Ceramic Braces

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces often referred to as clear or tooth-coloured braces, are a type of fixed orthodontic brackets. Like traditional metal braces, they are used to straighten your teeth and adjust the bite. The main difference between ceramic braces and conventional fixed braces is the material the brackets are made of. Whilst most traditional braces are metal, silver in colour, and visible when attached to the teeth, ceramic braces are made of tooth-coloured, or clear material, blending with the natural colour of your teeth and almost impossible to notice especially from a distance.

The Treatment

Because of their aesthetic appearance, ceramic braces are often preferred by adults that would like to straighten their teeth and are seeking a more unobtrusive approach. They generally provide the same functionality as conventional braces. The ceramic brackets are attached to the teeth and connected with a thin metal wire, held by elastics to each bracket, allowing focused and well-controlled force to be applied for the teeth to align correctly. The use of a white-coated wire might be possible to reduce even further the visibility of the braces.

Identical in purpose, the ceramic, porcelain brackets are slightly less durable than traditional metal braces. For this reason, your orthodontist may opt not to use ceramic brackets if your treatment is very complex and a greater amount of force needs to be applied to align the teeth and adjust the bite and the jawbone. Furthermore, as the brackets are more fragile, a treatment with ceramic braces could take slightly longer if brackets breakage delays reaching the desired effect. Nonetheless, the clinicians at Moira Wong Orthodontics are all highly experienced with these appliances and know well how to adjust them perfectly to make any delays less likely. As long as you follow the guidance, provided by your orthodontist, your treatment should finish on schedule

The Process

Consultation

Consultation

We will first see you for an initial consultation. At this appointment, your specialist orthodontist will do a complete examination of your case. We will take photos and X-rays and conduct a comprehensive assessment to make sure that ceramic braces are a suitable option for you.

Treatment Plan

Treatment plan

During the appointment, we will create a treatment plan for you based on the complete assessment and the information we have collected during the consultation. This treatment plan will outline how long approximately your treatment will take, how much it will cost based on your specific needs, and what are the expected benefits.

First Appointment

First appointment

When you agree to the proposed treatment, we will schedule your first appointment to begin your treatment. At this first appointment, your orthodontist will fit the brackets to your teeth by bonding each bracket to each tooth. We will then connect them using an archwire to create the desired tension on the teeth. Should you need any general dentistry work and a dental hygiene session, we are happy to book this for you prior to your first appointment, or if the schedule allows it on the same day.


Regular Adjustments

Regular adjustments

Once your braces are fitted, we will continue seeing you for regular appointments approximately every 5 to 8 weeks, depending on your specific treatment needs. During these regular appointments, your orthodontic therapist will be adjusting the braces and wires. We will also monitor the overall health of your teeth and gums, making sure you will complete your treatment by having a healthy, beautiful smile.

Retention Period

Retention period

At the end of your treatment, when your teeth and your bite have been appropriately adjusted, we will remove your braces. To ensure the retention of the achieved results and avoid relapse, we will place a fixed retainer. The fixed retainer is a thin wire bonded to the back of the upper and lower front teeth. It keeps them together and prevents them from moving, and you’ll never know it’s there!



We will also provide you with a set of removable retainers for you to wear overnight. The removable retainers are clear thin aligners that go over your teeth. They will help ensure your teeth are protected from moving and prevent you from grinding and applying forces that might affect the achieved results. Finally, we will see you for regular appointments approximately every three months during the first year post your orthodontic treatment. These appointments aim to closely monitor how your teeth behave post-treatment and react promptly if there are any changes.

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    You can book an appointment online, or by giving us a call on 020 7368 6611.