Ceramic braces: the benefit of the see-through brace
Aesthetic or clear orthodontics simulate the colour of the tooth enamel, so they’re practically unnoticeable. When you think of aesthetic orthodontics to straighten your teeth, it's usually because you want them to be imperceptible and have minimal impact on your lifestyle.
You might also group in removable orthodontics, such as invisible or, removable aligners, fixed orthodontics such as lingual braces and clear braces, which are usually made from sapphire and use tooth coloured brackets.
What are ceramic braces?
As the name suggests, ceramic braces are made of ceramic material. They blend well, as the ceramic is typically a shade close to the colour of your enamel. In addition, there are different shades to match each tooth colour and offer a much more discreet option for patients.
Clear ceramic braces
The braces are usually fitted with a white wire, but sometimes a standard metal wire is used instead. The process to have them fitted is the same as traditional metal braces, using a bracket and wire. They exert pressure that creates gradual tooth movement until a perfectly aligned smile is achieved.
Porcelain braces are as efficient as metal braces and are great for children, teens and adults. They can be used to treat the majority of common dental problems, including crooked teeth, bite problems, moderate or complex crowding, overbite, overjet, underbite, crossbite, and gapped teeth.
Clear braces vs ceramic
Just as with other types of orthodontics, ceramic fixed braces have some pros and cons in comparison to other treatments, and it’s important to consider these before deciding on a treatment.
When talking about clear vs ceramic braces, it can be easy to think the two are pretty similar, since they both allow treatment to be carried out in a discrete way.
For patients seeking aesthetic treatment, whilst ceramic braces are tooth coloured, similar in colour to tooth enamel, clear braces are practically invisible due to their transparent appearance.
Their discretion makes clear ceramic braces and removable clear aligners a popular choice for adults. Additionally, both clear and ceramic orthodontic braces have the advantage of being less expensive than sapphire or lingual orthodontics.
Disadvantages of ceramic braces
Although ceramic are more aesthetic than metal one, they still have some cons of ceramic braces.
Yellowing ceramics: Firstly, the colour of porcelain braces adapts well to naturally whiter teeth, but can sometimes be less discreet if somebody's teeth are discoloured. Ceramic braces themselves can also discolour, so they can appear more yellow over time. Certain foods and drinks can leave you with visibly different shades.
Discoloured attachments: transparent orthodontic elastic bands, or rubber bands, are used to create tension, but tend to yellow or break over time. So, you’ll want to avoid foods that may stain, such as coffee, wine, red fruits and tea. It's also typical to have regular trips to the dentist or orthodontist during treatment, too.
Treatment time: typically 18 to 36 months, making them one of the slowest orthodontic treatments on the market.
Fragile design: Orthodontic ceramic braces are also more fragile than metal, so you must be careful when eating very hard foods.
Cost of ceramic braces in the UK
In the UK, ceramic braces cost less than other types of invisible orthodontics, making them a more affordable option than sapphire or lingual orthodontics.
The cost of ceramic braces varies depending on the complexity of the case, your region, choice of orthodontist, among many other factors. Pre-existing conditions such as gum disease, or poor oral health, can also mean you need to pay for pre-treatment work too.
Bearing this in mind, ceramic orthodontic braces cost on average a total of between £2500 and £3500. However, it's always worth asking if your preferred treatment clinic offer free consultations.
How to keep ceramic braces clean
Learning how to keep ceramic braces white and clean is of vital importance should you choose this treatment option. In some cases, orthodontic ceramic braces can become stained over time, so you must take care to avoid yellowing. In addition, it’s important to take care to avoid breakage, as they can be more delicate than other orthodontic devices
- To keep ceramic braces white for longer, you should avoid foods with strong colours that can stain, such as tea, coffee, wine or curry.
- Smoking is always discouraged in terms of health, but in the case of porcelain braces, it can also affect the appearance of the brackets and cause them to change colour faster.
- Since orthodontic ceramic braces are more fragile than metal ones, you should avoid hard and sticky foods, such as candy and chewing gum.
- You should also be careful not to bite directly into certain fruits and choose instead pre-cut pieces. As for bread, orthodontists recommend eating sliced bread, which is much softer.
Conventional metal braces: comparison to ceramic braces
Before beginning an aesthetic orthodontic treatment, you should explore the options on the market and know what makes ceramic braces different from others. Keep reading to find out.
Sapphire braces vs ceramic
Sapphire braces are made of sapphire crystal for a much more transparent treatment that adapts to all enamel shades. Although both are worn with a metal arch wire, sapphire braces offer a pleasing aesthetic because they don't stain over time.
How long do sapphire braces take?
Both have a similar duration, between 18 and 36 months depending on the complexity of the case.
Are sapphire braces or ceramic braces cheaper?
Orthodontic ceramic braces are slightly cheaper, as the average in the UK is between £2500 and £3500 for the full treatment, while sapphire braces can cost up to £5000.
Are ceramic braces as good as metal?
Ceramic braces are more attractive
Orthodontic ceramic braces are more aesthetic since their colour is similar to tooth enamel, while metal ones are more noticeable due to their colour
Treatment time ceramic vs metal
Ceramic braces need between 18 and 36 months, with metal braces taking around the same on average, however a shorter treatment time around 12 to 24 months is possible in some cases.
Cost of ceramic braces
Clear ceramic braces cost a little more; the average in the UK is between £2000 and £3000, while metal braces can cost between £1700 and £2500.
Clear aligner options: an alternative to ceramic braces
Our Impress treatments use removable clear aligners and our consultation process includes a free orthodontic evaluation as part of the process.
Book a consultationIf you're wondering if clear removable orthodontics or ceramic braces are better for you, keep reading.
Why choose clear aligners?
Aligner appearance: They are completely invisible and are made of a non-yellowing, non-staining material.
Keeping aligners clean: Aligners allow you to maintain excellent dental hygiene as they can be removed. This makes it easy for you to maintain proper brushing and flossing.
Aligner are comfortable: Ceramic braces can be more uncomfortable to wear, since the wire of clear ceramic braces is in direct contact with cheek and mouth tissue which can cause irritation and ulcers. Aligners are custom-made and fit your teeth perfectly during all stages of treatment.
Orthodontic treatment support: While you are wearing braces, your orthodontist needs to see you every 3 weeks to adjust them so that they continue to put pressure on your teeth. Impress clear aligners give you more freedom during your follow-up care.
- You receive all the aligners at the beginning of your treatment
- You only need your orthodontist's approval to move on to the next set
- We have created an orthodontic treatment app for patients
- You scan your teeth and send the photo directly to the medical team for approval
- We also give you the option to visit a clinic if you would rather
- both types of follow-up are included in the total price of the treatment
Price of aligners from Impress
Impress treatment plans have fixed, all-inclusive prices. In addition, they are accessible and can be paid in instalments to suit you.
Now that you know all the advantages of Impress clear aligners, don’t hesitate to put yourself in the hands of our orthodontic specialists. You can get in touch with us by WhatsApp, by phone at 44 20 3808 1072, or by filling out our online form.
Come in and learn more about our pricing with absolutely no obligation. We’ll be waiting for you at your nearest Impress clinic
Frequently asked questions about ceramic braces
Do ceramic braces get stains or turn yellow?
Yes, ceramic braces stain over time. These stains are caused by foods that colour the teeth, such as coffee, tea, wine and red fruits. So it’s essential that you brush your teeth after every meal.
How can I remove yellow stains from ceramic braces?
To keep your clear ceramic braces as white as possible and remove any yellow stains that might appear, you should brush with toothpaste and floss daily. Also, avoid foods that can stain the teeth.
How should I clean ceramic braces?
To clean ceramic braces, just brush your teeth as normal, and make sure you floss, too.