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Ceramic Braces Pro and Disadvantages

If you seek straighter teeth, you have several orthodontic options to choose from. One option is the use of ceramic braces, which tend to be less noticeable than metal braces. Of course, as with anything, ceramic braces have their advantages and disadvantages to weigh before ultimately deciding whether or not get them.

  1. Pro: Appearance

    • The major selling point for ceramic braces is how well they blend with the color of your teeth. Unlike metal braces, ceramic braces tend to be fairly unnoticeable from distances and in photographs.

    Pro: Comfort

    • Many find ceramic braces are more comfortable than more stringent options such as metal. They also tend to be less irritating to the gums.

    Pro: Stain Resistance

    • Unlike composite brackets, ceramic braces will not stain, maintaining their natural look throughout the teeth-straightening process

    Con: Ligature Staining

    • Though initially the ligatures, or tiny rubber bands, attaching the wire to the brackets are clear or white, blending well with your teeth and the braces, over time, they may stain and begin to stand out. Of course, you can prevent this by watching what you eat and drink, avoiding coffee, black tea, tomato sauce, blueberries, wine and other staining foods as well as smoking. And if they do become stained, you can easily have them replaced.

    Con: Price

    • Ceramic braces generally more expensive than other options. On his website, New Jersey Orthodontist Dr. Robert Silverstein, says the price of ceramic braces can be as much as $1,000 higher than other options.

    Con: Breakage

    • Though strong, ceramic braces chip and break easier than metal or plastic/composite options. Because of this, they are not recommended for those who play contact sports.

    Con: Strength

    • Ceramic braces are not necessarily strong enough to withstand the force needed to correct particularly severe orthodontic issues. Your orthodontist will ultimately decide if you are a good candidate for ceramic braces.

    Con: Size

    • Though ceramic braces blend well with the color of your teeth, they do tend to be larger in size, affecting their appearance and comfort.

    Con: Duration of Treatment

    • Ceramic braces often to add time to the duration of your treatment. This is less the case with newer generations of ceramic braces, however.

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