Ceramic Dental Braces: The Benefits And Downsides

The most beautiful thing that you can wear without effort is your smile. However, some patients find teeth misalignment a hindrance for them to flash a friendly gesture. Good thing, technology gives a chance to everyone who wants to achieve beautiful teeth and optimal oral health. Ceramic dental braces are one of the modern solutions to crooked teeth. This dental appliance is similar to the traditional metal braces that you’ve already known. 

How do braces help you correct your teeth? 

What are braces for?

Teeth braces are orthodontic appliances that are traditionally made of wires and brackets. These components are what an orthodontist attaches to the patient’s teeth to help the bites move to the correct places. Throughout the treatment, the braces supposedly apply constant pressure to the misaligned teeth. This treatment lasts for at least a year and within the treatment period, the patient revisits their dentist to adjust their braces. The adjustment gradually shifts the placement of the bites. 

After orthodontic treatment, some patients will need retainers. Dental retainers are either made of plastic or wire and are for maintaining the new teeth position.  

Orthodontics aims to fix or prevent the following teeth issues: 

• Teeth gaps
• Overcrowding
• Misshapen teeth
• Crookedness or misalignment
• Overbites, underbites, and crossbites

Ceramic dental braces

Tooth braces have been around for more than centuries now and innovation just comes up with better ways to improve its functions. Today, patients no longer have to feel anxious about bulky and glaring brackets and braces wire. There are various types of braces now that are available to suit every patient’s dental needs. 

Ceramic braces look and function similarly to a traditional orthodontic appliance. However, the brackets of ceramic braces are either clear or tooth-coloured making it less visible than the metallic ones.

Aside from this, here are the benefits and drawbacks of ceramic tooth braces you should learn about.

Pros

• Less visible. 

As mentioned above, ceramic types can either match the colour of the natural tooth or be see-through. These qualities are the reason why most patients prefer this to traditional braces. It gives the patients a discreet way to undergo their treatment until they are able to reveal their beautiful smile.

• More comfortable.

The metal braces tend to give discomfort because food and debris often get stuck in their wires. Its pressure is also greater and at some times painful to the patient. However, ceramic braces materials are smoother letting food slip by easily. Its treatment doesn’t require much pressure, especially for minor malocclusion cases. More importantly, without worrying about its appearance, patients are comfortable wearing them and continue their daily lives. 

• Faster treatment period than Invisalign.

Both Invisalign and clear braces are suitable for mild orthodontic cases. However, since braces provide more grip and consistency, it is more reliable than Invisalign. Clear aligners are made of a thermoplastic material that is flexible and gives less pressure. That’s why ceramic braces usually guarantee a faster treatment period than Invisalign.

Cons

• Expensive.

Most probably because of its advantage in appearance, ceramic braces are more expensive than metal braces. On average, clear braces cost $1000 CAD to $2000 CAD more than the traditional ones. Although orthodontia services are a bit costly, some insurance companies cover costs if the treatment is necessary.  

• May cause sensitivity.

The ceramic brackets take a larger space on the tooth which can be a challenge in cleaning. If the toothbrush is not able to clean the gumlines thoroughly, there’s a tendency of developing gum issues. When bacteria builds up in the gums, it affects the tooth roots and leads to tooth or gum sensitivity. Make sure that you heed your dentist’s advice on how to care for your teeth with ceramic braces.

• Less durable.

Ceramic materials are brittle and less durable than metallic materials. In effect, it is vulnerable to foods that are hard and crunchy. Without proper maintenance, it could also chip or break. This is the reason why some patients who use this type frequent their dentists more for upkeep. 

• More susceptible to stain

The ceramic bracket itself does not easily discolour but the orthodontic elastics that surround it. The best thing to do is to avoid eating food and drinking liquids that have a stain. If it’s not helped, the stain on the elastic ties will remain until it is replaced which can be very unappealing.

Every look is beautiful in their own unique way. Nevertheless, wanting to enhance one’s appearance should not be frowned upon. It is an indication that you love and nurture yourself. Your Toronto dentist will help you attain that transformation by starting with your smile.