The brackets used in this treatment are made from either polycrystalline or monocrystalline alumina. The former material yields a whitish, tooth-colored bracket while the latter provides a clear, translucent bracket. Both types of brackets are less noticeable than metal brackets, thus their aesthetic appeal. Both materials are used because of their strength and their physical attributes. They are also non-porous and can resist both odors and stains.

The treatment using ceramic or metal brackets is similar. The brackets are bonded to the teeth. Wire is then threaded through the teeth, attached to each bracket by either a thinner wire or a small rubber band. This wire is adjusted monthly to create pressure and guide the teeth into the desired position. Rubber bands can also be used to provide additional pressure in particular areas.

The material used in the brackets is more brittle and delicate than metal, so the orthodontist normally uses less pressure when adjusting the wire. This is to protect both the teeth and the actual brackets, and to try to prevent having to reattach or replace a bracket. The downside to this is that the overall length of the treatment is longer because the process is more delicate. The average time for treatment is about two and a half years, so the treatment using ceramics can be a few months longer.

The ceramic braces cost is also higher than the cost for traditional braces. The higher cost is a result of the longer length of treatment, the more delicate nature of the brackets, which makes them harder to work with, and the higher probability of bracket failure, warranting replacement or reattachment of a bracket during treatment. The cost can range from $6,000 to $8,500. This can be higher or lower depending on the location of the dental office and the complexity of the patient’s case. A more economical option is to use ceramic brackets only on the most visible teeth, the top six teeth, and metal brackets with the rest of the teeth. This option can save the patient some money, since it only increases the cost of metal braces by about $200.

Orthodontists do not recommend ceramic braces for all patients. The material that they are made from is harder than tooth enamel and can cause extra deterioration of the teeth when there is overexposure to the material. The material is also more expensive, which can make for a prohibitive cost for many patients if ceramic brackets are used in all the teeth. The patient and the orthodontist must discuss all the options to figure out if this is the right choice.

This device, which is gaining in popularity, attaches to the teeth to hide any cosmetic irregularities such as gaps, missing teeth, crooked teeth, broken teeth, discoloration or even a tooth out of position. Because the Snap on smile attaches not only to the front teeth but also continuously to the posterior teeth, the aesthetic result is a pleasing, perfect smile. However, it does not use any adhesives and can be easily removed for cleaning and even eating. The device is made of a non-toxic acrylic material, which is not known to cause any allergies, and it is very thin, measuring about 0.5 millimeters in thickness.

The Snap on smile can be used while eating, but patients need to be careful when they eat to prevent any particle getting wedged into the device and causing eventual tooth decay. The device must be cleaned with a special cleansing solution and anti-bacterial gel that the cosmetic dentist provides.

The device can last for several years if maintained correctly, following the dentist’s indications. The fitting process is simple and quick, usually taking two doctor’s visits over two weeks. During the initial visit, the dentist takes the patient’s teeth impression and other information that is then sent to the manufacturer to begin making the device. Once the dentist receives the finished piece, he completes any additional adjustments in his office before the final fitting. During this second office visit, any additional adjustments needed are made. Generally, the patient can walk out with her new device during this visit.

A Snap on smile review shows this device is a good substitute for the more costly porcelain veneers. It also often acts as a transitional device, while patients decide to proceed with more permanent but costlier treatments.

The cost for the device is generally $1200 for a single arch. If both upper and lower arches are needed, it can run about $2400. It increases in cost based on the complexity of each patient’s case and on the aesthetics results expected by the patient. Payment plans can be established with either the manufacturer or the cosmetic dentist, if the patient qualifies.

There are many benefits to using this device. A Snap on smile review cites the convenience of the piece, since there is no drilling or injections involved. There is also no pain. Patients with bruxism can also use it to protect their teeth from further grinding deterioration.

Not all patients can use the device. Those with protruding teeth cannot use it since the way the device is worn does not permit it. Patients with periodontal disease are also unable to use it, as well as those patients who do not have enough surface on the teeth for the device to grip the teeth.