Adult braces are a big investment in time, energy and money, and there are several different types of orthodontics (braces) to consider. With Orthodontics For You, our patients have a multitude of options including metal, ceramic, Invisalign and hidden lingual braces. Each of these brace types are different and come with their own list of pros and cons including aesthetics, ways of working and the type of dental misalignment they can treat.
Clear ceramic braces are a firm favourite among our adult brace wears in Solihull as they are less noticeable than traditional metal braces, more affordable than Invisalign and hidden lingual braces, and they are an effective treatment option for correcting an array of jaw and teeth straightening issues.
Ceramic Braces: How do they work?
Ceramic braces offer all the benefits of a metal brace, but they have a subtle ceramic bracket which makes them an ideal choice for patients wanting a discreet orthodontic option.
Clear ceramic braces are made up of different elements including brackets, archwires and bands. Upon fitting your ceramic brace, your orthodontist will start the process by cleaning and drying your teeth. Next, they’ll attach clear, tooth-coloured ceramic brackets (instead of grey or silver) using a dental specific adhesive glue. Once the brackets are in place, a very thin archwire is threaded through each bracket. The brackets and archwire work together to gently and gradually apply pressure to your teeth in order to move them into the new, corrected position. It’s worth noting that ceramic brackets are smoother than metal brackets and have rounded edges so they lie flatter against your teeth which, in turn, makes them more comfortable, less bulky and therefore less noticeable to others.
For patients with more severe misalignments, your orthodontist may fit very small elastic bands (known as O-rings or ligatures) around the ceramic brackets. These bands apply additional pressure to the jaw to ensure it moves the teeth to the desired position.
Besides moving your teeth, braces also encourage the shape of your jaw to adapt and conform. There is a membrane beneath our gums which connects our teeth to our jaw. This membrane controls the position of our teeth and will respond to pressure exerted by a dental brace.
With Orthodontics For You, every ceramic brace is unique. In fact, our braces are individually designed for a bespoke fit as no two smiles are the same! The fitting process is simple and pain free, and it only takes around an hour (half an hour for each row of teeth – the top arch and the bottom arch). Patients may experience a little discomfort within the first couple of weeks of having their ceramic brace fitted, but it doesn’t tend to bother them very much and they soon adjust to their new dental accessory.
Generally speaking, patients wear their ceramic brace for approximately 12 to 18 months before having it removed. And we bet you’ll be pleased to know the removal process is also very simple, only taking around 15 minutes. Once the ceramic brace is removed your orthodontist may fit a retainer to help keep your teeth in their new position. Some patients are required to wear their retainer for a set period of time, day and night, whereas others will only need to wear a retainer at night – this will be confirmed by your orthodontist within your bespoke treatment plan.
Ceramic Braces: Will they work for me?
Clear ceramic braces are an effective treatment option for correcting rotated or protrusive teeth, as well as overcrowded or teeth with unwanted spaces between them. Ceramic orthodontics are also a great choice for re-aligning a mildly crooked jawline to correcting more complex teeth straightening issues too. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, but are wondering ‘‘Will clear ceramic braces work for me?’’ there’s a good chance the answer is ‘‘Yes!’’ But to know for sure, why not book a consultation with Orthodontics For You? Consultation appointments are free and provide our orthodontic experts the perfect opportunity to assess the teeth of prospective patients. Our Patient Co-Ordinators also discuss everything future brace wearers need to know about orthodontic treatment including how to take care of a ceramic brace once fitted.
Ceramic Braces: The cost
Our goal is to deliver the smile we know you deserve and to ensure you receive high standards of care, treated by the very best orthodontists. With Orthodontics For You, our ceramic braces are available from £2,600 for adult patients. This is a guide price based on a single arch (lower or upper) and an average level of treatment complexity. If both arches require treatment then the cost will be higher, but not usually double. The good news is that our private patients can spread the cost of their treatment over a period of time by taking advantage of our payment plans. Our Patient Co-Ordinators will talk you through financing your smile during your consultation.
For so long dental braces have been associated with cliché teenagers or clumsy characters in TV shows, putting a lot of people off having orthodontic treatment. But we’re pleased to report times have changed and progress in the field of orthodontics has given us a multitude of options when it comes to teeth straightening. If you’re interested in starting your own journey to a straighter smile with clear ceramic braces at Orthodontics For You in Solihull, get in touch with us today or register here for your free, no obligation consultation. We’ll make sure your orthodontic treatment is tailored to you and the outcome reflects the perfect smile you’ve been searching for.