These days, there are many alternatives to traditional braces, and ceramic braces are just one of them. Most notable for their clear or tooth-coloured appearance, this discreet alternative is an attractive option for those who want to straighten their teeth without the bulkiness of conventional braces.
But what are ceramic braces? How do they work? And what are their pros and cons?
Ceramic braces are largely made up of the same components as metal braces. But instead of using grey or silver brackets and wires, the parts are clear or tooth-coloured. This means they are considerably more discreet than conventional braces, and are thus an attractive option for those who are self-conscious.
The braces work by placing gentle pressure on the teeth so that they straighten over time. They are fixed to the teeth until the end of treatment, and require manual tightening every few weeks to ensure the teeth keep moving towards their best position.
Ceramic braces are a very effective form of orthodontic treatment, and can generally treat most forms of malocclusion, including:
However, the suitability of ceramic braces for a patient’s case will depend on several factors, including the severity of the malocclusion and the number of teeth they have. To find out if you are a good candidate for ceramic braces, you should speak to an expert dentist or orthodontist.
The price will vary depending on the patient’s malocclusion, but ceramic braces usually start at kr. 25.500, costing up to kr. 50.000kr and beyond. Their expensiveness can be attributed to the high-quality polycrystalline alumina used to create the braces, which gives them their tooth-coloured appearance. Such high prices make them considerably more expensive than traditional braces. However, those who favour discreetness are often happy to pay a premium.
If you are worried about the price of your orthodontic treatment, most dentists and orthodontists now offer financing options. You can book an appointment with a local expert by visiting our website. You may also wish to consider clear aligners if discreetness is your main priority, as they are virtually invisible and offer exceptional comfort.
One of the downsides of ceramic braces is that their elastic tie may stain. This means wearers need to be more diligent when it comes to food choices, and should brush their teeth after every meal. Should your ceramic braces become stained, your orthodontist may need to replace the brackets or ties.
Another downside of ceramic braces is that they may be more likely to break than metal braces. Accordingly to a 2016 study, ceramic braces are more than twice as likely to break than traditional braces, even from regular chewing.
Those who play contact sports may wish to consider a more durable or removable kind of brace that won’t get damaged easily.
Ceramic braces may cause a little discomfort after the braces are put on or tightened, but the pain usually subsides within a few days. Like with traditional braces, the small parts of ceramic braces may also cause pain if they get caught on the soft tissues of the mouth.
There are a number of alternatives to ceramic braces, including lingual braces, self-ligating braces, and clear aligners. Each different kind of orthodontic treatment has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it’s advisable to speak to a dentist or orthodontist before making a decision.
Ceramic braces may be an attractive option for you if you seek a discreet form of orthodontic treatment. However, they may not be the best solution for your case, and you should speak to a dentist or orthodontist first before making a decision. When you book an appointment with one of our experts, they’ll advise you on the most suitable option, and give you a reasonable estimate on treatment length and cost.
