With so many options nowadays for braces, you can choose ceramic braces over traditional metal ones!

Braces aren’t just a right of passage for teens. Many adults decide to straighten their teeth, too. Yet adults may be more self-conscious about wearing bulky metal braces in the workplace. Luckily, there is more than one option for your braces. You can opt for ceramic braces instead of metal ones!

Ceramic braces are made of aluminum oxide. White, clear, or tooth-colored brackets hold the ceramic braces in place instead of silver metal. The archwires around the teeth that apply pressure also come in light colors. Whether you choose a ceramic option or traditional metal braces depends on your dentist’s recommendation and the orthodontic problem you wish to correct. To help you decide, here’s a look at the advantages and disadvantages of ceramic braces.

Ceramic braces: The benefits and drawbacks

Like metal braces, ceramic braces can correct complex orthodontic issues as an alternative to Invisalign, which are typically reserved for more minor dental misalignments or overcrowding. If you’re considering ceramic braces, you should be aware of their benefits and potential drawbacks.

Benefits

Less Noticeable. Because ceramic braces can be closely matched to your tooth color, you don’t have to worry about them being noticed in social situations. This is a significant advantage for adult brace-wearers.

Won’t Cause an Allergic Reaction. Nickel is used in many orthodontic appliances. However, many dental patients suffer an allergic reaction to nickel. Ceramic braces don’t contain nickel, so there is less chance of a bad reaction.

Won’t Interfere with Imaging Tests. Because most ceramic braces aren’t made with metal, they won’t interfere with MRI scans of your head and neck if you need one. However, if any part of the braces is made with metal, your dentist will have to remove them before the scan.

Corrects Quicker than Invisalign. Compared to Invisalign, ceramic braces will move your teeth into place in a shorter time frame. On average, ceramic braces will straighten your teeth in 18 to 36 months. Invisalign can take a year longer.

Disadvantages

Less Durable. Ceramic braces aren’t as strong as metal braces, so they may break easily. You may extend your treatment time if you need to have the braces replaced.

Longer Treatment Time than Metal Braces. Even if your ceramic braces don’t break, you may be wearing them longer than if you had the metal variety. Metal braces can do the job in less than a year or up to three years. Ceramic braces may take a year-and-a-half or up to three years.

Easily Stained. Ceramic is porous, which means it can soak up the pigmentation in some foods. Red wine, cola, coffee, mustard, and ketchup can leave a stain. 

Your dentist will help you decide if ceramic braces are right for you. But if you’re looking for an effective method to straighten your teeth, ceramic braces are a great choice offering several benefits that far outweigh any potential disadvantages.

Caring for your ceramic braces

To maintain your ceramic braces and teeth in top condition, you can follow these tips:

• Brush and floss daily, and use a floss threader to clean hard-to-reach areas.
• Avoid sticky foods or foods that can get stuck in the braces, like gum and popcorn.
• Don’t use whitening toothpaste as the teeth behind the braces will be darker than the whitened teeth once you remove the braces.
• When playing contact sports, wear a mouthguard to protect the braces.
• Don’t consume highly pigmented foods that could stain your teeth, and quit smoking to keep the braces and your teeth bright.

Time for a better smile

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Mission Valley, California, location today! Our highly trained dentists can discuss various orthodontic treatment options, including ceramic braces. Don’t live near our Mission Valley, CA, office? Find one of our other locations near you.

Mission Valley, CA
8989 Rio San Diego Drive
Suite 170
San Diego, CA 92108