Ceramic rings: everything you need to know about this orthodontic treatment

If you didn't have your teeth checked as a child and teenager, you may find yourself with misaligned teeth as an adult. Advances in orthodontics have made it possible for you to find a treatment that bbrackets your teeth back into perfect alignment, without the need for unsightly metal braces.

What do ceramic brackets look like?

Ceramic braces work on the same principle as metal braces, but are much more discreet. It is quite uncomfortable for an adult to have a smile glazed with steel-colored wires and braces. With ceramic braces, you have small white ceramic brackets that are bonded to each of your teeth.

The ring is not actually white, but it can be chosen according to the shade of your natural teeth, which allows for greater discretion. It is also possible to play with the dimensions of the bracket, depending on the problem you have to solve. Note that the ceramic ring is originally larger than the metal ring.

A wire passes through each bracket and is held in place by a small elastic band. It connects the teeth together and, depending on the tension, puts pressure on your teeth to straighten them. The ideal is to avoid steel colored wire and to use a white wire, just as resistant, but more discreet.

Bands on the inside of the teeth

The alternative to making your braces completely invisible is to use the lingual method, which involves placing the braces on the inside of the teeth. While you have the advantage of being the only one who knows you are wearing an appliance, you will have to wear it for longer periods of time because it is not possible to apply the same amount of traction to it as you would with conventional braces.

On the other hand, you are more likely to injure your tongue that comes in direct contact with the brackets.

Why choose ceramic brackets?

The advantages of ceramic brackets

Discretion is of course the first advantage of ceramic braces, by choosing the right tone to match the colour of your teeth and by adding a white wire. Only people close to you will realize that you are wearing a device that does not look unpleasant, as metal brackets can. Moreover, the contact in the mouth with ceramic is more pleasant than that of metal.

Ceramic braces are as effective as metal braces. They allow us to solve quite serious and long-standing problems. The first few days of the installation, and then when you go to the dentist for an adjustment, the tension can be unpleasant, but you soon get used to it and don't feel the appliance doing its job, day after day.

The disadvantages of ceramic brackets

Ceramic brackets are more expensive than metal brackets. You should expect to pay an average of 250 € more per semester.

Ceramic brackets are also less durable than their metal counterparts. This is due to the raw material. If you take precautions, there's no reason for them to break. Instead of biting into particularly hard foods, simply cut them into smaller pieces. However, if you get hit, they may actually crack and then break.

Another disadvantage is that ceramic stains quite easily. If you drink tea, coffee and other coloring foods, or smoke, your brackets will turn yellow. To prevent this from happening, you need to maintain them scrupulously, with thorough brushing after every meal.

You can also use baking soda that you place on your toothbrush. It “scrubs” the braces along with the teeth and removes surface stains. You can use it two or three times a week, not more, to avoid damaging your tooth enamel.

Finally, you risk injuring the inside of your cheeks and lips, as with metal brackets, and even a little more, due to the slightly larger size. You should normally get used to this and quickly limit this risk.

If you are looking for invisible orthodontic treatment, we recommend clear aligners rather than ceramic braces.

The German brand Dr Smile offers aligners from 33€ per month with really amazing results.

How much does a ceramic banding system cost?

The ceramic ring system costs between 800 and 1,000 € per semester. Depending on the configuration of your teeth, your treatment will last from 6 months to 2 years. Don't hesitate to ask for several estimates, because the rates are free and differ from one dentist to another.

If you are over 16 years old, you are not entitled to any reimbursement from the social security system. Ask your mutual insurance company about its coverage rate.