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Every individual wants to have that perfect smile they have always dreamt of, without having to worry about the numerous inconveniences commonly attached with the traditional metal braces. Orthodontic treatments are known to revitalise your smile, heighten your self-esteem as well as build your self-confidence, which is why so much time and effort are invested into choosing the right braces for the best look.
There are varieties of cosmetic braces which you can easily select from, including ceramic braces. Although ceramic braces are not usually recommended for all orthodontics issues, they are proven to be effective in most cases.
Are you looking for a more aesthetically pleasing way to straighten your teeth? Read on, as in this guide, we will be unravelling all the information relating to ceramic braces.
Ceramic braces are made with white or clear ceramic materials and are of the same size and shape with the traditional metal braces. The ‘clear’ attribute of ceramic braces makes them almost invisible and are, in fact rarely noticed unless with a prolonged view.
Fixed ceramic brackets are often fixed to fit each affected tooth and are connected with a tooth-coloured wire which makes them less visible or less noticed.
Usually, orthodontic treatment with ceramic braces may last between 6- 24 months depending on how severe your dental issues are, while every check-up may take place every six weeks. During each visit, your orthodontist will check your treatment progress and make possible adjustments in cases where necessary.
Patients rarely experience any form of discomfort. Asides from the little sore-like pain they may feel a day or two after their braces are tightened up.
Some Ceramic braces embrace self activated technology that allows the wire to easily adjust while ensuring the whole treatment process is effective and fast.
With the upsurge in the number of dental braces in the UK, ceramic braces are often sought after and utilised for a number of reasons, including the below:
Ceramic braces have nearly the same components as metal braces and are in fact, as effective as metal braces. A major striking difference between the two is that while ceramic braces are made of clear or tooth-coloured ceramic, the traditional metal braces are made of metal. This means that the braces blend in with the teeth, and are in fact less noticeable from a distance.
Since highly advanced materials are often utilised, ceramic braces are often more expensive than traditional metal braces. Orthodontics patients using ceramic braces may need to restrict the kind of food they consume in order to avoid food particles from staining the clear or tooth coloured braces. These are often the major challenges experienced with ceramic braces. However, patients may decide to try a different combination of braces in order to cut the cost of their orthodontic treatment. In some cases, patients may only opt for the upper jaw, which is often the most visible part.
More so, your dentist may decide not to fit some ceramic appliance on the bottom jaw, especially in cases where the patients are exposed to dental issues relating to deep bite. In such cases, ceramic materials are often not the best shot as they are stronger than the teeth. This means that the teeth may break away if they knock against the brackets on the lower jaw. However, metal braces rarely result in Issues like this.
Basically, all braces require special care and attention when it comes to cleaning and taking proper care of them. It is often advised to follow your dentist recommendation on the best tools and techniques that are essential for removing food and bacteria in some specific part of the teeth. This whole process is, however, very important to ensure your teeth are not stained or result in other complications during the treatment process.
There are various alternatives to ceramic braces; they may, however, include the following:
Invisalign clear aligners simply refer to a subtle way of straightening the teeth, with the use of a series of clear plastic aligners to gradually move the teeth into a more straighter alignment. They are, in fact, great alternatives to ceramic braces since they are almost completely invisible. Invisalign treatment has been utilised in the past for numerous cases of orthodontics treatment covering both severe and less severe treatment issues.
Lingual braces are another major alternative to ceramic braces. However, they are made from a metal-like material and are usually hidden behind the teeth, so that they are very hard to detect. They are also customised to fit the individual’s dental issues. A major downside of lingual braces is that they are often more expensive when compared to other treatment options and far more difficult to maintain and clean your teeth.
Other orthodontics treatment options asides from braces may include veneers
Veneers are best utilised for people with crooked and discoloured teeth, or for patients with mild gaps. The resulting effect is natural and beautiful looking teeth, giving them a wide range of advantages over braces. Patients who utilise veneers for their orthodontics treatment rarely experience any form of food restrictions, since they are largely resistant to wear and tear.
Despite the fact that they are often referred to as ‘white ceramic braces’, the braces are actually made with tooth-coloured like material, such that they are constructed to match the colour of your teeth completely since most teeth are naturally off white.
More so, with different varieties of brands in the market, it is possible to get sets of brackets that are made to match the shade of your teeth, while others may come in standard shades that may not be a good replica or exact or complete match of your teeth.
Some orthodontics patients may prefer ceramic braces with coloured ligatures compared to the normal tooth coloured ceramic braces. They are easily customised to suit every patient preference. Ligatures are often replaced at every visit, which creates room for flexibility.
A lot of dentists select their braces from different braces brand in the UK. However, a number of factors determine the brands to be used; this may usually include factors like; price, quality, comfort, easy fittings and removal, customer service and treatment process.
Most of the commonly used brands in the UK may include the following;
The American radiance brace is made from an extremely strong material, with a glass-like appearance. Although they are one of the most expensive brands of braces, they are often the most sort after.
Damon clear braces are self-litigating and may rarely require any form of elastic. Most orthodontics patients prefer Damon clear braces because of the degree of comfort it provides to its users. Here, teeth move gradually under pressure, rather than braces being tightened in stages. The treatment process is also shorter when compared to others.
The clarity system utilises nearly transparent tooth-coloured brackets, which allow for easy removal when every treatment process is complete.
The inVu braces are often customised to match your teeth Colour. They also come with tooth-coloured wires. The wires are metals and are often coated in Teflon. A significant downside of this brand of braces is that it is sometimes possible for the wire to become scratched and thus, revealing the metal underneath.
Since virtually all dentist are allowed to fix their prices, there is usually no fixed price for most private dental treatment. However, it is important to get quotes from at least 2 to 3 dentists if possible; this will give you a vivid or clear view of the different rates and charges peculiar to your area.
Notwithstanding, here is a quick estimate for the most commonly used brands of ceramic braces;
| Treatments | Prices |
|---|---|
| Radiance plus | ranges between £1800 to £4000 |
| Damon clear | ranges between £1500 to £2750 |
| Clarity | ranges between £1700 to £3500 |
| InVu | ranges between £1800 to £3500 |
Having received few reviews from most ceramic braces users, report has it that they rarely constitute any form of inconveniences or discomfort. However, since more people are more familiar with metal braces, compared to ceramic braces, curiosity may make people have a closer look in your mouth in order to ascertain what is in there.
However, such cases may not necessarily arise when metal or clear aligners are used. More so, to achieve maximum result, proper care should be given to your braces.
No doubt, the materials employed for each ceramic brackets are designed in such a way that they are resistant to stain. However, there are chances that the elastic bands utilised on each bracket may get stained especially with greasy and coloured food and drink. Extra attention and care should be taken to keep your braces clean, just the way you take care of your teeth. This means that brushing and flossing your braces are essential. You may also need to follow your dentist recommendations and advise on reliable tools for cleaning your braces.
It is also important to avoid foods and drinks that may stain your braces; drinks such as coffee, blueberries, blackberries and red wine should be avoided when your braces are on.
In some cases, patients are often advised to stay away from hard and crunchy foods that may not only affect the braces adversely but may also lead to other dental issues.
If you are also considering whitening your teeth, it is best to wait until your teeth are correctly straightened, and your braces are removed. With the braces on, it may be difficult to get into every part of the teeth.
Teeth whitening are often used to lighten and remove every form of discolouration in the teeth. It helps to complete the aesthetics of your smile, which is why most orthodontics patients may want to consider whitening their teeth during each treatment process.
However, for better or sufficient result, it is often advised to wait until your braces are removed and your treatment process is complete, this avoids inefficiencies, since the braces may avoid your whitening tool from getting into some vital areas of your teeth. It is also very essential to mention that whitening toothpaste should be avoided while wearing your braces.
We have been able to make important inclinations with regards to ceramic braces and other alternative braces that are often utilised during orthodontic treatment. However, in order to make a suitable choice that is geared towards revitalising your smile, it is important to take proper consideration of the cost, as well as the dental issues that need to be resolved since not all braces are best known to resolve every dental issue.
Although, in some cases, it is best for your dentist to make proper recommendations, with regards to the degree and type of dental complications that are to be resolved.
We hope this article was quite informative in helping you make suitable decisions on how to get your teeth straightened.