Pros and Cons of Ceramic Braces?

Ceramic braces are a fantastic alternative to metal braces and clear aligners like Invisalign.

They blend in the best of both works, with the same capabilities as traditional metal braces while being less visible like clear aligners. While not as inconspicuous as clear aligners, they come with many of their own benefits.

What are the pros of ceramic braces?

Capable: Typically, there is no cases that cannot be treated with ceramic braces. While we have to take more care when adjusting them, anything that can be achieved with metal braces can also be achieved with ceramic braces
Aesthetics: If you don't want it to be obvious that you have braces on, ceramic braces are a great option. With a translucent, nearly invisible look while being as effective as traditional metal braces. Additionally, if you decide that you want some colour in your life, we can still add colour to your ceramic braces
Comfort: Many report higher comfort with ceramic braces over traditional metal braces

What are the cons of ceramic braces?

Durability: While very durable, ceramic braces are not as durable as metal braces
Staining: Ceramic braces can stain and become more visible over time if not careful cleaned and maintained

Orthodontics: Getting Braces in Epping

Optimum Dental

What are braces?

Not all of us are blessed with straight teeth but thanks to advances in modern orthodontics, there are a number of options like braces and Invisalign available to correct this. At Optimum Dental, we're well versed in orthodontics and can help you achieve the perfect smile!

Braces are fixed orthodontic appliances that are used to help move teeth, retrain muscles and correct or manipulate the growth and alignment of the jaws. Braces provide a handle on the tooth which allows it to be moved. Without a handle, we cannot hold the tooth effectively to move it. As well as a handle, a thin, flexible wire is locked into each brace. The components of braces help deliver constant gentle force on the teeth to move them into the desired and planned position.

Some of the following dental conditions may be treated with braces:

Overbite
Underbite
Crossbite
Open bite
Misplaced midline
Wide spacing or gaps
Overcrowding

Pros and Cons of Metal Braces

Traditional braces (or metal braces) are a great solution for straightening your teeth and correctly misalignments. While they've been around for the longest, that doesn't mean there hasn't been improvements and advancements in traditional braces over the years!

What are the pros of metal braces?

Cost Effective: They are typically the cheapest orthodontic treatment
Durable: Metal braces are the most durable
Effectiveness: Metal braces can resolve just about all alignment issues whereas clear aligners like Invisalign have their limitations
Colours: Metal braces allow you to choose different colours and patterns so you can show them off with pride! This exudes confidence!
Convenient: Compared to Invisalign, it is arguable that the lack of having to remove them regularly is more convenient, especially for younger patients who may not be as diligent in maintaining their aligners and cleaning their teeth regularly

What are the cons of metal braces?

Visibility: They are the most noticeable form of orthodontics, with ceramic braces and clear aligners like Invisalign being less conspicuous. This isn't always a con, with many colour and pattern options!
Comfort: With many advancements over the years, metal braces have become more comfortable. However, clear aligners like Invisalign and ceramic braces win the comfort war!

Getting braces in Epping

Getting braces is an involved yet rewarding process when completed correctly. With decades of experience and a precise, methodical approach, you can be certain that you will receive fantastic results when you visit Dr Karu and the Optimum Dental team at our Epping dental clinic.

Come see us today! You can book online, give us a call or simply come visit us and say hi!

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What can I expect when getting braces?

At your first appointment your Dr Karu will discuss with you your treatment needs and expectations as well as any concerns you may have. All your options will be uncovered and discussed with you in detail, to ensure not only are orthodontic treatment is the best option, but which type of treatment should be pursued. Considering your budget and personal circumstances, our dentist will help you decide on whether metal braces, ceramic braces or clear aligners like Invisalign is the right choice for you. If there is an alternative treatment available for you, that will be discussed and considered in detail.

From there, should we decide that braces is the right choice for you, photos, moulds and X rays will taken of your jaw and teeth to do the assessment of your current dental condition. During this process, alternative options or potential concerns may be discovered and if so, they will be discussed with you and if required, an alternative treatment may be suggested.

After your thorough assessment, a separate appointment will be scheduled where Dr Karu will put fit the braces to your teeth. Typically, small plastic bands called ‘separators’ will be placed between your molar teeth and kept in place for at least a week to create a space between your teeth for the permanent molar bands.

At the next appointment the molar bands, brackets and wires will be put in place. You may find that for the first couple of days your teeth may feel tender to bite and your jaw might ache. This is because of the pressure of the brace. This is normally only minor however, taking paracetamol or over-the-counter pain medication will help alleviate the pain if it bothers you. If the discomfort lasts longer than a few days, an appointment to see your dentist can be made to see if your brace needs adjusting. You may find that your brace may also rub against the inside of your lips or cheeks. If this is the case, use the wax which your dentist will have supplied as a protective barrier.

Once your braces are fitted, you will need to visit our Epping dental clinic every 4 to 8 weeks to have your progress checked and your braces adjusted (during which the bands and wires may be changed, tightened or additional elastics added if required). If you have had your brace tightened, you may fell a little discomfort later in the day which is a normal. Again, over-the-counter pain medication may help.

While you are receiving orthodontic treatment with braces, you will still require regular 6 monthly check-ups with your dentist to ensure your gums and teeth are healthy. This is particularly the case with braces as the appliance may make your teeth more difficult to clean.

After your treatment is complete, your braces will be removed and your teeth thoroughly cleaned and polished to remove any remaining cement. Your treatment is not over at this stage as your teeth still need to be held into position while the surrounding gums and bone settles. During this time, your teeth might feel loose but this is absolutely normal. This period is called retention, utilising a custom-made appliance that holds in the teeth, called ‘retainers’, which can either be fixed or removable. Depending on the type of retainers, impressions may need be taken in order for the retainers to be manufactured in a dental laboratory. Your retainers will need to be worn for a period of time specified by your dentist.

What types of braces are available?

Metal braces

Traditional metal braces typically consist of stainless steel or metal brackets which are cemented (glued) to each tooth, which hold flexible arch wires that connect each bracket to one another in place. In turn, these wires exert pressure on your teeth, gently moving them into their correct position over the course of your treatment. Metal braces are small, strong, and resistant to discolouration. They are the most common form of fixed orthodontic appliances and are particularly popular due to their cost-effectiveness. In some cases, elastic colour chains will be used to close spaces and tighten the tooth contacts. Whether you wish to make a statement, match your mood, personality or outfit, you can also periodically choose your desired elastic chain colour to be affixed by your dentist. This is especially popular for teenagers. There is no reason to be put off by braces as modern brackets are smaller, more comfortable and less noticeable in comparison to their earlier predecessors.

Ceramic braces

If you are concerned about the appearance of your braces, however, you may opt to go with clear, tooth-coloured ceramic braces or Invisalign. Ceramic braces are made of very fine, translucent porcelain and are often the preferred option for patients seeking orthodontic appliances that are less visible. They are extremely clear and equally small like the metal braces and are also made to be stain-resistant. Hence why they are popular among cosmetically conscious patients, such as adults and older teenagers. Ceramic braces have exactly the same mechanics and efficacy as metal braces, but they are usually placed on the upper teeth only unless the patient’s bite relationship allows for them to also be used to the lower teeth.

What are my alternatives to braces?

Depending on your circumstances, there may be alternative options that may not be immediately obvious and a thorough assessment by our friendly team will be able to uncover other options!

Some great alternatives to traditional braces are:

Clear Aligners such as Invisalign: Clear aligners are a fantastic alternative to traditional metal braces or ceramic braces. They are nearly completely invisible and can resolve most alignment issues. Learn more about Invisalign.
Dental Veneers: If you are looking to resolve a minor tooth gap, dental veneers or dental bonding may be a great alternative. This would depend on the gap and the location and careful consideration will need to be taken to ensure it is the right choice.

To discuss all your options and get a clear understanding of which solution may be best for you, come see us at our Epping dental clinic today! We're right across from Epping Train Station and there's bus stops available just outside our practice. There's also plenty of street parking around our practice.