How to Know If Ceramic Fixed Braces Are For You

How to Know If Ceramic Fixed Braces Are For You

As the science behind dentistry has evolved over recent years, so have the braces that we are able to provide our patients with. One of the most sought-after innovations in orthodontics we’ve noticed surging in popularity recently has been ceramic fixed braces.

If you are looking to have your teeth straightened up, or to fix a misaligned bite; it’s no wonder you’ll want to read all the details you can about each of the types of braces available. So, here’s our handy guide to ceramic fixed braces.

What are Ceramic Fixed Braces?

Ceramic fixed braces work much the same as traditional metal braces do. One major improvement that makes them so attractive to our clients today is how much more subtle they are. Metal braces are often thought of as ‘unsightly’, and there’s the classic trope of teens in movies desperately trying to hide them away as a result. With ceramic fixed braces, your orthodontic fixtures are much less visible.

For those patients seeking confidence as they go through the process of straightening their teeth, we’d certainly recommend ceramic fixed braces. Other almost-invisible options include Invisalign. However, this isn’t recommended for more major shifts, as braces are the best way to make a more substantial change in the position of our teeth.

Are They Better than Metal Braces?

Ceramic fixed braces could be considered as an ‘upgrade’ to metal braces. This is because the ceramic, tooth-coloured brackets used are subtle. This makes ceramic fixed braces altogether less visible than their traditional metal counterparts.

Although they are more subtle, there may be some downfalls to ceramic fixed braces in comparison with metal braces. This all depends on what you value most. For example, ceramic fixed braces are naturally a bit more expensive than traditional braces. The ceramic materials used make up this additional cost.

Ceramic fixed braces, again due to the materials used, are less durable than metal braces. Ceramic is not as hardwearing as metal, so you may want to be a bit more careful with your eating habits if you opt for the more modern option.

In terms of effectiveness, ceramic fixed braces can move teeth just as well as traditional metal braces. Because of the nature of ceramic material and the fact it is less durable, your ceramic fixed braces will be adjusted slightly less than metal braces would be at each stage of the tightening process. The duration of your treatment may be the lengthened further as the result of broken brackets and the additional timeframes associated with any necessary repairs.

It’s worth considering whether you’d rather invest in subtlety and confidence with ceramic braces, or go for the more durable and inexpensive option with classic metal braces.

How are They Fitted?

Ceramic fixed braces will be fitted by your dentist or orthodontist.

First, they will apply a paste mixture to the teeth and wash them thoroughly. The ceramic brackets will be applied to the teeth using a professional dental glue, each with a metal wire running through the middle to aid with adjustment mechanics. The procedure doesn’t take long, as it only takes around an hour to fix the braces to a full set of teeth. It’s also a non-invasive procedure, meaning you won’t experience any pain unless you are sensitive to the movement of the teeth themselves.

What Else You Should Know About Ceramic Fixed Braces

If you’re still in two minds about whether to go for ceramic fixed braces or not, here are some additional pointers.

• They do move teeth much faster than the other subtle options available. Invisalign, for example, will take much longer to achieve the same impact (if it can achieve such an impact at all). Ceramic fixed braces are therefore the number one option for those looking for that balance of both effectiveness and subtlety.
  
• Ceramic braces can be much more comfortable than metal. For those who may have an allergy to nickel (often included within metal alloys used in classic braces), ceramic braces are also the safer option.
  
• They could be better for your oral health. It has been suggested that less long-term plaque may accumulate around the teeth if you use ceramic braces instead of metal braces. This is still an inconclusive area of study, however, so don’t rely on these claims alone to inform your decision.
  
• The ceramic brackets used can be adapted to suit the exact shade of your teeth. This reduces visibility even further. You could also opt for clear brackets instead, so the natural shade of your teeth comes through.
  
• Ceramic fixed braces pose no restrictions or interferences when it comes to having any imaging tests done. Metal braces are often unsafe for use in MRI scanners, and will need fully removing before any scans of the surrounding areas can be done. With ceramic braces, only the metal parts need removing.
  
• Speak to your dentist about your options when it comes to considering ceramic fixed braces. They know you and your teeth best, and can help you identify the right orthodontic choice that suits your end goals.

Ceramic Fixed Braces by Ringway Dental

If this guide has swayed your opinion on the ideal choice of braces for you, Ringway Dental can help. Contact our team today if you have any questions; we’re always keen to get clients on the way to achieving the smiles they’ve always wanted!

You can find our luxuriously welcoming private dental surgery in Cheadle, near Manchester. Easily accessible from surrounding areas including Stockport, Wythenshawe, and Wilmslow, we’re ideally situated right near the Heald Green train station.

To book your initial appointment with our cosmetic and orthodontic team, call us now on 0161 437 2029. We can’t wait to work with you, as our team are all about bringing healthy smiles to our patients’ faces. Our 500+ 5 star reviews on Google say it all!

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