Porcelain / Clear Braces

Porcelain braces are a common alternative to metal braces, although they aren’t recommended for severe cases. Porcelain braces can be a beautiful alternative to metal braces.

Porcelain braces were introduced back in the 1980s when the idea for less visible braces came about. Contrary to popular belief, porcelain brackets are tough and don’t stain as easily as they used to thanks to continuing product development and technological advances.

Back in the day, plastic brackets were used for invisible braces, but plastic is porous so it tends to stain more easily. The ceramic composite they use now solves that pesky problem, making ceramic braces a great option.

Benefits of Ceramic Braces

• Some say that Porcelain braces are less painful because they don’t irritate the gums.
• Porcelain braces are strong, especially if they are high-quality.
• ​They usually don’t chip or break unless they are badly abused.
• ​They are very aesthetic and tooth colored and almost invisible.

​Drawbacks of Ceramic Braces

​Ceramic brackets are more expensive than metal brackets. They are also bigger, but they blend in with teeth so this isn’t an issue for most patients.

Like traditional metal braces, porcelain braces use clear or white ligatures to hold the arch wire in place. The ligatures are little rubber bands, so they can stain because they’re porous. They’re changed at every adjustment.

We will recommend Porcelain braces to our patients who want the braces to be tooth colored and unnoticeable.

Please discuss the possible benefit of clear braces with Dr Botha or staff.