Blog

If you have been holding back on your orthodontic treatment just because you don’t want to wear those unaesthetic metal braces, you don’t have to wait anymore. Thanks to the tooth-coloured ceramic braces, you can get your teeth straightened without anyone noticing that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment. 

If you are considering ceramic braces for your orthodontic treatment, you must have any questions regarding this option. But no need to worry. Instead of searching through the internet only to get pieces of information, you can get all the information you need on ceramic braces in this article. So, read on to know more about invisible braces or ceramic braces. 

What Should One Know Before Getting Braces? 

Today, orthodontists use different types of braces for treating tooth misalignment problems. In addition to the traditional metal braces, there are different types of the so-called invisible braces as well, such as the lingual and ceramic braces. 

While all the fixed braces have the same design and function in the same way as the metal braces, the invisible braces are less conspicuous and don’t affect your smile and facial aesthetics. That is why an increasing number of orthodontic patients nowadays prefer invisible braces for their treatment. 

Before getting braces, you must also know that braces require strict oral hygiene maintenance. This is because the brackets attached to the teeth create difficulties in optimal cleaning and offer food impact points. If oral hygiene is not optimally maintained, it can lead to various complications like tooth decay and periodontal issues. Also, orthodontists recommend against eating hard and sticky foods during your treatment – as they can result in the dislodgment of the metal or ceramic brackets. 

Are Ceramic Braces Better Than Metal Braces?

Perhaps, the biggest advantage of ceramic braces over metal braces is that they are virtually invisible. Since the ceramic braces are tooth-coloured and have tooth-coloured wires, they blend in with your teeth and become virtually invisible. Another benefit of ceramic braces is that they don’t interfere with x-ray images of your teeth as they are non-metallic. As a result, they allow your dentist to visualise more information about your teeth. Also, ceramic braces are more comfortable than conventional brackets. 

Do Ceramic Braces Hurt? 

You shouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort after your ceramic braces have been installed. However, you might experience discomfort during the initial few days. This discomfort occurs because the braces are forcing your teeth to move within the jawbone. To overcome the pain, you may take any over-the-counter pain medication such as Ibuprofen. Overall, ceramic braces cause much lesser pain and inconvenience than traditional metal braces. 

Disadvantages Ceramic Braces Versus Metal?

Every orthodontic treatment option has its own merits and demerits. 

• Staining – perhaps, the biggest drawback of the ceramic braces is their tendency to get stained over time. If the staining becomes obvious and starts affecting your facial aesthetics, your dentist may replace them with a new set of brackets.  

• Gum Inflammation – ceramic braces are larger than metal braces. As a result, it is even harder to maintain optimal oral hygiene while wearing them, and there are higher chances of developing periodontal disease. 

• High Cost – ceramic braces are more expensive than traditional metal braces. 

Why Do My Teeth Feel Loose With Braces?

To understand why teeth become slightly mobile during orthodontic treatment, you should first learn how braces move your teeth. Each orthodontic bracket contains a slot through which an orthodontic wire passes and connects all the teeth. This wire connects the teeth with rubber ties or elastics. Your orthodontist will adjust the tension in the orthodontic wire, so it exerts pressure on the underlying jawbone that supports your teeth. As a result, the jawbone starts to resorb, creating a “pathway” for the tooth to move in the direction of the applied force. Hence, it is normal to have slightly loose teeth during orthodontic treatment as it is an indication that tooth realignment is taking place.  

Why Are Clear Aligners The New Wave?

Another type of “invisible braces” is the removable clear aligners or the Invisalign Aligners. These aligners are made from a transparent polymer which makes them virtually invisible when you wear them. In addition, you can remove these aligners while eating or when brushing your teeth. Therefore, they allow you to eat your favourite foods and don’t interfere with your oral hygiene routine. Besides, the Invisalign aligners are more comfortable than the fixed braces. This is why an increasing number of orthodontic patients now prefers to use Invisalign aligners for their orthodontic treatment. 

How Does One Floss Their Teeth When They Have Braces?

Flossing can become a challenge when one is wearing braces. However, there are ways in which you still floss and clean your teeth while wearing orthodontic brackets. If you have difficulty using regular string floss, you may switch to threaded floss. The threaded floss has numerous small bristles that are perpendicularly angled to the brush handle. They allow for easy penetration between the teeth as they can bypass the orthodontic wire. Alternatively, you may use a Waterpik for interdental cleaning. A Waterpik is a device that generates a pressurised stream of water that removes the food debris in the interdental region. 

Now that you have made up your mind to get ceramic braces, the next step is to find an experienced orthodontist around you. If you are looking for an orthodontic practice near Harley Street in London, Harley Street Dental should be your first choice. Why? Because we have the most experienced and qualified orthodontic specialists in town! We also provide all orthodontic services in a comfortable, soothing and relaxing environment under one roof. So, what are you waiting for? Book an e-consultation appointment with us today,  and let us give you a smile you can be genuinely proud of.

Dr Stefan Abela

Dr. Stefan Abela
BChD, MFDS, RCS Eng, MSc, MORTH RCS Ed, AHEA, FDS Orth RCS Ed

Stefan is a Consultant in Orthodontics at one of the most prestigious London teaching hospitals; Guy’s and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust.

Stefan is also a specialist in Orthodontics and is registered on the General Dental Council (GDC) specialist list. Stefan qualified as a dental surgeon in 2003 and underwent further training in various specialties including restorative dentistry, paediatric dentistry, oral medicine and complex oral and maxillofacial surgery including the management of facial trauma.