Dental braces align misaligned jaws and help correct crooked teeth. Braces can be metal, wires, or ceramic with a bonding material that attaches them to the teeth to hold them firmly as they align.
Braces are common among adolescents, but more adults are getting corrective braces to align their teeth. Even though the success rate may vary with age, an orthodontist specializing in this kind of treatment can help you achieve your goals. Our specialists also will help you choose attractive braces colors.
WHAT ARE CERAMIC BRACES?
Ceramic braces first came out in 1987 as an option for people looking for a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to steel braces.
They are made of aluminum oxide and are preferred among adults because they are less noticeable than metal braces.
ADVANTAGES OF CERAMIC BRACES
1. Reduces plaque accumulation
Plaque is a sticky, colorless film that contains bacteria and builds up in your teeth. If one fails to remove their dental plaque while it’s still soft, it hardens and can cause tooth damage and decay.
Studies show that people with ceramic braces have less plaque accumulation on teeth brackets than metal ones.
2. Less visible
Ceramic braces come in different colors and shades; they are customizable to suit the color of your teeth, making them less visible.
Also, with clear brackets, you can comfortably take photos and smile at the camera without worrying about the braces appearing in the pictures.
3. Less allergic
It’s not uncommon for traditional braces to trigger an allergic reaction, as many individuals have metal allergies. Most braces contain metal alloys, mainly nickel which can lead to contact dermatitis. Ceramic braces have the advantage of containing no metal, so they are an excellent alternative for individuals with a metal allergy.
4. Have more uses than aligners
Invisible aligners such as Invisalign have limitations when it comes to correcting severe overbites and drastic tooth positioning. However, ceramic braces can correct complex dental issues.
5. Suitable for imaging tests
During imaging, metals interfere with MRI scans, which can be a problem if an individual needs an MRI of their head or neck area but wear braces. Doctors often recommend you remove your metal braces before the imaging. However, ceramic braces are safe for magnetic resonance imaging.
DISADVANTAGES OF CERAMIC BRACES
1. Dimenalization of enamel
Ceramic braces tend to wear down the tooth’s enamel more than metal braces. The calcification of the teeth is sometimes hard and impossible to reverse.
2. Less durable
Ceramic braces are not as durable, which can be an issue if an individual is involved in contact sports. While playing, you can wear mouthguards to protect your braces, but ceramic braces are still more prone to breakage than metal braces.
3. Removal procedures
Ceramic brackets are hard to remove, and as mentioned above, more fragile than metal braces. If fragments do break, one can accidentally swallow a piece. Also, ceramic braces tend to be bulkier than metal braces, making them uncomfortable for some people.
HOW MUCH DO CERAMIC BRACES COST FOR ADULTS?
On average, the cost of ceramic braces ranges from $2,000 to $8,500 before insurance, comparable to metal braces that cost between $3,000 to $7,500.
A standard health insurance plan does not cover most braces. However, you can get an individual dental insurance plan which will help cover the cost.
Keep in mind, though, as an adult, if you are getting your braces for cosmetic reasons, most dental insurance plans won’t cover this treatment.
HOW MUCH DO CERAMIC BRACES COST IN NYC?
Without insurance, ceramic braces in NYC cost between $4,000 -$8,000.Depending on your dental insurance, most companies pay 50% for a lifetime of orthodontic treatment.
WHY ARE CERAMIC BRACES EXPENSIVE?
The high quality of ceramic material increases the price of ceramic braces. The intricate parts that make the customized braces are more complicated to adhere to the teeth correctly. It depends on the orthodontist’s expertise to ensure the brackets fit well.
Also, an individual should expect to wear their ceramic braces for 1-3 years at least before seeing any results. Sometimes it takes longer as it depends on the cooperation of the patient.
IS INVISALIGN BETTER THAN CERAMIC?
Invisalign may not be the best permanent solution to teeth issues like position and overbites. Also, with ceramic, patients do not need to return to the office for adjustments and realigning.
Ceramic braces are not only invisible but also permanently align your teeth with periodic adjustments by the orthodontist. Additionally, ceramic brackets create an aesthetic that improves the patient’s smile.
If you are interested in exploring your options for ceramic braces in NYC, contact Amazing Smiles for top-rated orthopedic care.