Fixed ceramic braces
Ceramic braces, also known as clear braces, are a type of fixed brace that uses tooth-coloured brackets to discreetly straighten your teeth.
Clear braces can achieve the same precise results as traditional metal braces, with the added bonus of being more discreet, which makes them a popular choice for both adults and teenagers.
Because they’re fixed to your teeth, they can treat most common orthodontic problems, including crowded teeth, overbites and underbites.
How do ceramic braces work?
Clear brackets are attached to the front of each tooth and are connected by a thin metal or tooth-coloured wire. The brace uses gentle pressure to gradually move your teeth into the desired position.
You’ll need to visit your orthodontist throughout your treatment, typically every six to ten weeks, so they can check on your progress and adjust the wires of your braces. Once you’ve finished treatment, you’ll be given fixed or removable retainers to maintain your new smile.
What are the pros and cons of ceramic braces?
Pros:
- Clear braces are less noticeable than traditional metal braces, which gives some people greater confidence during treatment
- Fixed braces are bonded to your teeth, so you don’t need to worry about taking them in and out
- Ceramic braces can treat a range of orthodontic issues due to their predictable results
Cons:
- It’s common for people to want removable aligners such as Invisalign treatment, because you can take them out to eat, drink and brush your teeth
- Clear braces can stain, so you’ll need to be careful about what you eat and drink while having treatment
- Ceramic braces are generally more expensive than traditional metal braces
How much do fixed ceramic braces cost?
Treatment starts from £4,500, but the cost will depend on your individual needs. You will need a consultation to discuss suitable treatment options with your orthodontist, who will also be able to give you an exact cost once you’ve had a clinical assessment. Ask your practice about payment options available.
How long do fixed ceramic braces take to straighten your teeth?
Ceramic braces usually take between a year and two years to straighten the teeth but this will depend on your orthodontic needs. During your initial consultation, your orthodontist will examine your teeth and advise you on what treatment will suit you and how long it will take.
Do ceramic braces hurt?
It may take a while to get used to wearing fixed braces, and you might feel discomfort each time you get them tightened. This can be managed with over the counter painkillers.
For irritated areas inside your mouth, pain relief gel can help. You can also ask your orthodontist for special wax to press over areas of your brace that start to rub. If you need any help with pain relief, get in touch with your local practice who will be able to help you.
What are the alternatives to ceramic braces?
Total Orthodontics offers various orthodontic treatments that you might want to discuss with your orthodontist, such as:
Invisalign treatment
Invisalign treatment uses clear, removable aligners to move your teeth without the need for fixed braces. You can take them out to eat, drink or brush your teeth.
Lingual
braces
Lingual braces work in the same way as fixed metal braces but they’re fitted to the inside of your teeth rather than on the front of them. For this reason, they’re often called ‘hidden braces’.
Fixed metal braces
Fixed metal braces use metal brackets and wire to straighten the teeth. They often cost less than ceramic braces.
Looking after ceramic braces
Some key tips for looking after ceramic braces include:
Avoid staining: The clear brackets or neutral-coloured elastic bands on ceramic braces may stain so avoid highly coloured food and drinks such as coffee, tea, tomato ketchup, berries or red wine. Smoking can also leave yellow marks.
Be careful what you eat and drink: To protect the brackets and wires on your braces, avoid hard or chewy foods like popcorn, chewing gum, crusty rolls, toffees and boiled sweets
Brush and floss regularly: Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and floss at least once a day
What to expect
At your consultation, we will chat through your options and suitability for different teeth straightening treatments.
*Terms and conditions:
1. Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2. Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
4. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
We recognise that when you give us personal information (which includes health information) you’re trusting us to take good care of it. Please see www.bupa.co.uk/privacy for more information about how we collect, use and protect your data.
If you don’t want to receive marketing about Bupa products and services that we think are relevant to you, please contact us at [email protected].
Find out more
Invisalign treatment
Invisalign treatment uses clear, removable aligners to move your teeth without the need for fixed braces. You can take them out to eat, drink or brush your teeth.
Fixed metal braces
Traditional fixed braces are made of metal rather than ceramic. They’re a more visible option than ceramic.
Cost of
braces
Find out more about how much braces cost and how you can request an estimate for treatment.
Our orthodontists
*Terms and conditions:
1.Free consultations are to discuss options and suitability for treatment. You may require a more in-depth clinical examination or diagnostic tests before treatment options can be discussed. There may be a charge for such examination or test, payable by you. The clinician will discuss this with you before any such examination or test takes place, which may be done during the same appointment as your free consultation.
2.Children under 18 can be referred for a free NHS assessment, subject to availability of appointments. Private consultations for children are excluded from this offer and will be charged at our standard rate but the charge will be refunded to you in full if the child commences private treatment following the consultation.
3. Consultations subject to availability.
4. Free consultations available at participating practices only.
Total Orthodontics and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.
