Ceramic Braces 809

CERAMIC BRACES
Tooth Colored Brackets

Ceramic braces provide a great alternative to metal
braces for teens and adults who are concerned
about their cosmetic appearance and appeal. They
look exactly the same in shape, but are smaller and
clear or tooth-coloured which makes them less
visible on the tooth. They are made from either
ceramic, porcelain and sometimes plastic in special circumstances and
much less noticeable when made with clear or tooth-colored wire. Ceramic
braces are also an ideal option for people with light colored teeth.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
 Improved cosmetic appeal  Cost more than metal braces

 Less noticeable  Slower tooth movement than metal
 Various shades to match natural tooth braces
color  Can chip or crack
 Faster tooth movement than clear plastic  Not suitable for active people
aligners  Possible enamel damage during
 Reduced chipping due to strong removal
composite material  Plastic bands stain easily
 Stained ligature rubber bands easily  Food can get trapped in plastic bands
replaceable  Not suitable for complex teeth
 Less painful than metal braces treatment plans
 Advanced painless removal technology  Can irritate inner lips of sensitive
 Tooth enamel mineralization not affected mouths
 Not prone to irritating gums
TREATMENT PROCESS
First, the dentist will clean and dry your teeth before adhering small ceramic brackets onto your
teeth with a special bonding agent. Thereafter a metal or tooth-colored wire is threaded through
the brackets, after which each bracket is secured by tiny rubber bands. The process is pretty much
painless and will take about 1 – 2 hours. Your teeth and mouth will be sore after the appointment
but will adjust to the new braces in a few days. Your gums, tongue and lips might become very
sensitive to the new braces and possibly even develop mouth sores as they must still get used to
the feeling of the abrasiveness of the new braces inside the mouth.
The ceramic brace treatment plan tends to be longer than the traditional metal brace one, meaning
longer than 18 – 24 months. It also depends on the orthodontist’s goal, as well as the complexity
of the treatment plan.
COMPLIANCE
There is little to no responsibility on the side of the patient who chooses to wear ceramic braces,
other than to show up for adjustment visits, avoid foods that might discolour the plastic bands and
not participate in active contact sports that might crack or chip the braces or wear a mouth guard
to help protect your braces during sports activities.
RETAINERS
As with all dental brace types, it is highly recommended to either obtain a removable retainers or
have your dentist put in a fixed lingual retainer. Teeth are always moving and retainers help to
keep them in their new straight positions. Without them, your teeth will most possibly move out of
place.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR CERAMIC BRACES CLEAN

Because ceramic braces are harder to clean, it can result in calcium loss and hygiene issues. As
food can be get trapped in the plastic bands, causing plaque and potential tooth decay it is
imperative that they are properly and regularly cleaned.
 Brush your teeth after every meal and floss & rinse frequently. You might want to consider
purchasing an electric toothbrush as well.
 Drink water with your meals to help rinse from dark colors
 Avoid certain foods, drinks & activities that will cause discoloration:
o Stop smoking – nicotine gives off an unattractive yellow color
o Fruits & Vegetables: beets, pomegranates, tomatos, all kinds of berries – blueberries,
branberries & blackberries
o Drinks: coffee, tea, red wine, soda drinks, slushies
o Spices: turmeric, curry, strongly colored spices
o Condiments: tomatoe paste, mustard, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar
o Sweet Stuff: colored candy, popsicles
 Use normal toothpaste and NOT tooth whitening toothpaste as it will leave unsightly spots
after removal where it did not whiten the teeth beneath the bracket.
 Change ligature plastic bands regularly or consider getting light blue or gray ones. You can
also opt for multi-colored plastic bands for a more trendy appearance.
LIGATURES – THE PLASTIC BANDS

Although the ceramic braces themselves do not stain, the white or clear plastic
bands that hold the archwire in place are porous and tend to get stained by foods
and drinks with dark colors eg curry, coffee or
cooldrinks as well as tobacco products. It is best to
avoid foods and drinks with dark colors and to
drink water with each meal to help dilute any food coloring. They
cannot be cleaned once stained, but are easily replaced at the next
adjustment which is usually on a monthly basis.
A really trendy option is to have multi-colored plastic bands for a

more fashion forward look.
COSTS
Ceramic braces are more costly than metal braces and can cost from anything between $4,000 -
$8,000.

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CERAMIC BRACES

Tooth Colored Brackets

 Improved cosmetic appeal  Cost more than metal braces

HOW TO KEEP YOUR CERAMIC BRACES CLEAN

LIGATURES – THE PLASTIC BANDS

A really trendy option is to have multi-colored plastic bands for a

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