Everything You Need To Know About Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces employ the same mechanics as traditional metal braces and serve the same purpose, the difference being that they incorporate an aesthetic design that blends in with your tooth shade and smile. Read on to find out more about the process behind getting them and the characteristics that set them apart below.  

What is the process behind getting ceramic braces?

We will invite you to an initial consultation and your orthodontist here at Smile Up will assess your suitability for treatment, talk you through what to expect, explain the benefits and answer any questions you might have. Following this, treatment can begin. We will take images of your teeth that can be used when creating your custom ceramic braces, as well as impressions of your teeth; these will be taken digitally as opposed to the traditional alginate impression process. Not all practices offer digital impressions and we pride ourselves in being one of them, as they render the impressions process much more comfortable for the patient and streamline the overall appointment time. We will then create the brace hardware for your brace (the brackets and archwires) and in the case of ceramic braces, this is what sets them apart from traditional braces. Ceramic braces use small square brackets that are cemented to the teeth and designed to blend in with your existing tooth shade, rendering the braces less aesthetically invasive. The braces work by applying continuous pressure to your teeth over a period of 18-24 months, guiding your teeth into a desired position. As the teeth move, the jawbone accommodates the new position of the roots.

The benefits of ceramic braces

Discreet design – as outlined above, ceramic braces are characterised by their discreet design. They employ translucent brackets that match your tooth shade and a more recent development in their design is the introduction of tooth-coloured wires, enhancing the brace’s chameleon-like qualities.

Better comfort than their metal counterparts – the brackets used with ceramic braces are smaller than those used with traditional metal braces, making them less likely to cause irritation or discomfort.

More stain-resistant – as the elastic ligatures used to hold the archwires that are attached to the brace’s brackets are clear or white, they are less susceptible to staining. Your orthodontist here at Smile Up will change them regularly, further eliminating any chance of staining.

We are open six days a week to accommodate our patients’ busy schedules. Our friendly multi-lingual team speak several languages including Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, Polish and Bulgarian. Why not make orthodontic treatment your new year’s resolution this year? Contact us today if you’re looking for a Lewisham dentist and wish to know more about the brace options we have to offer.

Ceramic braces vs metal braces and Invisalign

Ceramic braces sit between traditional metal braces and clear aligners. Like fixed braces, they use brackets and wires to move your teeth precisely, so they can handle more complex cases that aligners sometimes cannot — but the tooth-coloured brackets make them far more discreet than metal. Compared with Invisalign, ceramic braces are fixed in place, with nothing to remember to wear, while Invisalign offers fully removable, near-invisible aligners. At your consultation we will help you weigh up which option best suits your smile, lifestyle and budget.

Who are ceramic braces suitable for?

Ceramic braces are a popular choice for teenagers and adults who want a discreet, fixed solution and may not be ideal candidates for removable aligners. They are especially popular with adults who feel self-conscious about metal braces at work or socially. Your orthodontist will confirm whether they are right for you at your initial assessment.

How long does treatment take?

Most ceramic brace treatments take around 18 to 24 months, although this varies with the complexity of your case. You will have regular check-ups so we can adjust your braces and keep everything on track.

How much do ceramic braces cost?

The cost of ceramic braces depends on the complexity of your treatment, so we will give you a clear, personalised quote at your consultation with no surprises. To make treatment easier to budget for, we offer 0% interest-free finance, and new patients are welcome with a £49 examination including X-rays.

Caring for your ceramic braces

• Brush after meals and before bed, taking care around the brackets and wires.
• Clean between your teeth every day with interdental brushes or floss threaders.
• Avoid hard, sticky or strongly coloured foods that can damage brackets or stain the clear ligatures.
• Keep up your regular hygiene and check-up appointments throughout treatment.

Ceramic braces FAQs

Do ceramic braces stain?

The clear or white ligatures can pick up stains from strongly coloured food and drink, but we change them at every adjustment so your braces stay looking fresh. Choosing tooth-coloured wires and keeping up good oral hygiene helps too.

Are ceramic braces painful?

You may feel some tenderness for a few days after your braces are fitted or adjusted, which is completely normal and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief. The smaller ceramic brackets tend to feel more comfortable than traditional metal ones.

Are ceramic braces better than Invisalign?

Neither option is better on its own — they simply suit different needs. Ceramic braces are fixed and handle complex movements well, while Invisalign is removable and virtually invisible. The right choice depends on your teeth and lifestyle, which we will talk through at your consultation.

Book your ceramic braces consultation in Lewisham

Smile Up Dental is an orthodontist-led practice in Lewisham, London, caring for patients across Greenwich, Blackheath and Deptford. To find out whether ceramic braces are right for you, book your consultation or call us on 0203 411 1550.