In this guide, we explain what makes ceramic fixed braces different from other types of brace, what options are available in the US, and how much they cost. We hope you find all the information you need to make up your mind about whether this is the right type of brace for you.<\/p>
What are ceramic braces?<\/h2>
Think traditional metal braces<\/a>, only made from a white or clear material<\/strong> so they’re less obvious. Fixed ceramic brackets are bonded to each tooth and connected with an archwire. Sometimes the wire is also tooth-colored (or ‘frosted’) so the entire appliance blends in with the teeth. Small elastic bands called ‘ligatures’ hold the wire in place on each bracket – and they are usually the same color as the brackets as well.<\/p> During orthodontic treatment<\/a>, you will need to have checkups every 6-10 weeks. At these visits, your orthodontist will check the progress of your treatment and make adjustments to the wire to keep your teeth moving in the right direction. Total treatment time is usually around 18-24 months but this depends on the amount of correction needed.<\/p> Patients often find their teeth are a little sore for a day or two after their braces are tightened, but aside from that, there should be minimal discomfort.<\/p> Some ceramic braces use self-ligating technology<\/strong>. This allows the wire to automatically tighten and adjust itself, making the treatment process smoother on the teeth. It also means that no ligatures are needed since the brackets themselves clasp the wire.<\/p> Ceramic fixed braces come with a range of benefits<\/strong>:<\/p> Many people undergo orthodontic work because they feel self-conscious about their uneven teeth. But as well as the aesthetic benefits, straighter teeth are easier to clean. So any investment in braces is also an investment in your oral hygiene for the future.<\/p> Ceramic appliances use essentially the same components as metal braces<\/strong> and achieve much the same results. The difference is that the material used for the brackets is a clear or tooth-colored ceramic. This means the braces blend in with the teeth and are much less obvious from a distance.<\/p> Although still noticeable close-up, they can help people feel more confident about wearing braces. Teenagers and kids avoid any “metal mouth” taunts in the playground, while adults at work might feel that clear braces make them look more professional.<\/p> One of the biggest fears orthodontic patients have, young and old, is the prospect of having a mouth full of metal. It changes your look. So if a less visibly jarring alternative to traditional metal braces exists, why aren\u2019t ceramic braces the universal choice for treatment?<\/p> There are a few things to keep in mind about patients and their braces. Braces become part of the patient and many young patients prefer to make a choice. Metal braces are often a personal statement. <\/p> There are styles of braces: ordinary squares, stars, hearts, flowers, balls, super-diamonds and even Disney’s Mickey Mouse by WildSmiles braces. These stainless steel braces are noted for the opportunity to pick color ties to attach the wire. <\/p> Sometimes ceramic braces are offered with an extra fee. The elastic ties that hold the wire to the brackets can be stained by food and drinks and be more noticeable with ceramic braces than metal. <\/p> Another factor to consider is that it may take longer for your teeth to move into place with ceramic braces because they\u2019re more fragile and require more care by your orthodontist.<\/p> All of that being said, ceramic braces are a great option for many patients. They get the job done and they\u2019re less noticeable.<\/p> Dr. Clarke Stevens, Braces Omaha<\/strong><\/p> <\/div> <\/div> Because ceramic braces are made from more advanced materials, they usually cost more than traditional metal braces. Wearers may also need to be more careful with their diet, as clear or white ligatures can stain more easily. Aside from these considerations, ceramic braces don\u2019t have any major drawbacks compared to metal ones.<\/p> Some patients choose a combination of ceramic and metal braces, with ceramic brackets on the top teeth<\/a> and metal brackets on the bottom. This approach is often used for financial reasons, as the top teeth are more visible when smiling, while metal braces on the lower teeth help keep costs down.<\/p> Dentists may also recommend metal braces on the lower jaw for practical reasons, particularly if you have a deep bite. Ceramic brackets are harder than tooth enamel, so there\u2019s a higher risk of chipping if the upper teeth come into contact with ceramic brackets on the bottom teeth. Metal brackets don\u2019t carry this same risk.<\/p> Whichever type of braces you choose, good oral hygiene is essential. Braces can trap food and bacteria, so your dentist will show you the best tools and techniques for cleaning around them properly. Paying extra attention to cleaning is a small inconvenience that helps prevent staining, decay, or damage during treatment.<\/p> If you’re after an even more discreet way to straighten your teeth, there is the option of invisible braces such as Invisalign and Candid. These use a different system<\/a> consisting of a series of clear plastic aligners which fit over the teeth.<\/p> These are a great alternative to ceramic braces<\/strong> since they are almost completely invisible to the casual observer with the added bonus of being removable. However, you must have the self-control to wear them for 20-22 hours per day.<\/p> Invisalign treatment is suitable for 90% of orthodontic cases and the cost is usually equivalent to or lower than ceramic braces. The treatment duration is similar too, and you must visit your dentist for regular checkups. Read more about how much braces cost a month<\/a>. <\/p> At-home, or mail-order clear aligners are similar to Invisalign, except that they are 45\u201375% cheaper and don’t require any in-office visits. This makes them a popular choice for people who are on a budget or don’t have the time to visit their dentist every few weeks.<\/p> There are many brands available \u2014 read our separate articles including our ALIGNERCO review<\/a>, NewSmile braces<\/a>, and Smilelove which you can read about here<\/a>. If you decide to go down this route, we recommend using a brand like NewSmile, ALIGNERCO or Candid aligners<\/a>.<\/p> Check out some of the top brands below:<\/p> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2022\/08\/clear-ceramic-braces-300x200.jpg\"){kind=spacer}
Ceramic braces vs. metal braces<\/h3>
![\"Aesthetic](\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2017\/08\/Depositphotos_144800889_m-2015-300x200.jpg\")
Alternatives to ceramic braces<\/h2>
Invisible braces<\/h3>
![\"Clear](\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2016\/04\/ottawa-downtown-dentist-invisalign-1-300x242.jpg\")
At-home clear aligners<\/h3>
![\"Logo](\"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2024\/10\/aligner32-logo-6f6ab6bc-31a3-4cc0-a17a-da4a89231ca0.jpeg\"){kind=logo}
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