For all that you have heard about the features and benefits of Invisalign — and there’s lots to talk about, to be sure — traditional braces are the right choice for a lot of people ready to achieve their goal of straighter and more beautiful teeth. Even on the topic of traditional braces, though, there are wrinkles and innovations to be aware of. No, you don’t need to settle for the far-from-subtle appearance of stainless steel or titanium brackets and wires on your teeth. Now, your orthodontist in Orlando can offer ceramic braces, too. What do you need to know about ceramic braces made from composite materials?
What are the advantages of ceramic braces?
More subtle
The composite materials that are used to create ceramic braces in Orlando can be blended to match the colour of your teeth. Will they be invisible? No, but ceramic braces tinted to match your enamel will be much more subtle and discreet than traditional metal braces. This may make ceramic braces an ideal solution for adults who want to bid adieu to their crooked teeth without facing teenager-like stigma.
Faster than Invisalign
Invisalign is obviously another alternative to traditional braces that offers even more discretion and subtlety than ceramic braces, but ceramic braces near you have at least one significant advantage over Invisalign. Orthodontic treatment plans using ceramic braces may be a year shorter than an Invisalign treatment plan. For patients with severe misalignment or malocclusion that can’t be treated with Invisalign can be fixed with ceramic braces.
What are the disadvantages of ceramic braces?
More expensive
Those benefits of ceramic braces — subtlety compared to metal braces and speed compared to Invisalign — do come at a cost: cost. Ceramic braces are more expensive than traditional wire and metal braces, usually by approximately $1,000 to $2,000 more expensive than metal braces. For a specific and detailed quotation, speak to an orthodontist near you. An orthodontist near you will help you explain if that extra investment is worth it for you.
Larger
The ceramic brackets used to straighten your teeth with ceramic braces are larger than the brackets used in traditional wire and metal braces. That doesn’t affect their appearance much considering the teeth-matching ceramic materials but does have an effect on keeping your teeth clean. Clearing your teeth around those larger brackets can be a bit more difficult.
Less durable
Ceramic materials are less durable than stainless steel. That means that ceramic braces are more likely to break than metal brackets. If you’re an athlete or musician whose recreational activities may expose your brackets to unusual stress and strain, talk to your orthodontist about whether ceramic braces are the right choice for you.
This is more about maintenance than durability, but it’s a factor to keep in mind. The elastic ties that connect your archwires to your ceramic brackets can be easily stained. When we say “easily,” we mean that they’ll become stained quickly if you don’t act quickly to brush and floss after meals and unless you avoid pigment-rich foods and drinks when you won’t be able to brush and floss right away after eating and drinking them.
Are ceramic braces right for you? They offer significant advantages in terms of subtlety and speed at the downside of increased cost and special concerns about maintenance and ensuring their lifespan. How do those factors balance for you? Speak to your dentist who is familiar with your lifestyle, habits and needs and ask if ceramic braces are a good option for your needs.