Teenage years are the most common ages for people to have braces installed, and with this, the traditional metal braces are the most common choice or recommendation for most patients.
Though metal braces have proven over the decades they’ve been in use to be an effective teeth alignment option, more recent technologies like ceramic braces work equally as well if not better and should be considered when discussing the benefits and cost of braces.
What are Ceramic Braces?
First adopted in the late ’80s, the main substance used in the construction of ceramic braces is aluminum oxide. In its most common natural form, aluminum oxide occurs in the form of corundum, which has a rating of 9/10 on the Mohs scale. This rating means that corundum is just a level below diamonds when it comes to its natural mineral hardness.
Like other braces technologies, the brackets of ceramic braces are glued directly onto the surface of the patient’s teeth, with an archwire connected along the brackets to control the movement of the teeth. One of the biggest upsides of having ceramic braces is the fact that they’re less visible from a distance, due to the translucent nature of the ceramic brackets.
Top Reasons Why You Should Get Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces, though a relatively new technology in comparison to the traditional metallic braces are one of the dental procedures that can be regarded as truly done-in-one implants. This means that with the right practitioner, you can be on your way with your ceramic braces fitted all in one session.
1. Maximized Durability
Contrary to popular belief, ceramic braces are just as durable as their metallic counterparts. While metal is tougher than ceramic, the practice of ceramic bracing has been refined over the years, to result in braces that work well even for people in contact sports.
2. Easy to Remove
Once the treatment has run its course, ceramic braces are easy to remove when compared to metallic braces. The ceramic brackets come off quite easily and leave no traces of tooth enamel demineralization once they are cleaned.
3. Easy to Clean
Due to the translucent nature of the ceramic brackets, it’s much easier to spot foreign particles like food and vegetables with ceramic braces. This makes them quite easier to clean and without the risk of leaving anything behind.
4. Multiple Color Options
Unlike the solid silver color of metallic braces, ceramic braces can be installed with brackets that are from a wide range of colors.
5. Non-Interference with Imaging Tests
When doing magnetic imaging of the mouth region, the ceramic brackets do not cause any interference or obstructions to the process.
7. No Demineralization of Tooth Enamel
Since ceramic is naturally less reactive than metal, having an installation of ceramic braces means that you’re free from the risk of having tooth enamel decalcification.
The Downsides of Having Traditional Metal Braces
While metal braces are the more common among teeth alignment options, they have obvious drawbacks that you should consider among other things your willingness to live with. Here are some of the possible downsides you’d have to contend with for the length of time you have your metal braces installed.
1. Teeth Decalcification(Orthodontic White Spot Lesions)
Teeth decalcification is the occurrence whereby white spot lesions occur on the teeth surface, as a result of essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus lacking from the affected areas. When you wear metallic braces and fail to brush your teeth properly around the brackets, the plaque buildup will cause the leaching of essential minerals from the teeth’ enamel.
2. Dietary Restrictions
Foods that are rich in sugars are highly recommended when you have metallic braces. Similarly, you’re also warned against eating any hard snacks, otherwise, you’re at risk of breaking off the small parts of the braces.
3. Mild to Severe Mouth Sores
When the metal braces are first installed, you’ll be prone to having occasional sores until your mouth gets used to having the hardware installed. The pain in these sores may vary from mild to severe, depending on how your braces are installed.
4. Regular Adjustment or Tightening
With metal braces, you’ll be subjected to a life of frequent visits to the orthodontist, at least till your teeth start properly aligning to the desired outcome.
Conclusion
The obvious visual appeal of ceramic braces is one of the biggest attraction factors for the procedure among patients and practitioners alike. With a set of ceramic braces, it’s like having a mild version of metallic braces, albeit working just as efficiently.
Author name- Mila Torres
