If you want the reliability of fixed braces but not the look of metal, ceramic braces could be the middle ground you are after. Our team at Dental Specialists of Turramurra fits Ceramic Braces for patients who want a lower-key option that still handles complex tooth movements.
What are ceramic braces?
Ceramic braces are fixed braces with tooth-coloured or clear brackets, designed to blend in with the natural colour of your teeth. The brackets are made from a strong ceramic material rather than metal. The wires can also be coated in a tooth-coloured finish, so the whole brace is much less visible from a normal talking distance.
Our practice uses Clarity ceramic brackets, a well-known brand used by orthodontists around the world. The brackets are smooth, rounded at the edges, and sized to suit the front surface of each tooth.
How do ceramic braces compare to other options?
Ceramic braces sit between traditional metal braces and clear aligners: they fix more complex problems than aligners, but look more subtle than metal. Here is a quick side-by-side.
If you have a more involved bite problem and want a discreet look, ceramic braces are often the right call. If you want something you can take out for meals and meetings, clear aligners are the alternative.
Who is a good fit for ceramic braces?
Ceramic braces suit teens and adults who want a fixed, reliable treatment without the obvious look of metal brackets. Many of our patients pick ceramic braces for one of these reasons:
- they have a wedding, school formal, or big work year coming up and want to feel confident in photos
- they play a wind or brass instrument and prefer a smaller, smoother bracket
- they have already tried aligners and the case was too complex for them
- they simply do not want the "train track" look on their front teeth
Ceramic brackets are most often placed on the upper front teeth, where they are most visible. Some patients have metal brackets on the lower teeth, where the bite hides them. Your specialist will talk you through what makes sense for your case.
What is the treatment process?
Ceramic braces follow the same four-stage process as traditional braces, with extra care taken to keep the brackets clear and clean. The stages are:
- Consultation. Photos, x-rays, and a 3D scan of your teeth.
- Fitting visit. The brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth and the first archwire is placed.
- Adjustments. You come in every 6 to 8 weeks for wire changes and progress checks.
- Debond. The brackets are removed. You start wearing a retainer to hold the result.
The fitting visit takes about an hour. The brackets are bonded on tooth by tooth, with careful attention to the position of each one so the final result lines up.
Do ceramic braces stain?
Modern ceramic brackets resist staining well, especially when you follow a few simple care tips. The brackets themselves do not stain easily. The small elastic ties that hold the wire can pick up colour from strong foods like curry, turmeric, or red wine. These ties are swapped at every adjustment visit, so any colour build-up goes away with the next change.
To keep your braces looking their best:
- brush after every meal
- rinse with water after coffee, tea, or coloured drinks
- avoid smoking during treatment
Are ceramic braces comfortable?
Ceramic braces feel similar to metal braces, with the main difference being smoother edges against the lip. The brackets are shaped to be low-profile, which reduces the rubbing you might feel with bulkier metal brackets. The first few days after each adjustment can feel tender. That fades as the teeth settle.
For patients who feel anxious about any visit, our practice offers:
- a computerised anaesthetic that delivers numbing drop by drop, instead of a conventional needle
- aromatherapy eye packs
- virtual reality DVD viewers during longer appointments
- premedication and inhalational analgesia for nervous patients
How much do ceramic braces cost in Turramurra?
The cost is set after your consultation, when we know the complexity of your case and the treatment time. We never quote prices online, because every plan is built around one set of teeth. Once we have a plan, we will give you a written quote and walk you through payment options, including Afterpay, DentiCare, humm, and major health funds such as BUPA and Medibank.
What questions do patients ask about ceramic braces?
Will people notice my braces? Ceramic brackets are tooth-coloured, so most people only notice when they are up close. They are a popular choice for adult patients in client-facing jobs.
Can I play sport? Yes. We recommend a custom mouthguard for any contact sport. The mouthguard sits over the braces and protects your lips and the brackets.
How do I brush my teeth with braces? Use a soft toothbrush, angle it down onto the top of each bracket, and brush above and below the wire. An interdental brush is very helpful around the brackets.
What happens after the braces come off? You wear a retainer, usually at night, to hold the new position of the teeth. Without a retainer, teeth tend to drift back over time.
Are ceramic brackets as strong as metal? Modern ceramic brackets are strong enough for everyday use. They can chip if you bite hard foods, so cut apples and crusty bread into smaller pieces.
Ready to talk about ceramic braces in Turramurra?
If you have been thinking about fixed braces with a more subtle look, our team can tell you whether ceramic brackets are the right fit for your teeth. Call (02) 9488 7455 or visit us at Suite 1-2 / 1335 Pacific Highway, Turramurra NSW 2074. We are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. You can read more about our full range of orthodontics on our website.