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Ceramic Braces Traditionally, braces have been made out of metal. Today, however, thanks to improvements in technology, there are a number of other materials that can be used for braces. Once such material is ceramic. At Gross Orthodontics, we have a number of patients who find that ceramic braces made by Empower Clear are a better fit for them than metal braces. There are some reasons why this is the case, and while it has little to do with functionality, it has a lot to do with how they look.How Do Ceramic Braces Work?Empower Clear ceramic braces work exactly the same as metal braces do. The only difference is that they are made out of a different material. You will still have brackets placed on your molars to hold the braces in place and a set of wires that go across your teeth. The difference is that the brackets will be made from ceramic and the wires, while still metal, are likely to be coated with a white coating so they stand out much less. These wires put pressure on your teeth, slowly moving them into the correct position just like all-metal braces do. Why Get Ceramic Braces Instead of Metal Braces?There are a few different reasons why you may want to get ceramic braces instead of metal braces. The biggest advantage to ceramic braces is that they are much more difficult for others to see. The ceramic material is close in color to your natural teeth, and with coated wires, the whole appliance blends in. This is especially beneficial to adults who do not want anyone to realize that they are wearing braces. Ceramic braces function just like regular braces. They do not take any longer to reposition your teeth, but they also do not perform the task any faster. Another benefit to ceramic braces is that they do not interfere with various imaging devices. Metal braces can make it difficult for devices such as MRI machines to correctly scan your face. It can still be done, but the systems often have a little more difficulty focusing correctly. It is perfectly safe to have an MRI and other imaging tests with metal braces, but you should be aware that there could be some distortions due to the material. Are There Downsides to Ceramic Braces?There are a few downsides to using ceramic braces. They can be more costly. The brackets are slightly larger than those used in all-metal braces, too, which can make them a little more uncomfortable at first. Ceramic is more fragile than metal, so it is easier to damage these braces. It is also possible that drinking tea, coffee, and other dark beverages will stain the ceramic, making it easier for others to see. Who Should Get Ceramic Braces?Ceramic braces can be an option for everyone, but we typically encourage only our adult patients to consider this material. With younger patients, the size of the ceramic brackets can be an issue. Because ceramic is also not as durable, young patients may also damage their braces more easily. If you would like to discuss Empower Clear ceramic braces with the team here at Gross Orthodontics, give us a call today at 915-751-7779. |
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