Tooth-coloured fixed braces that straighten discreetly at Highfield Dental Clinic, Edgbaston.
Ceramic brackets offer the reliability of fixed braces with far less visibility, which suits many adult patients.
Ceramic braces work exactly like conventional fixed braces, but the brackets are made from a tooth-coloured ceramic rather than metal. Bonded to the front of each tooth and connected by a wire, they move teeth using the same gentle, continuous pressure.
They are often called aesthetic brackets because they are far less noticeable in photographs and conversation. Some systems use tooth-coloured or frosted wires and clear ties to reduce visibility further, and your clinician will explain what is available for your case.
Want fixed braces without the metal look in Birmingham? Our experienced team will explain whether ceramic brackets suit your case.
Treatment follows the same pattern as conventional fixed braces. It typically involves:
Your clinician will explain the expected timescale, which can be slightly longer than with metal brackets in some cases.
The advantage is appearance. The trade-offs are that ceramic brackets are generally larger and more brittle than metal, so breakages are more common, and they usually cost more. Treatment can take a little longer in some cases.
The brackets themselves do not stain, but the clear elastic ties holding the wire can pick up colour from curry, tomato sauce, red wine, coffee and smoking. These ties are replaced at every adjustment, so any discolouration is temporary. Cutting back on strongly coloured foods in the days before an appointment helps keep things looking fresh.
No, but they are far less noticeable than metal. The brackets are tooth-coloured, and the wire is the most visible part.
The brackets themselves resist staining. The clear ties can discolour with strongly coloured food and drink, but they are changed at every adjustment.
Yes, they provide the same precise control. Treatment may take slightly longer in some cases, and breakages are a little more common.
Usually, yes, as the brackets are more expensive. Your written treatment plan will set out the full cost before you commit.
This is a common choice, as lower teeth are less visible. Your clinician can discuss combinations at your consultation.
Ceramic is more brittle than metal, so brackets can chip or debond more easily. Avoiding hard and sticky foods reduces the risk considerably.
