetics can influence your choice. All braces function in the same way.

However, if you want a more discreet way of straightening your teeth, you can consider Invisalign braces. You might even find out that they are more suitable for your case.

These clear aligners are invisible, so most people won’t know you are wearing braces at all. The cost of Invisalign aligners is comparable to ceramic braces or less than it.

You can contact us 02071830903 to know if you are eligible for 90% of cases that are treated with Invisalign aligners. You can also pay us a visit in our office in Harley Street London.

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