Ceramic Braces Provide a Discreet Alternative to Metal Orthodontics

Many patients desire improved oral health and aesthetics, but have concerns about the appearance of traditional orthodontia. However, you can now achieve a straighter smile with incredibly discreet ceramic braces. Our doctors at Harlem Center for Aesthetic Dentistry in New York, NY, provide this innovative technique as an effective alternative to metal braces. To learn more about ceramic braces and if they are right for you, contact us today and schedule a consultation.

What are Ceramic Braces?

Similar to traditional metal braces, ceramic brackets are bonded to the front of your teeth, and connected to a metal wire with specialized rubber bands. However, instead of using conspicuous metal brackets, we use braces made of ceramic alloys. Our ceramic braces are available in varying levels of transparency, and designed to blend seamlessly with your smile. We can customize the brackets to match the color of your teeth, or use completely translucent options to make them virtually unnoticeable. Ceramic brackets provide a subtle alternative to metal braces, while maintaining comparable strength and effectiveness.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Patients seeking a straighter, healthier smile have more orthodontic options to choose from than ever before. Invisalign® is often a consideration for those who do not like the appearance of traditional braces. However, the clear aligner trays are unable to correct major orthodontic issues. Ceramic braces, on the other hand, are more subtle than metal braces, but are also able to treat severe cases of malocclusion, rotated teeth, crowding, or vertically misaligned teeth. The ceramic brackets enable us to perform significant orthodontic correction with more discreet treatment.

We use a variety of specially designed brackets to match your teeth. The brackets come in a range from tooth-colored for darker teeth, to semi-translucent and clear for lighter shades of teeth. We are also able to use wires that are frosted, or white in color, to further blend with your smile.

Ceramic braces are more subtle than metal braces, but are also able to treat severe cases of malocclusion, rotated teeth, crowding, or vertically misaligned teeth. The ceramic brackets enable us to perform significant orthodontic correction with more discreet treatment.

However, it is important to consider some of the downsides of ceramic braces. Most importantly, the brackets will require more care. The ceramic materials can stain, so it is necessary to avoid foods and drinks that have a strong color, including coffee, cola, curry, and blueberries. The brackets are also larger and more brittle than metal brackets. Because ceramic is more fragile, the brackets can require that we use less pressure to shift teeth, causing treatment to take slightly longer than with metal brackets. However, ceramic braces are typically able to achieve faster results than lingual braces, which require more delicate techniques.

Achieve a Straighter Smile Today

Ceramic braces can provide significant orthodontic results. If you are unhappy because of misaligned teeth that require orthodontic treatment, our team of doctors can help you achieve the straight and healthy smile that you desire. To learn more about our virtually invisible orthodontics, please schedule a consultation today.