A few years ago, if you wanted to get your teeth an orthodontic uplift, you had minimal options. You had only one choice, which is the metallic braces. However, this is not the case anymore. If you visit a doctor today, you will find a big list of braces to select from. These include metallic braces, ceramic braces, and even clear aligners.
This does your work in making the right choice for your orthodontic needs even easier. However, making the right choice of braces is not easy since most patients don’t know what is good for them. Most people do not know what to choose between the metallic and ceramic braces. Others feel any option will be just fine for them.
While the availability of adequate options is a good thing, you might find yourself unhappy with the kind of orthodontic braces you choose. For this reason, we will discuss ceramic braces. This will include what they are, their pros and cons, why to choose them instead of metallic braces, etc.
If you have come across metal braces, then ceramic braces are very similar. However, instead of the metallic silver or gray brackets, they use tooth-colored brackets.
Most adults with orthodontic needs prefer ceramic braces, for they are hard to notice. According to patients fitted with the props, these braces are way better than metal braces. Patients using ceramic braces don’t feel self-conscious as is with metal braces. However, the ceramic braces also come with their own set of disadvantages. The following is an in-depth analysis of the pros and cons of ceramic braces.
See Also: Two Phase Treatment in Orthodontics
Pros
1. Aesthetic Comfort
Studies indicate that most adult patients prefer ceramic braces against metallic braces. This is mainly because ceramic braces are not that noticeable. On the other hand, metallic braces are way visible due to the gray or silver color. Manufacturers of these braces use translucent materials to make the braces.
If needed, you can also get brace wires that are colored like your teeth. This makes the braces even less noticeable and discreet. Though this might appear to be insignificant, it makes all the difference. Research has indicated that most people will feel more insecure due to their teeth’ appearance than they will feel about their other physical appearances. With this consideration in mind, then it is not a big deal that most people prefer ceramic braces.
2. Less Pain
When compared with metallic braces, ceramic braces are way comfortable to wear. Manufacturers of ceramic braces use high-quality material to make the braces. These materials are mouth-friendly and do not cause abrasions inside the mouth. Unlike metallic braces, you will not develop gum irritations or abrasions on the side of your mouth. Without the abrasions and gum irritation, you will experience less pain, which translates to more comfort.
3. Relatively Faster Realignment Time
When compared with other clear aligners, ceramic braces will give you quick results. Ceramic braces can give you results in less than 36 months.
4. Easily Customizable
For the need of enhanced looks, you can choose the color of the braces you want. Metallic braces only come in one color, gray. On the other hand, you can get your braces in any color you want.
Cons
1. Pretty Expensive
If you are wondering what makes the greatly touted braces not a common choice for many patients, it is the cost. With the great services and aesthetic comfort, the ceramic braces will set you back financially more than the metallic braces. This is mainly due to the high-quality material used. However, you will need to wear the braces a little longer for the expected results to materialize.
2. Ceramic Braces Are Not Very Useful for Dramatic Alignment of Teeth
Orthodontists prescribe ceramic braces to most of their patients. However, for teeth realignment that requires some very drastic changes, ceramic braces will not be suitable for you. In cases where you need significant changes effected to your teeth, metal braces will be the best option.
3. Staining
Ceramic braces stain pretty much. Most often, the stains remain in place unless the braces are replaced.
4. Non-Durable
Ceramic braces are not as durable as metallic braces. Actually, the possibility of them fracturing is twice that of metallic braces.
5. Slower Teeth Movement
Due to the braces’ fragile nature, you will need to repair them on each appointment. This, in turn, leads to an extension of the teeth rectification time. Since the braces need adjusting each time you visit your orthodontist, the correction procedure gets set back substantially.
Am I a Good Candidate for Ceramic Braces?
You might wonder whether you are a good candidate for ceramic braces. If you have already developed adult teeth and you are not growing in any significant way, then you are a suitable candidate. The need mainly informs this criterion for candidate eligibility for quick correction. If you have not stopped growing, your braces could experience breakages and fracturing caused by expanding jaws.
Excellent candidates can also be the patients who need a malocclusion treatment that is not very noticeable. This is especially a great treatment for you if you are a college student or have a full-time job, and you wouldn’t want to draw attention.
What Are the Alternatives to Ceramic Braces?
For most patients, it is always a good idea to understand what options they have. For instance, malocclusion treatments are chosen based on:
- The severity of the case
- The preferences of the patient
- The cost of the treatment option
You will need to use more extensive means such as surgeries and head gears for more severe cases. For less severe cases, you will need less extensive measures to correct the malocclusions. The following is a list of the alternatives that you can choose from depending on how severe your malocclusion is:
1. Clear Aligners
You might have heard of Invisalign aligners. These are clear aligners that are not that much visible. For this reason, you might not have noticed them. Clear aligners are a great choice for your dental correction since they are mostly customized for your teeth. They are switched out every two weeks for about 18 – 30 times. This gives your teeth enough time to adjust and achieve the perfect smile.
2. Hidden Braces – Incognito Hidden Braces
Just as the name suggests, these braces are invisible since they are placed in your teeth’s back. This placement makes them out of sight. The braces are customized for each patient. This makes them effective in solving individual problems. Incognito braces are used to treat almost all forms of malocclusions. However, they are well known for treating the ‘social six.’ These are the teeth that are most visible in your mouth.
3. Cosmetic Dentistry
Another good alternative to ceramic braces is the cosmetic dentistry. These come in the form of porcelain veneers. Other forms used for cosmetic dentistry include dental bonding. If you intend to avoid braces at any cost, then cosmetic dentistry is your best choice. Veneers offer you a great option though they are a bit extreme. If you have discolored, crooked, misaligned, or chipped teeth, then veneers are a great choice for you. Veneers are way resilient even to stains and can endure most of the forces. However, you will need to replace your veneers each 5 to 10 years.
Cost of Ceramic Braces
What is the price difference between metal and ceramic braces? The braces cost is mostly dependent on the type, materials used, and the doctor’s charge. However, most patients’ average cost of braces is between $4000 and $8000 for ceramic braces. How much is the clear braces cost vs metal braces cost? On average, metal braces cost a figure that does not exceed $6000. From these costs, you can see that most ceramic braces are expensive due to their added advantages and materials.
Just like other aesthetic braces, your insurance does not cover ceramics braces. This is mostly the case when you seek treatments for aesthetic purposes. Your insurer will only cover you if you have severe malocclusions.
How Durable Are the Braces?
As already stated, ceramic braces are not that durable. This is because they tend to fracture more easily than metallic braces. This is especially the case in contact sports where you engage in lots of mouth movements.
To learn more about ceramic braces cost or cost of braces Houston Texas, you can visit Zara dental. Call Zara Dental which is located at 6295 Bissonnet Street in Houston. You can also visit their website for more information. Our specialists will provide you with enough information to help with your treatments.
Now that you understand the difference between the ceramic and metallic braces, you can make an informed decision on what malocclusion option you need.
