Ceramic Braces

There are so many options out in the world today for those who are looking to get their teeth straightened. Whether your teeth need straightening for cosmetic value or serious malocclusions that need correcting, from ceramic to traditional braces there are choices that you will need to make. The only way to make your decision is to understand clearly the value of each kind of braces on the market and to decide with an orthodontist what will be the best option for you.
Most people have seen metal braces on friends or family. Traditional braces are made up of a few basic parts: the metal brackets are attached to the front surface of the tooth with a special dental adhesive; through the brackets, an arch wire is threaded that connects all the teeth and creates an even and consistent pressure, moving the teeth into position; the small rubber bands are used to hold the wire on the brackets. Beside these fairly generic parts, many orthodontists will also use implements like larger rubber elastics, springs and metal spacers to make sure the teeth are properly aligned. Ceramic braces work in much the same way as the traditional braces.

 

Differences Between Traditional and Ceramic

Ceramic braces cost more than they are worth in the opinion of many patients who have paid for them. Ceramic appliances are much more brittle than metal braces, which means that they are weaker and cannot withstand the pressures that most orthodontists use to move the teeth as quickly as possible in the mouth.

 

Another problem ceramic brackets present is actually the danger of damaging teeth. Despite being brittle, ceramic brackets are actually a much tougher material than steel brackets. These brackets are also larger and harder to handle and place properly on teeth. In the placement and removal of the brackets, the abrasive ceramic material can easily damage the enamel of the tooth. Luckily, orthodontists developed procedures that can safely remove brackets using lasers.

 

The ceramic brackets, being the size they are, cover more of the tooth and are harder to clean, causing potential hygienic damage to a patient’s oral health. Ceramic and the bands holding the wires in also stain easily, and because they are clear, they can make the tooth appear stained.

Benefits

The first enticement that has made ceramic appliances more appealing to many patients who choose them is that they are much less obtrusive. Dentists can help a patient match the varieties of ceramic brackets made in both clear and tooth colored materials, helping to find what will blend the best with their teeth. Another feature that many patients appreciate is the greater level of comfort they enjoy. Ceramic brackets do not cut or irritate as much as steel brackets do. According to most patients and dentists, it is unlikely for ceramic brackets to ever fall off the patient’s teeth.

 

Often, finding the right braces revolves around cost, and as far as ceramics are concerned, they’re in the middle ground. Ceramic appliances are cheaper than Invisalign but more expensive than traditional braces, averaging somewhere around $5,000.

 

Ceramic braces are a great option for many youths who worry about the appearance of braces but are not considered candidates for Invisalign. Adults also appreciate clear ceramic braces and the comfort they provide through a long process. To learn more, talk to your orthodontist.