Ceramic Braces in Aurora

What it is

Ceramic braces are built the same way as traditional braces. A small bracket is bonded to the front of each tooth, and a thin wire links them. The difference is the bracket material. Instead of stainless steel, the brackets are made of a ceramic that matches the shade of your teeth or lets it show through. People often call them clear braces or tooth coloured braces.

Because they are fixed to your teeth, ceramic braces work around the clock. You cannot forget to wear them, which is a real advantage over removable aligners for some people. The American Association of Orthodontists notes that braces tend to move teeth faster than clear aligners, and ceramic brackets can handle many of the same tooth movements as metal ones.

There are trade-offs. Ceramic brackets are a little larger than metal ones and more brittle, so they can chip if you bite something hard. Ceramic is also very hard, and if your upper teeth close onto lower brackets, those brackets could wear the opposing teeth. For that reason, some people have ceramic brackets on the upper teeth and metal on the lower ones. The small elastic ties that hold the wire can pick up stains from coffee, tea or curry, although they are replaced at each adjustment.

Dr. Farhad Sobouti, DDS, MSc (Orthodontics), FRCDC, provides our orthodontic treatment. At your assessment he looks at your teeth, jaws and bite, then explains whether ceramic, metal or clear aligners would suit the movements you need. The Canadian Dental Association describes tooth-coloured ceramic braces as a less noticeable choice, and for many people that is the main reason to choose them.

Is it right for me?

• You want fixed braces but would like them to be less visible.
• You are a teen or adult with crowding, spacing or a bite problem.
• You worry you would leave removable aligners out too often.
• Your bite needs tooth movements that aligners may not control as well.
• You can avoid biting hard foods and objects with your front teeth.

Step by step

1. Orthodontic assessmentDr. Sobouti examines your teeth, jaws and bite and takes records such as photos, X-rays and a digital scan.
2. Choosing bracketsHe explains whether ceramic brackets suit all your teeth or only some, based on how your teeth meet.
3. Bonding the bracketsTeeth are cleaned and dried, each bracket is bonded in place, and the wire is fitted. No freezing is needed.
4. Regular adjustmentsEvery few weeks the wire is adjusted or changed and the elastic ties are replaced, which also refreshes their colour.
5. Careful removalCeramic brackets are removed with care because the material is brittle. Remaining adhesive is polished off and retainers are made.

How it compares

General information. Your dentist will explain what applies to you.

Benefits and risks

Cost and coverage

Your fee for ceramic braces is set after Dr. Sobouti's assessment, when the length of treatment and the brackets needed are clear. We use the Ontario Dental Association fee guide as our reference. Many workplace plans include orthodontics with a separate lifetime maximum, so we can send a predetermination and bill your plan directly. The Canadian Dental Care Plan does not currently list orthodontic services, so check canada.ca for updates; IFHP rules vary. Ask about our in-house dental plan and student program. Because braces run over many months, your written estimate shows the full cost before you start, and we'll explain your payment options.

What shapes your estimate

• How complex your bite is and how long treatment may take
• Whether ceramic brackets go on all teeth or only the upper ones
• The records needed, such as X-rays and scans
• The retainers needed after braces come off
• Your orthodontic coverage and any lifetime maximum

Read more about insurance and payment, the Canadian Dental Care Plan and IFHP coverage.

After your visit

• Cut food into small pieces and chew with your back teeth; skip ice, hard candy and popcorn kernels.
• Brush around every bracket after meals and use a floss threader or small brush under the wire.
• Rinse after coffee, tea or deeply coloured foods to help keep the ties clean.
• Call us if a bracket chips or comes loose rather than waiting for your next visit.

Questions