Ceramic braces are an inexpensive and aesthetic orthodontic option. This article tells you what it is about, its advantages, disadvantages, and how to maintain it so that the treatment is successful.
The brackets ceramic are an aesthetic choice for those people who are told orthodontic treatment and are concerned about the appearance. These are the typical braces, with the same indications and results, but with a color very similar to the dental elements. Thus, they go unnoticed.
A bracket is each of the pieces that adhere to the surfaces of the tooth and hold the metal archwire in orthodontic treatment. Being ceramic and complemented with white wires, they are less visible than the classic silver braces with gray wires.
Without a doubt, they are an acceptable solution for those who are concerned about how their smile will look while using braces. In this article, we will tell you about their characteristics, their advantages and disadvantages, and the necessary care to maintain them.
What are ceramic braces?
The brackets ceramic dental appliances are made of special materials similar to porcelain. Being tooth-like in color, they become almost imperceptible. Therefore, they provide better aesthetics compared to classic metal orthodontics.
In addition, they are used with white bows and ligatures, which makes them even more discreet. The results obtained with this type of appliance are the same as with any other type of orthodontics. Thus, they are ideal for correcting any bite problem and misaligned teeth, such as:
- Open bite problems.
- Crowded teeth.
- Spaces between teeth.
- Overbite
- Crossbite
What are their characteristics?
The brackets ceramic work the same way as made of other material. But, as we already mentioned, they have the advantage that they are of a similar color to the tooth, which makes them more discreet compared to the metallic ones.
There are ceramic and sapphire ones among the options for aesthetic braces, but the latter gives a better appearance in the mouth. Those made of ceramics tend to lose their white color over time as they stain. In addition, sometimes its tone does not match that of the teeth.
In any case, its resistance and semi-transparent appearance are aspects that are worth highlighting. Also, its cost, as it is much lower compared to sapphire. They are not recommended for people who smoke or consume coffee regularly, as they will lose their color sooner.
It goes without saying that both metal brackets and ceramic or sapphire ones give very good therapeutic results. The choice of one or the other option will depend on the orthodontist’s indications and the needs and financial possibilities of the patient.
Advantages of using ceramic braces
As we already mentioned, the aesthetic factor is one of the greatest advantages of ceramic brackets. Anyway, there are many more when using this material. We will detail it below.
Aesthetics and discretion
They are more subtle than metal braces. The material has similar coloration to the tooth, so they blend in. It has a matte hue, which avoids the glare and reflections typical of metallic appliances.
In addition, they have a certain translucency that allows light to pass through the material. This lets you see the tooth enamel of the tooth below, which creates more discretion with the orthodontic system.
Effectiveness
Orthodontic treatment is as effective as metal braces and can be used to correct any malocclusion problem. The desired dental alignment is faster than with invisible orthodontics that uses transparent aligners ( Invisalign ).
Price
Ceramic bracket treatments, while more expensive than metal ones, are the cheapest option for cosmetic appliances. Its price is lower than that of sapphire braces or invisible aligners.
If cost is an issue for the patient, this system can be combined with the metallic one. The ceramic ones are placed only in the visible part of the mouth (aesthetic front), and the posterior sector is completed with the conventional system.
Comfort and safety for the patient
Ceramic bracket surfaces do not have sharp ends or protruding tips. This prevents the patient from suffering from injuries to the mouth, such as sores, ulcerations, punctures, or injuries to the mucosa.
The material with which they are made is very resistant and allows them to adhere firmly to the dental element, so they are rarely detached. Still, when the treatment is over and they are removed, the process is easy and doesn’t cause as much damage to the underlying enamel.
They are compatible with the tissues of the mouth. Therefore, they are ideal for people allergic to metals. In addition, they do not interfere with the signals of imaging tests, such as X-rays.
Disadvantages of ceramic brackets
Although this system is a good option to wear orthodontics without being noticed, it has some negative aspects:
- Pigmentation of the material: the ceramic of the brackets can stain over time. The use of tobacco, wine, coffee, or other infusions with pigments such as tea and mate make the material change color.
- Durability and resistance: this material is less resistant and durable than metal, as it can break or fracture. This could increase the final duration of treatment due to having to change or repair them.
- Sore gums: may cause sensitivity or gum inflammation. Because their size is larger than that of metal brackets, which makes hygiene difficult and favors the accumulation of bacterial plaque. The gums can look red and bleed easily. They can also retract.
Proper care for ceramic brackets
For ceramic braces to last longer and in good condition, certain attitudes must be considered to preserve them.
Oral hygiene
Brushing and flossing after every meal are essential to prevent the accumulation of food debris and bacteria. If this is not done, it is uncomfortable for the patient and favors the appearance of cavities, gingivitis, or periodontitis.
- The use of interdental brushes and oral irrigators can complement cleaning in these types of patients.
Feeding
When using orthodontics, it is important to take care of your diet and the way you eat. Very abrupt or lever biting movements should be avoided, for example, when eating an apple.
It is advisable not to eat foods that contain many pigments and can stain the ceramic. Wine, coffee, tea, mate, tomatoes, soft drinks, artificial juices, ketchup, and other foods with colorants can stain these appliances’ surfaces.
You should also pay attention to very hard foods that can detach braces, such as nuts, snacks, chocolates, and nougats.
No Smoking
The damage to health that this habit has is known. The use of cigarettes during this type of orthodontics stains the tooth and appliance surfaces yellow.
Regular visits with the orthodontist
Regular visits with the orthodontist are critical to the success of treatment. The professional checks the braces’ good condition, replace damaged or stained brackets, change arches and ligatures, and make the necessary adjustments to correct the bite. Failure to keep scheduled appointments delays the entire process.
Avoid teeth whitening
While undergoing ceramic orthodontic treatment, it is not good to perform teeth whitening or use whitening pastes. This is because the tooth surface that is not covered by the bracket would become whiter than the area covered by orthodontics.
A discreet and affordable solution with ceramic braces
The need for a person to correct their bite and align their teeth can be done aesthetically, without having to wear the metal braces that are noticeable from a distance. The brackets ceramic are an aesthetic and affordable solution to solve occlusion problems discreetly.
Certain special cares must be considered so that this system lasts over time, and the treatment is successful. By complying with these simple attitudes, it is possible to achieve a smile aligned with orthodontics that does not affect the person’s appearance.
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