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How are ceramic braces better than metal braces?

By Dr. Nasar Abdul Wadood in Chief Doctor, Align Dental Care

January 24th, 2023


Metal and ceramic braces are comparable to each other, however, the brackets and wires used in ceramic braces are transparent or tooth-colored as compared to gray or metallic silver.

Many people choose ceramic braces because they are less noticeable on the teeth than metal braces. Both types of braces take the same amount of time to correct the teeth issues. The only difference between these two appliances is one is made of metal and the other is made of ceramic.

These ceramic braces can be a significant advantage if you are thinking about getting braces and don’t want to feel self-conscious about them.

What are ceramic braces?

Ceramic or clear braces are orthodontic appliances that are used to straighten your teeth and correct biting issues.

They are made out of rubber bands or clear tooth-colored wires they are attached to the surface of your teeth, giving them more discretion.

What are the advantages of clear ceramic braces?

Here are a few key points to consider when thinking about ceramic braces,

  • These clear or tooth-colored braces are made of ceramic material. They are available in various off-white shades that can be adjusted to match your teeth. There are also less visible colors like white available for the archwires that join the brackets. Therefore, they are less noticeable than metal ones.
  • Some people are hesitant to get ceramic bracers because they don’t believe they will be strong and endure the duration of the treatment without needing to be replaced. However, these types of braces are durable and will last the entire course of your teeth straightening treatment.
  • The ceramic braces are less painful on your gums and cheeks because the ceramic is not abrasive, according to those who have worn both ceramic and metal braces.
  • They move your teeth more quickly than transparent aligners (Clear braces). It takes between 18 to 36 months to straighten your teeth.
  • They are safe to wear and don’t need to be taken off for an MRI test. However, if the ceramic brackets contain any metal components such as stainless steel slots, you might need to remove that before taking any imaging test.

What are the disadvantages of wearing ceramic braces?

  • They cost more than metal braces.
  • Compared to metal brackets, ceramic brackets are larger. Because of this there may be more difficult to clean in and around the brackets which may result in swelling around the teeth, and receding gums if your toothbrush doesn’t reach the enamel and gum line.
  • According to some studies, these braces may quickly stain your teeth when exposed to substances like red wine, coffee, and cola.
  • They are slightly less durable than metal braces. Braces made of ceramic are more than twice as likely to fracture or break. Also, the procedure for removing the glue (debonding) is also known to harm the surface of your teeth (enamel).

Who can wear ceramic braces?

Anyone can benefit from ceramic braces. If you want to straighten your teeth and have problems with crowded, crooked, or misaligned teeth, ceramic braces may be the best choice.

This guarantees prompt correction and reduces the risk of brackets breaking from the pressure of teeth movement.

This less-noticeable option can be worth the extra money if you’re self-conscious about the appearance of traditional braces.

Exceptions

For people who regularly participate in contact sports, these braces might not be the best option. Even if contemporary ceramic is strong and resistant to cracking, these brackets might be more likely than metal to break while being used for sports.

Are ceramic braces more expensive?

The fact that ceramic braces are more costly than traditional braces and less expensive than clear aligners. They might range in price from various factors like where they are placed, and how long the treatment will last. 

Take away

When straightening your teeth ceramic braces are quite effective and provide discretion. Ask your dentist if these types of braces are a good option for you if you need to get braces.

Moreover, don’t hesitate to reach us if you have any concerns about braces or any other dental procedure.

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