Ceramic Braces: How they Look and Feel

Ceramic braces are transparent and are not as visible as traditional metal braces.

These types of braces are a great alternative to traditional braces as part of your orthodontic treatment. While traditional metal braces are made of metal brackets connected by wires, ceramic braces are made of porcelain or plastic and are clear. Traditional metal braces are highly visible and can be seen when you are smiling, laughing, or talking. They do not have a very nice aesthetic, which is why most adults opt for other forms of braces. Ceramic braces, on the other hand, are clear and are not as noticeable as metal braces. This is why many adults choose clear ceramic braces to straighten out their smiles or fix issues with their jaws.

The type of braces you get depends on what you are looking for and your dentist’s recommendations. If you don’t mind how you look, you can get traditional braces. If you would prefer something a little less visible, clear ceramic braces might be the choice for you. Keep in mind, though, that ceramic braces are not as strong as metal braces. They are made out of ceramic, plastic or porcelain, which means that it is slightly easier for them to chip or crack.

“Whether to use metal braces or ceramic braces generally comes down to an aesthetic concern. Because ceramic brackets are less visible, they may be the right choice for the patient who wants to be discreet about going through the tooth-straightening process. Even though the brackets are clear, an arch wire will still be visible and other wires may be necessary to achieve tooth movement. For many patients, the reduced “metal-mouth” appearance is enough to make the extra cost and care required for ceramic braces worthwhile.”

Dr. David Hudnall

Benefits of Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are much less visible than regular metal braces and come in many different types. You can choose between translucent or semi-translucent ones, and they are almost invisible. Another great thing about ceramic braces is that they are also non-staining if you brush your teeth regularly. The ceramic material that these braces are made of don’t stain very easily because of advancements in orthodontics, making it yet another ideal choice for an adult who is conscious about their smile.

Ceramic braces are also much more comfortable to wear. Metal braces can cause mouth sores and be uncomfortable to wear. They can also irritate your gums. Ceramic braces cause much less irritation, making them an ideal choice if you have sensitive gums. Ceramic braces also produce much faster results than other plastic types of braces like Invisalign.

Drawbacks of Ceramic Braces

Although there are many benefits of ceramic braces, there are also some drawbacks which you may want to take into consideration if you are trying to decide what type of braces you want.

Ceramic braces are much more expensive than metal braces and are also not as durable or tough than their metal counterparts. This means that when too much pressure is applied to ceramic braces, they may break. The cost of maintaining ceramic braces is also much higher than metal braces. To keep the braces clean, you must maintain a rigorous oral health routine and brush your teeth right after every meal.

The type of braces you get will depend on a lot of things, including the severity of the condition of your teeth and your bite. Your budget will also come into play with this decision as well as how long you are willing to wear your ceramic braces. Your dentist will be able to evaluate your teeth and recommend the best choice for you.

One of the main reasons adults often choose ceramic braces is because they function the exact same way as metal braces and are not as noticeable. Ceramic braces are also not as likely to irritate your gums. Ceramic braces are made of white ceramic brackets which are placed on your teeth, making these types of braces much less obvious than traditional metal braces which are made out of metal brackets. Ceramic braces are transparent and do the exact same job that traditional metal braces do.

How Do They Feel?

Ceramic braces feel similar to metal braces but tend to be more comfortable and less irritating. The best thing about ceramic braces is that you can get all the same effects of traditional braces, but can do it without feeling self-conscious or insecure about your smile.

Keep in mind that ceramic braces are often thicker than metal braces and require much more maintenance and upkeep. Although today the material that ceramic braces are made of are stain-resistant, if you don’t properly maintain your braces and brush and floss after every meal, there is a possibility that the ligatures may stain.

What Type of Braces Should I get?

The type of braces that you get will depend on your dentist’s recommendations as well as the condition of your teeth. If you have extreme overcrowding, an extreme over or underbite or severe damage, your doctor may recommend a more intense form of treatment. If you have only minor damage and only require minor corrections, your doctor may recommend a retainer.

Another great option for people who only need minor corrections is Invisalign. Invisalign is a transparent retainer which is virtually invisible. Invisalign is more expensive but has great benefits. You can choose when you wear it and can remove it when you are eating and brushing your teeth.

Invisalign clear aligners are custom-made, fit comfortably over your teeth, and are invisible. They work like braces and shift your teeth into position. Invisalign is a great choice for adults because they are removable, which means you can easily brush your teeth and eat whatever you like. They are also discreet and much more comfortable than traditional braces. If you’re unsure if you want ceramic or metal braces, Invisalign may be an option for you. Speak with your dentist or orthodontist, who will be able to recommend the best solution for you and also go over your options to help you make the best decision for you and your teeth.

You can read more about At Home Orthodontics options here.

Ceramic braces are a great alternative to traditional metal braces. They tend to feel a bit more comfortable and look almost invisible. If you are hesitant about getting traditional metal braces, talk to your dentist or orthodontist about ceramic braces and see if they work for you. At the end of the day, your dentist will make a recommendation that works best for you, your teeth, and your smile.