Which is better metal or ceramic braces?

Ceramic braces are fitted to the front of your teeth, and consist of subtle, clear or tooth coloured brackets with metal wires running through them. Compared to metal braces, ceramic braces are an attractive alternative because they are simply much less noticeable. The brackets are a similar size and shape to metal brace brackets however they are clear or tooth coloured and so blend in more.

Some people have ceramic braces if they are not suitable for Invisalign treatment (due to having more extreme irregularities of the teeth) but still, want to look good during treatment.

Ceramic braces are also sometimes chosen because they are more budget-friendly than lingual braces.

Whatever your reason for choosing ceramic braces, you can be sure of getting great results.

Our chosen brands

Clarity: Tooth coloured

Clarity™ Ceramic Braces are strong like metal and they also are easily taken off at the end of your treatment. They are a great alternative to metal braces and can even be worn if you participate in sports.

The braces are translucent in appearance, don’t stain or discolour and are surprisingly comfortable.

Radiance: Clear Braces

Radiance ceramic braces are a fast and reliable way to straighten your teeth in a discreet way.

Radiance ceramic braces are extremely strong as they are made from sapphire, which is almost as strong as diamond.

InVu: Tooth Coloured

InVu tooth coloured, ceramic braces are extremely strong and incorporate colour-matching technology that allows them to look as close to your natural tooth colour as possible.

The brackets themselves are manufactured to the highest level providing extreme strength with easier bonding and less friction. It is one of the least visible ceramic braces we offer.

Find out more about ceramic braces

Request an appointment at our practice in Oldham. We will be happy to tell you more about our range of ceramic braces and our other orthodontic treatments so that we can find the best way to help you feel good about your smile.

Brace instructions

Here are some handy guides to help you with your new braces. You can download them by clicking on the individual links:

• Fixed appliance instructions
• Instructions for retainers

Are clear aligners effective?

Clear aligners which involve using Invisalign braces are probably our most popular treatment, simply because they are so easy to use. They are an almost invisible appliance which is ideal for those who are in the public eye or who simply want to smile without worrying about their braces showing.

The clear Invisalign aligner is similar to a mouthguard and is excellent at straightening crooked, gappy or even overlapping teeth. The aligners are clear, wafer-thin and made of a transparent medical grade plastic. They are designed so that you wear each positioner for approximately two weeks. They gently and gradually move your teeth from their present position to the desired position.

Our chosen brand

Invisalign®

Invisalign® is a very popular treatment at our Oldham practice. Invisalign® aligners are made of clear plastic and so they are virtually invisible. They are also removable so you can eat and drink normally and clean your teeth easily.

We find that patients love Invisalign® because the aligners are comfortable, removable, clear and easy to use. The treatment consists of a series of clear aligners, individually manufactured for your teeth with 3D computer imaging.

The aligners are changed every two weeks, and gradually move your teeth into the correct position. You can view your own virtual treatment plan to see in advance what your new straight smile will look like.

Find out more about our clear aligners

If you would like to find out more about Invisalign braces please get in touch or book a consultation at our practice in Oldham.

Brace instructions

Here are some handy guides to help you with your new braces. You can download them by clicking on the individual links:

• Removable appliance instructions
• Instructions for retainers

Are lingual braces effective?

Lingual Braces can be used to treat a variety of orthodontic problems and are an extremely discreet way of straightening teeth compared with traditional metal braces.

They are comprised of small brackets and arch wires that are bonded to the back of the teeth making them virtually invisible to other people. The metal brackets are custom-made to fit the individual shape of your teeth, and are attached to the back of the teeth.

The braces work in very much the same way as traditional braces to effectively straighten your teeth, but are probably the most invisible method we offer.

Our chosen brands

Incognito™ lingual braces

Incognito™ lingual braces are custom-made from gold. They are created using state of the art technology to ensure they are an exact fit for your teeth.

Incognito™ braces produce fast and predictable results and are less likely than traditional braces to lead to problems such as decalcification and decay.

You may experience a little discomfort for the first ten days or so of wearing the braces, but once you get used to them you should find them very easy to live with. The end result will be a beautifully straight smile that you will love to show off!

STb™ Light Lingual System

The STb Light Lingual System is a more cost effective alternative to Incognito™, but still delivers a great level of comfort with an efficient, effective treatment.

STb utilizes a new passive self-ligation design for dramatically reduced friction making it incredibly comfortable.

These braces are a perfect solution for those patients that are not suitable for the clear aligners we offer, such as Invisalign.

Find out more about lingual braces

If you would like to find out more about straightening your smile with lingual braces please book a consultation at our practice in Oldham.

Brace instructions

Here are some handy guides to help you with your new braces. You can download them by clicking on the individual links:

• Fixed appliance instructions
• Instructions for retainers

How do you take care of your teeth with braces on?

You will need to take extra care of your teeth while wearing braces. This includes being careful about what you eat and following the correct daily oral healthcare routine.

It is vital that you follow our advice on these issues to avoid damaging your teeth and to ensure that we can complete your orthodontic treatment.

Brace care

Damaged braces means an extra appointment to see us and can affect the length of your treatment. The best way to care for your braces is to be careful what you eat and make sure you do not bite too hard.

Avoid particularly hard and chewy foods such as toffee. You can still eat crunchy foods such as apples or carrots, but cut them into small pieces so that you don’t need to bite into them. You should also avoid chewing on fingernails, pens, etc.

If you take part in contact sports such as rugby or martial arts, you must protect your teeth and braces with an orthodontic mouthguard – please ask us for more details.

Cleaning

Taking proper care of your teeth and gums during orthodontic treatment is absolutely vital to avoid problems such as decay and gum disease.

After every meal, you need to clean your teeth carefully using a fluoride toothpaste.

You need to brush around the braces, in between your teeth and where your teeth meet your gums. We will be able to supply you with special brushes to make cleaning easier and more effective. You should also use a fluoride mouthwash after brushing.

Discomfort

It is normal to have tender teeth and/or a sore mouth in the first week or so of wearing braces. This will wear off and can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers.

Pain caused by rubbing can be minimised by using orthodontic wax. If the pain persists, please consult the orthodontist.

Brace repairs

If you have a broken wire, a loose bracket or part of the brace is missing, you need to see us ASAP. Even if you are due to see us, it would be advisable to contact the practice for advice as there may not be time to make repairs during a routine check-up.

If you fail to follow our advice about brace care, you may be charged for repairs or replacement if your brace is damaged excessively or frequently.

Your diet

Your teeth are more vulnerable to problems such as decay during orthodontic treatment. You should avoid sweet and/or sticky foods, and acidic drinks such as fizzy drinks and fruit juices. You particularly need to avoid snacking between meals.

Each time you eat or drink, your teeth are attacked by acids for around 40 minutes, which leads to decay. Your saliva washes this acid away and re-mineralises your teeth, but it needs time to do this. If you snack frequently the acid is never washed away and your teeth become damaged.