When you are about to undergo orthodontic treatment, one of the most important decisions you will need to make is what type of braces you will wear. They are available in various models and materials including ceramic and metal braces, lingual braces, self-ligating braces and so forth.
Despite the fact that all appliances provide efficiency, each of them has its pros and cons, as well as its own specific features. The braces cost also varies considerably depending on their type. Because of this, it is vital that you fully understand the features and circumstances that come with each teeth straightening option before choosing one.
Our focus in this article will be on ceramic braces. We will go over all the important information about these devices - what conditions they are designed to treat, how effective they are, their benefits and drawbacks, as well as the cost of ceramic braces in Singapore.
What Are Ceramic Braces?
Ceramic braces are orthodontic devices that are used to fix misaligned teeth and bite. They work in a similar way as the other types of braces, putting pressure on the teeth to help them move into a straighter position. Additionally, their construction is almost the same as traditional metal braces.
What distinguishes ceramic braces from other devices is that they are made from special ceramic material. They can be either clear or coloured to match the colour of your teeth. Due to that, these kinds of brackets are more aesthetically pleasing and cannot be easily noticed by others.
How Effective Are Ceramic Braces?
Ceramic braces are as effective as other kinds of braces. They can successfully straighten teeth and improve misaligned jaws. Ceramic braces are often chosen by adult patients who prefer a less-visible alternative to metal braces. These brackets provide a much more subtle appearance than traditional metal brackets.
Nevertheless, ceramic braces also require excellent oral hygiene, as do any other orthodontic devices. They are fixed braces which makes the teeth cleaning process a bit more challenging. You should take extra care of your mouth and pay extra attention to how you brush and floss your teeth to reduce the risk of developing dental problems.
What Are Ceramic Braces Used for?
Ceramic braces are used to treat different types of misalignment and malocclusion. They may also reduce jaw pain in patients with TMJ disorders. The duration of the braces treatment varies according to the severity of the problem.
What Conditions Can Ceramic Braces Treat?
Ceramic braces are effective in treating the following teeth and jaw-related issues:
- crowded or crooked teeth
- gaps or spaces between teeth
- excessive jaw protrusion or overbite
- reverse overjet or underbite
- posterior and anterior crossbite
- “bad bite” or open bite
Ceramic braces can be used to treat mild as well as more complex cases of the conditions listed above.
How Long Does It Take For Ceramic Braces To Work?
You may need to wear your ceramic braces for anywhere from one to three years to achieve the desired results. The average duration of the treatment mostly depends on the severity of your dental problem. The same goes for all types of braces.
Braces treatment usually takes time, regardless of which device is used - traditional braces, clear braces, or Invisalign. It requires several steps and, of course, several dental appointments. Most braces have to be worn for at least a year.
First and foremost, you need to see an orthodontist who can assess your dental health and develop a treatment plan tailored to you. Your provider will then be able to give you information about the cost of your treatment as well as how long you will need to wear braces to straighten your smile.
Ceramic Braces: Pros And Cons
Here is a quick overview of the pros and cons of ceramic braces.
Pros
- Discreet look. One of the main advantages of ceramic braces is that they are virtually invisible. They will not give you that "metal mouth" appearance. The use of ceramic devices can help you feel more confident and preserve the look of your smile.
- Comfort. This type of braces comes with another benefit of being comfortable. They have a much smoother surface than conventional metal brackets, which creates a more comfortable wearing experience.
- Positive results. Ceramic braces work as effectively as metal braces. You can expect positive results after finishing the treatment.
Cons
- Prone to staining. The rubber bands that connect the archwire with your brackets are susceptible to staining when exposed to certain foods. Apart from staying away from crunchy and sticky foods, you'll also need to avoid dark sauces, red wine, coffee, and so forth.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene is difficult. Ceramic braces are permanently fixed on your teeth so you cannot remove them when brushing or flossing. Consequently, you may struggle to properly clean your teeth, which may lead to tooth decay, cavities or other dental issues. This is why it is essential to take extra care of your oral health when wearing braces.
- Less durability. In general, ceramic braces are less durable than metal ones. The ceramic material is not as strong as metal, so ceramic brackets can be more easily damaged when chewing food with a hard texture.
How Much Do Ceramic Braces Cost in Singapore?
A full treatment with ceramic braces in Singapore costs between $4000 and $7000. Typically, this price includes the initial consultation and pre-treatment examination, the creation of a personalised treatment plan, placement of the devices, and follow-up adjustments
Braces price can vary widely from patient to patient as well as from one clinic to another. This is primarily determined by the severity of the condition, the length of treatment, and the number of office visits required.
Braces treatments at private clinics are also generally more expensive than at government hospitals. However, if you go to a private clinic, you usually will receive more attention and faster service.
It may be possible to claim a part of the cost of your braces depending on your insurance policy and the reason for getting them. Dental insurance plans only cover medically necessary teeth straightening treatments.
How much are top ceramic braces?
A ceramic brace for a single arch (upper or lower teeth) can cost between $2800 and $5000, depending on the complexity of the problem.
It is not very common to use braces on only one arch. Patients normally request it because they feel it is a more cost-effective option. However, it is not always true.
If you are getting braces on your upper teeth alone, you will also have to go through all the stages of the treatment - this will not reduce your dental appointments. Additionally, in many cases, it will not fix the problem completely, so further treatments may be necessary.
Braces Singapore Cost Installment
There are many dental clinics in Singapore that offer monthly instalment plans to help you manage the expense of orthodontic treatment. With traditional ceramic braces, costs can range between $200 and $300 per month. The price varies depending on the problem being treated, the treatment plan you have, and the dental provider you are working with.
Braces Singapore Student Price
Students in Singapore may be able to get cheaper braces treatment, costing under $4500. Many clinics provide discounts and affordable plans for school and college students.
Students who require braces as a medically necessary procedure may also be eligible to receive financial aid through their dental insurance. The majority of packages include X-rays, scaling and polishing, and braces at up to 25% off. Furthermore, some insurance plans also cover consultation fees, which can reduce the required upfront payment by over $200. We have a full article about braces for students in Singapore, feel free to check it out for more information.
Which is more expensive metal or ceramic braces?
The cost of ceramic braces tends to be higher than the cost of metal braces. This is because the material used to manufacture ceramic brackets is more delicate and expensive.
The ceramic device is also more fragile. The replacement of broken brackets can lead to a delay in the treatment, making it more expensive.
The construction of ceramic and metal braces is quite similar. They consist of elastic bands, wires and individual brackets cemented to the front surface of each tooth. However, ceramic brackets are made out of material that matches the colour of the teeth, which makes them more expensive.
What's The Difference Between Ceramic And Clear Braces?
Ceramic braces are also commonly referred to as clear braces since they are made from a clear material that matches the colour of the teeth. However, the term "clear braces" is very often associated with Invisalign, which is a completely different alignment system.
Invisalign is a clear aligner system that is also invisible and highly effective. Nevertheless, it works in a quite different way than ceramic braces.
One key difference between these two kinds of invisible braces is that Invisalign aligners are removable, while ceramic braces are permanently fixed on the teeth. Additionally, they differ in that Invisalign clear aligners need to be changed every few weeks whereas braces only need to be adjusted every month. Another noteworthy difference is the price of the two orthodontic devices - Invisalign treatments are generally more expensive, costing about $5000 and $9000, respectively.
Dentists generally recommend Invisalign clear aligners for patients with mild alignment problems, whereas metal and ceramic braces are recommended for patients whose teeth require more straightening.
Are You a Good Candidate For Ceramic Braces?
Ceramic braces are suitable for almost all patients who want to straighten their teeth and smile. Children as young as 7 years old can benefit from partial braces for mild jaw misalignment and overcrowding.
A comprehensive or full set of braces can be started at the age of 12-13 when all adult teeth are present. This is the time when patients can achieve straighter teeth and have a steady bite for the rest of their lives.
However, if you missed that chance for dental braces and you are just a bit older, let's say 30, 40, or 50, you can still get your teeth straightened. All that needs to be checked is whether your mouth is healthy. If you have gum disease or cavities, a general dentist can treat them before starting your braces journey to a straighter smile.
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