Ceramic or Clear Braces
Research shows 60% of people felt happier, more attractive, and more confident smiling with straighter teeth. However, while improving your aesthetics, orthodontic treatment also helps address oral health issues, like gum disease and cavities developing due to inadequate interproximal hygiene.
In addition, crooked teeth or gaps between your teeth make it harder for you to clean correctly and result in increased food traps where bacteria grow due to plaque build-up, which is a complex of bacteria and food. If these issues are not addressed, it can lead to early tooth loss.
In addition, misaligned teeth can also affect your daily function, like eating and speaking. For example, many people experience pain when eating and even feel their teeth move within the sockets because of the pressures exerted upon chewing.
What are Clear Braces?
Clear braces or ceramic braces are orthodontic devices that are used to straighten teeth. They’re very similar to the traditional metal braces but are made of transparent or tooth-colour ceramic.
The brackets are attached to teeth and connected by wire and rubber bands. The wire is tightened over time to put pressure on the teeth to move them to the desired position.
How to know if I need braces?
If you visit your dentist Sydney regularly, your dentist will identify a need for your teeth to be corrected with orthodontics appliances like braces. Otherwise, you may need braces if you have noticed the following:
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teeth that are overcrowded or visibly crooked
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teeth that don’t close when your bite is at rest
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pain or difficulty chewing food
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find it hard to pronounce certain sounds due to your tongue position in relation to your teeth
Pros and Cons of having Ceramic Braces?
Pros:
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Like traditional braces, clear braces can handle most misalignment problems and have been proven to be more effective in some cases than Invisalign.
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The brackets are less noticeable and blend into your teeth better than the metal braces.
Cons:
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It may cause discomfort to the patient, the brackets can break, and the wire may become too long, poking the patient’s soft tissues.
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The elastics are easily stained and become yellow if they are not looked after
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The ceramic brackets aren’t as durable as the metal brackets; the straightening process might take longer than metal braces.
Caring for Braces
Wearing braces makes regular oral hygiene practices slightly more challenging, and patients need to work extra hard to keep their teeth clean.
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Brushing and using interdental cleaning methods like Piksters
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Regular check-up and teeth cleaning with your Sydney dentist to prevent plaque, cavities, and gum disease.
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Avoid hard food that can damage braces, like hard and sticky candy
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Avoid sugary soft drinks and juice as they cause tooth decay
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Avoid food that can stain your teeth, such as wine, coffee
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Avoid smoking
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See your “dentist near me” right away if the bracket is broken or the wire is causing damage to soft tissues like the cheek or gums.
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Use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp spot that hurt your soft tissue
How long does the treatment last?
Depending on the case’s complexity, the treatment might vary between 6-12 months or 18-24 months. Schedule an appointment with one of our dentists for a consultation regarding your case.
How much does it cost?
Depending on the length and complexity of the treatment, the price is around $4,500 to $7500.
It is best to discuss with our dentists about the braces cost, payment plans during your first consultation to ensure that you are financially prepared for your orthodontic treatment.
