Ceramic Braces

Types of braces abound...

There are different types of cosmetic braces which you can choose from, ceramic braces, steel braces, clear plastic braces and self aligning braces. Although ceramic braces may not be recommendable for a few cases of misalignment and biting problems, it is mostly suitable for treating crooked teeth, overbite or widely spaced out  or crowded teeth.

Today’s blog will deal with “Ceramic braces”

What are ceramic braces?

Ceramic braces are much like metal braces, except they are made of tooth-coloured (or sometimes clear) ceramic, porcelain, or plastic brackets to blend in more naturally with teeth. Some even use tooth-coloured wires to blend in the teeth further. They are as good as invisible on the teeth unless looked at closely.

Given the fact,  that they are aesthetic , but these Ceramic Braces are generally more expensive when compared to metal steel braces that are the most widely used type of braces in treatment. Ceramic braces are the same size and shape as metal braces, except that they use clear brackets that blend in to teeth. They can start altering your teeth setting and begin to improve your smile in just six months, depending on your jaw structure and age.

After the fitting of the ceramic braces, you will need to go for regular dental check-ups to ensure that the braces are well placed as well as tighten the wires. The treatment often takes about a year to complete ; for adult patients looking at repositioning their teeth.

Taking care of Ceramic braces…

Just like all other braces or any orthodontic treatment , proper care and hygiene has to be maintained.

• Try and stay away from sticky and sweet food like chocolates , even hard and sticky food like Chiki might stain your teeth and chip the ceramic braces.

• Cut down on sugary snacks in between meals otherwise your teeth might start to decay.

• Remember to brush your teeth every time you eat anything – even a cookie or a candy , as the braces need to be kept clean at all times.

Benefits of Ceramic braces…

• They blend in beautifully with your teeth and are more pleasing to the eye.
• They are less painful and do not irritate the gums as much as metal braces
• They do not scratch and sore the mouth as metal braces.
• They are less visible than metal braces.

Who can wear Ceramic Brackets or Braces?

Although your dentist /orthodontist always determines the kind of braces you might require after a thorough review of your jaw structure , teeth bone and teeth spacing , still knowing about the types of braces available helps you to choose better.

The words braces and brackets have the same meaning.  Orthodontists use the term brackets when talking about braces.  Anyone who needs braces to correct their teeth structure and is very particular about the ‘how it looks” or the aesthetic part of it , should choose a ceramic brace set.

Misconceptions about Ceramic Brackets…

Several  ceramic brace manufacturers in India do claim in their advertising that their brackets will move teeth faster and will result in shorter treatment time.  This is not true or scientific , because it is the jaw structure and age of patients that decided the time of teeth alignment and not the type of braces used.

There are definitely no ‘magical’ ceramic braces, as claimed in the ads; that will suspend the laws of physics and thereby “magically” align your teeth. It takes time and patience. The choice of braces are based on age, bone structure teeth spacing and aesthetic requirements and of course the economics of it!

In my next piece I will discuss in detail about the most popular metal braces used in dentistry and how to know which one suits your pocket and your needs.

Till then; Smile and be the best you can be!