Self ligating ceramic braces are a good option for a wide variety of bite and teeth straightening issues. In fact, they look and fit much like traditional braces. As with any orthodontic treatment option, there are pros and cons to consider before deciding if self ligating braces might be right for you.

Pro: No Elastics

While self ligating ceramic braces look more or less like conventional braces, they don't require any elastics. This is because the brackets are made with a spring-loaded door that consistently applies pressure to the archwire to keep straightening your teeth. Another benefit here is elastics tend to gather more bacteria and thus, plaque buildup. Without those, your teeth are a little easier to keep clean.

Con: Hinges Can Break

The hinges that control the doors on the brackets can occasionally break. This makes it impossible for the doors to shut. You'll need to get this fixed immediately to prevent any setbacks in your treatment plan.

Pro: Ceramic Is Less Noticeable

Ceramic braces are closer in colour to your original teeth. This helps make them less noticeable. However, self ligating ceramic braces still use wires, which are more noticeable. Depending on the type of archwire used, you may be able to use a coloured wire, making your braces more discreet.

Con: Special Care For Cleaning

Both traditional and self ligating braces mean you'll need to spend extra time cleaning your teeth. The brackets and wires make it more difficult to brush and floss. However, once you get used to a care routine, you'll only need a little extra time each day. Just stay on top of regular brushing and flossing to avoid extra plaque buildup and cavities.

Pro: Works In Most Cases

While some orthodontic solutions are only for mild straightening cases, self ligating ceramic braces are designed to work for more complex issues too. This means you're more likely to be a candidate for these, rather than options like Invisalign light. Plus, you still get the benefit of less noticeable braces.

Con: May Cost More

The final cost will vary, but generally, self ligating braces cost slightly more than conventional braces. In most cases, they're still less expensive than other types of braces.

Pro: Fewer Adjustments

Thanks to the way the doors on the brackets work, you may require fewer adjustments. Plus, the adjustments you do need will go faster. Some patients are even able to get their braces off faster, though that will depend on your specific case. This means fewer overall adjustments too.

Self Ligating Ceramic Braces

If you're interested in learning more about self ligating ceramic braces, schedule a consultation at our office today.

You're ready for a straighter smile and love the idea of ceramic braces, but what comes next? Now, it's time to figure out where to go for ceramic braces in Perth.

While you have plenty of options, you only want the best possible care and treatment. This means carefully comparing your options to see which orthodontist is the right fit for you.

List All Your Options

Start by listing all your possible options. You can narrow it down based on years of experience. While a brand new orthodontist might be fine, you'll probably prefer someone who has years of experience. Look at all years and not just years in their current practice.

Also, look at which ones offer ceramic braces. Not every orthodontist in Perth does. If you're set on this option, you don't want to waste time at an orthodontist who doesn't specialise in this straightening option.

Look At Reviews

When you're trying to find ceramic braces in Perth, you'll want to check out reviews for all the orthodontists on your list. How do real patients feel about them? How have their treatment plans gone?

Consider Expert Orthodontists

Wouldn't it be nice to have an orthodontist that's highly respected among their peers? Check out details online about each orthodontist. Have their contributed to any medical journals? Do they participate in any special programs?

For instance, both Dr. Chris Wholley and Dr. Shiva Senathirajah of Profile Orthodontics are both highly respected orthodontists who have published research in major publications and journals.

Check Certifications

You only want to work with an orthodontist who is certified. Check their educational background and certifications. If they can't showcase both, they're not a great fit for you.

Schedule A Consultation

The final step is to meet with the orthodontists on your shortlist. Finding ceramic braces in Perth means being ready to ask questions and see how orthodontists respond. Many orthodontists offer free initial consultations. This helps you learn more about your options, how each orthodontist plans to treat you and whether you feel you'll get the care you deserve.

Want to learn more about Profile Orthodontics and our ceramic braces treatment options? Schedule a consultation today!

Despite what every expert might tell you about ceramic braces, you may still have reservations as to whether they're right for you or not. This is why it's time to start looking a ceramic braces reviews.

The best way to see if ceramic braces are something to talk to your orthodontist about is to see what others truly think about them.

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

It's easy to always find all the positive aspects about different types of braces, but let's face it. There are always at least some downsides. The key is figuring out if those negative aspects are a dealbreaker or not.

This is where ceramic braces reviews come in. While you'll see plenty of them talking about the benefits, such as the brackets and wires being the colour of your teeth, others will talk about the bad and the ugly.

This gives you a far more well-rounded view of what to expect. There are downsides to every type of braces, but remember, those are temporary. When you're finished, you get straight teeth. If you have other oral issues, such as jaw alignment or an overbite, you get rid of those too.

Get Unbiased Reviews

While you should be able to trust your orthodontist fully, it's always nice to know you're getting completely unbiased reviews from actual users. Your orthodontist may never have worn ceramic braces before, so they might not have any first-hand experience.

They will be able to tell you all about what previous patients have said, so don't be afraid to ask.

Know What To Ask

Sometimes, it's easy to get overwhelmed at your consultation. Ceramic braces reviews help you figure out what questions to ask before your appointment. Make a list based on any concerns or questions you might have. Your orthodontist will be happy to answer each to help you determine if ceramic braces are right for you or not.

Go ahead and check out ceramic braces reviews to get an idea of what they are and how they work. Then, contact us today to schedule a consultation for even more information.

When comparing your teeth straightening options, one solution is self ligating ceramic braces. However, how do these compare with other options? It's important to know the pros and cons to help both you and your orthodontist determine if this is the right treatment approach for your needs.

Fewer Visits

In most cases, self ligating ceramic braces look similar to traditional metal braces. However, they require fewer visits for manual adjustments. Traditional braces must be adjusted manually and regularly to continue straightening your teeth throughout the process.

Self ligating braces take a slightly different approach. The brackets and wires are attached using a slide mechanism. It adjusts your teeth more naturally. This also means no need for rubber bands. You'll still need to go in for visits to check the progress, but you'll go less often.

Shorter Visits

When you go in, you'll also have shorter visits. This is because the sliding mechanism is much easier to work with than rubber bands. Visits may take only minutes, which means more time for you to do other things!

Far Less Visible

Self ligating ceramic braces are less visible than other types of self ligating braces. Unlike metal, ceramic blends in with your teeth. Even the wires can be coloured differently to blend in better.

However, ceramic isn't as effective when it comes to severe alignment issues. In this case, metal brackets may work better. Your orthodontist will be able to tell you for certain whether you're a good candidate for ceramic.

It's important to note that your braces will still be visible. If anyone's close enough, they will notice the ceramic brackets, but instead of metal or bright colours, they'll just see a tooth-coloured bump in the front of each tooth.

More Expensive Option

All of the above sound great, right? However, there is one final thing to consider. Self ligating ceramic braces do cost more than traditional metal braces. Between the sliding mechanism design and ceramic brackets, the cost will increase, but the total depends on your treatment plan and alignment needs.

The benefits may very well be worth the extra cost, especially when it comes to a less visible option.

Self Ligating Ceramic Braces

Interested in learning more about self ligating ceramic braces? Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.

Generally, invisible lingual braces cost more than typical metal braces, but that doesn't mean there aren't any other benefits. Before you look at the monetary cost alone, it's worth checking out the other cost benefits, including the top benefit...

Self-Esteem Boost

Many people are very self-conscious when it comes to wearing braces. In fact, they'd rather stick with misaligned teeth and even painful oral issues than let people see them with a mouth full of metal.

For severe alignment issues, most invisible solutions aren't an option. However, invisible lingual braces solve all of these common problems.

Invisible lingual braces cost a little more, but the cost savings to your self-esteem are priceless. Lingual braces fit behind your teeth. This means you get straighter teeth without anyone seeing the metal.

Less Noticeable Damage

Some patients may have slight indentions in the front of their teeth with traditional braces, depending on the severity of the condition and condition of their teeth. With invisible lingual braces, cost may not matter when you discover that there won't be any noticeable damage.

Since the braces sit on the back of your teeth, any indentions won't be noticeable to anyone but you. Of course, that's only when you feel them with your tongue.

Shorter Treatment Times

Our offices use Suresmile Fusion, which comes complete with Suresmile's advanced 3D technology and custom treatment planning software. When it comes to the invisible lingual braces cost, this is often the top benefit. By having a custom created plan based upon 3D imaging, your orthodontist has the lingual braces crafted via precision robotics.

This leads to a much better fit, fewer adjustments and shorter treatment times. Not only do you get braces no one can really see, but you don't have to wear them as long. That's a win.

Invisible Lingual Braces Cost & Saving Money

If the invisible lingual braces cost is too high, you may consider a dual treatment option. Some patients opt to have lingual braces on their top teeth and traditional metal braces on the bottom. Since your bottom teeth are less visible, you still get a mostly invisible straightening treatment, but at a lower cost.

Want to learn more about invisible lingual braces and to see if they're a great fit for you? Contact us today to learn more.

Having your teeth straightened might sound great, but one of your first questions is probably involves the cost of invisible braces. This is completely normal, but it's certainly manageable in order to get the smile you want.

Since invisible braces have become more popular, some might think they're too expensive to consider. However, the cost of invisible braces is more affordable than you might think.

Similar To Traditional Braces

The general cost of invisible braces isn't much different than traditional braces. However, it's possible that you might not need to wear them quite as long, making them a potentially lower cost option. On average, your costs can range anywhere from under $2,000 to over $4,000.

Plus, depending on the invisible option you choose, you may need fewer visits to the office, further lowering the cost.

Depends On Severity Of Condition

The milder the condition, the lower the cost. The reason is it takes far less time to make small adjustments. More severe cases will require a more intensive treatment plan, making it cost more.

The Cost of Invisible Braces Varies Based on Treatment

We offer three nearly invisible solutions at our offices in Joondalup and Claremont. We offer clear aligners via SureSmile and Invisalign. We also offer lingual braces, which fit behind the teeth, and ceramic braces. Each has its own unique pricing model.

Level Of Treatment

The cost of invisible braces also varies based on whether you're having just your top teeth, just your bottom teeth or top and bottom teeth done. Obviously, if you're just straightening your top or bottom teeth, it will cost less than having all of your teeth straightened.

Scheduling A Consultation

The only way to get an accurate quote is to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist. They'll look at your current condition to determine which options are best for you. They'll also determine how long your treatment plan will be, which can vary anywhere from six months to two years or more, depending on the severity of your condition.

At this point, your orthodontist will lay out your treatment plan and discuss all related costs. This includes:

• The consultation
• Any X-rays and 3D scans
• The braces or aligners
• Additional visits

While some orthodontists might not give you the total cost upfront, we prefer to give you the full cost now so there are no surprises later. You can then decide if this is the right option for you right now.

If you're worried about the cost of invisible braces in Australia, please know that we offer interest-free payment plans to make it even more affordable. Contact our offices today to schedule your consultation.

If you've been considering getting braces, you should know you have more options than ever. You may have already checked out ceramic braces reviews to see how others feel about them about traditional braces.

The reviews are in and there are quite a few benefits, especially if you don't want the look of metal braces.

Less Visible

Many ceramic braces reviews point out one major benefit - they're less visible than traditional braces. This is because the brackets are ceramic and tooth-coloured versus metal or metallic. Obviously, they're not 100% invisible, but having a bracket that blends in with the color of your tooth makes them far less visible.

Of course, if you do want to show off all the hard work your braces are doing, numerous colours are available.

The archwire that connects the brackets can be white or silver. Naturally if you have the silver wire and even at some stage a gold wire, it will be visible.

Work For More Cases

You may have discovered that invisible solutions, like Invisalign, don't work with severe cases. This doesn't mean your only option is traditional metal braces. Ceramic braces work just like metal braces, and some people feel they look better.

This means whether your case is mild or severe, ceramic braces will work for you.

Faster Improvements

Even with the mildest cases, aligners can take at least a year to work. One thing you might have seen in ceramic braces reviews is how quickly you see results. Typically, you have to wear them 18 to 36 months, but the wire and brackets move your teeth into the correct position faster, letting you notice results quicker.

Ceramic Braces Reviews: They're Strong

Ceramic is surprisingly strong. What does this mean for you? Even the most careful people still have accidents. Ceramic braces are strong enough to withstand most of what you can throw at them.

Of course, don't be reckless with your braces. Take good care of them so you don't have to have repairs or even start over.

Do ceramic braces reviews have you curious about whether they're right for you? Contact our office today to schedule an appointment and discuss your options.

Despite them being virtually invisible, there are a few things to remember when wearing an Invisalign retainer. This includes everything from how long to wear them, to how to take care of them.

Being prepared in advance will make your journey to a straighter smile even more smooth. Of course, you can always contact your orthodontist if you have any questions while about your retainer.

How Long Should I be Wearing an Invisalign Retainer?

One of the biggest benefits is you can your Invisalign retainer out to eat and drink and even for special occasions. However, you will need to wear it 20-22 hours every day for best results.

Your overall treatment time will vary based on your specific needs and customised plan. The average treatment time is 12 to 18 months. You'll get a new retainer every 1-2 weeks to gradually shift your teeth into the correct positions.

How Do I Brush My Teeth?

Unlike braces, wearing an Invisalign retainer makes doesn't change how you brush your teeth. You will need to brush them more often, though. Simply remove your retainer and brush your teeth as normal.

Now for the change. Brush your teeth after every meal. Otherwise, all the food and bacteria that build up on your teeth will end up in your retainer. This leads to more plaque buildup on your teeth. At the very least, rinse your mouth well with mouthwash before putting your retainer back in.

How Do I Care For My Invisalign Retainer?

The most important thing to remember while wearing an Invisalign retainer is to keep it safe. The last thing you want to do is accidentally drop it in the trash or leave it behind at a restaurant.

Instead, keep a hard case with you to store your retainer. Place it in your pocket or purse so it doesn't get lost or forgotten.

The next step is to clean it regularly. Bacteria can and will build up in your retainer. While Invisalign does state you can use toothpaste to clean your retainer, sometimes it's too abrasive and could damage the retainer. Instead, use the official Invisalign cleaning solution or just mild soap and lukewarm water. Never use hot water.

Brush your retainer gently while it's out of your mouth to remove any bacteria. Make this a part of your daily routine.

Wearing an Invisalign retainer isn't difficult once you get used to it. If you want to schedule an appointment or have any questions, please contact Profile Orthodontics today.

Have you ever wondered how metal braces actually work? It's common understanding that braces move teeth by applying pressure. But what does that really involve and what do arch wires have to do with it? What are the elastics for and why do people with braces need to wear them? What is the difference between single arch wire and dual arch wire braces?

The Role of the Arch Wire

If you or someone you know already has metal braces, you’ve probably noticed that there are a few components to them: the brackets that are glued to the teeth, the arch wires that run through the teeth, and the elastics that need to be changed regularly.

When it comes to the job of moving teeth, closing gaps, and fixing crooked teeth, it’s the arch wires that do the bulk of the work in conjunction with the elastics. The brackets merely hold the arch wires in place and allow them to do their job. So what really happens?

The arch wire applies constant pressure to the teeth in order to move them and straighten them out. The elastics supply the tension. And the brackets just hold it all in place.

Often, the arch wire will be bent at various points along its length. This is intended to apply more or less pressure to certain teeth. For example, if a single tooth sticks out more than the others, it may need extra pressure applied to it, and so the wire is bent inwards to apply additional pressure.

SureSmile technology makes this whole process easier and faster because it provides the orthodontist with an accurate 3D model of the teeth so that the arch wires can be bent into a shape that will move the teeth more efficiently into a final position.

The Importance of Constant Pressure

The process of moving teeth, correcting jaw alignment, and fixing crooked teeth is called remodelling. As the arch wires apply direct pressure to the teeth, bone cells form and disappear around the root of the tooth and it is moved little by little.

If you’ve ever wondered why your orthodontist makes it very clear that it’s very important to wear your Invisalign aligners and keep your elastics in, it’s because the more that the pressure is applied, the more effectively and efficiently the teeth are moved.

What are Arch Wires Made from?

Did you know that in the early days of orthodontic practice, arch wires could be made from gold, platinum, or silver? It seems strange to thing about people wearing gold braces, but these noble metals were once considered superior because of their resistance to corrosion and their durability.

These days, arch wires for braces are generally made from stainless steel, although they can also be made from nickel-titanium and beta-titanium. In all cases, the arch wires present a mix of tensile strength, high ductility, anti-corrosion, and durability.

The arch wires themselves need to have certain features in order to be useful in orthodontics. For example, if the wire is made of an alloy that is too soft, it is more likely to move out of shape and apply uneven pressure. Similarly, if a wire is too stiff, it’s a lot harder to bend it into shape. In both instances, the incorrect pressure places on the teeth could cause negative effects.

There have been quite a few advances in metallurgy over the decades, and this has all contributed to better, stronger, and more durable arch wires in modern orthodontic practice. This also means that modern braces are more efficient and effective than ever before.

Single and Dual Arch Wire Braces

You might have seen people around with braces only on the top or bottom row of teeth. This is called single arch wire braces. Sometimes, a single arch wire can be put in place to correct certain issues. For example, when the bottom row of teeth are straight and a person is happy with them. However, the top row presents with significant overbite and gaps. In this case, a set of single arch wire braces on the top row only may be required.

Dual arch wire braces are what most people are used to seeing. This is where the arch wires and brackets are on the top and bottom rows of teeth. In either case, the braces are just as effective and are used to correct certain specific issues.

Factors that Influence Orthodontic Treatment

The jaw and the teeth form a complex arrangement and it’s important that any orthodontic treatment takes all of these factors into account. For example, as we age our bites become deeper and our front teeth change position to overlap a bit more. This will influence what kind of orthodontic treatment is required. And whether single or dual wire arch braces are going to be more effective.

What Treatment is Right for You?

Whether single or dual arch wire braces, your best guide is always your orthodontist. You may have the option to take advantage of technologies like SureSmile. This results in arch wires that can move teeth into a final position more efficiently and effectively.

Even if you opt for another treatment, such as Invisalign, modern orthodontics is very effective. Book a consultation with Profile Orthodontics to discuss the best treatment to suit you and your lifestyle.

Most of us remember having to wear metal braces when we were younger... However, the thought of wearing braces as an adult can be daunting. The good news is that clear aligners, with the most well known brand, Invisalign, offering a good alternative to non-discreet metal braces.

The biggest benefit to Invisalign clear aligners is that they’re made of a high grade plastic that is clear. This means they’re a lot less visible, resulting in less social stress and anxiety. Many people even call them ‘invisible braces’ for this reason. Of course, it’s good to know what wearing clear aligners involves and whether they’re going to be a good fit for you.

What does Orthodontics Australia say about them?

Are Clear Aligners as Good as Regular Metal Braces?

This is perhaps the burning question that most patients want to ask, and it’s a good one. Given that the old metal braces have a tried and tested track record, no-one wants to pay for lesser results. The best answer is that it depends on what sort of orthodontic issue needs fixing.

Clear aligners are great for correcting minor issues like gaps between teeth, slightly crooked teeth, or teeth that protrude slightly. For bigger issues, traditional metal braces are actually a better option.

Will There be as Many Check-Ups?

One of the big differences between metal braces and clear aligners is the course of treatment programmed for the series of clear aligners. Every few weeks, a new set of aligners will need to be switched in, to move the teeth onto the next desired position. This happens until the final desired position is achieved. This also means that appointments are a lot more regular.

If you’re not a big fan of regular appointments, metal braces offer a distinct advantage in this area. There is one single set of braces and they are tweaked over the course of the treatment, There are no extra braces to wear and less regular appointments than with clear aligners.

How Disciplined are You?

Lots of people who wear clear aligners enjoy the fact that they can be removed quite easily. This certainly makes cleaning them a lot more efficient and effective. Unfortunately, this is not good for everyone.

Clear aligners need to be worn for at least 22 hours every single day in order to be effective. If you’re not sure you can commit to this, clear aligners might not be the best treatment for you.

Which is the Right Choice for You?

Clear aligners offer some benefits, such as being practically ‘invisible’, but they do have some limitations that are worth knowing about. Read more about them at Orthodontics Australia.

If you're thinking about having orthodontic treatment, book a consultation with Profile Orthodontics to discuss the range of options available to suit your lifestyle.

There are many orthodontic treatment options available to both children and adults. The options can seem overwhelming and not every person will be eligible for every type of treatment. However, in most cases patients can choose an option they feel most comfortable with, whether it is clear aligners, ceramic braces, or lingual braces. But what is the best option? What is the difference? You may already know about traditional braces and Invisalign, but are ceramic braces better than lingual braces?

A More Discrete Option

One of the biggest concerns that most people have with wearing braces is how conspicuous they may be.  If you are thinking about getting braces but you’re worried about how they’ll look, there are two excellent options: lingual braces and ceramic braces. Both options are effective and discrete, and both have pros and cons.

What is the Difference Between Ceramic Braces and Lingual Braces?

Most of us already know about traditional metal braces. A bracket is attached to the front of each tooth and the moving of teeth is achieved by the tightening of wires. They work and they’ve been effective for decades. However, they are also quite visible.

Ceramic braces or clear braces, are just like their more visible counterparts except that the brackets are made of a tooth coloured ceramic or clear plastic instead. What this means is that they are far less conspicuous and will not draw as much attention.

Lingual braces are a bit different. They work in just the same way as regular metal braces, except for the fact that they are attached to the insides of the teeth instead. This means that the brackets don’t have to be tooth coloured because they are not actually visible on the front of the teeth. Lingual braces are the most invisible orthodontic treatment method.

Should you get Ceramic Braces?

It’s important to know that both ceramic and lingual braces do the same kind of job. They move teeth over time into a final and optimal position in the jaw and can successfully address a number of bite problems. But if you’re eligible for both treatment options, which one should you get?

There's not one orthodontic treatment that is perfect for everybody and this is why it’s important that patients have plenty of choices. Even though ceramic braces offer plenty of upsides, there are a few possible downsides to think about as well, including:

• Strength: Ceramic brackets are made of a very strong material. This can possibly cause wear on the edges of your lower teeth. To prevent wear on the edges of your lower teeth we recommend just upper ceramic brackets in most cases.
• Staining: The great thing about ceramic braces and clear plastic braces is that the brackets blend in so well with the teeth. This also has one downside: you have to be very careful when it comes to staining them. If you routinely have foods and drinks that stain, this can also stain the elastic we may place around the ceramic brackets or the clear plastic brackets.

Should you get Lingual Braces?

Given that both lingual braces and ceramic braces are not as visible as metal braces, it’s important to distinguish between them. So, are there any possible downsides to wearing lingual braces? Here are some things to seriously consider:

• Talking/Eating: Lingual braces are installed behind the teeth, right where the tongue hits the back of the teeth. It can cause some difficulty when speaking and eating until you adapt to having that extra bulk behind the teeth. Patients will usually readjust quickly.
• Adjusting the Braces: Everyone who wears braces understands that frequent orthodontic appointments are required to make adjustments. Because lingual braces are installed on the inside of the teeth, the adjustment can be a little trickier, meaning that the appointments might last a little longer.
• Cleaning: All braces require fastidious cleaning. Little bits of food debris can easily get stuck in between wires and around brackets. This applies to both ceramic braces and lingual braces. The difference is that lingual braces can be a bit trickier to clean because of their position inside the teeth. Learning how to clean them and being patient when cleaning them is essential.

Are Ceramic Braces Better than Lingual Braces? Making the Best Choice

Making the decision to have braces installed is definitely not something to be taken lightly. Where it used to be that patients had limited choices, advancements in orthodontic technology have provided many more effective choices. Ceramic braces, lingual braces, metal braces, and clear aligners all play a part in orthodontic treatment today and each treatment has its own pros and cons. So are ceramic braces better than lingual braces? It is subjective and best left to the individual and their orthodontist to decide.

If appearances are a concern, both lingual and ceramic braces offer a solution that is more discrete than metal braces. Despite some of the differences, both methods are effective at moving teeth into an optimal position.  It’s important to make an informed choice based on the pros and cons of each type of treatment and which will better suit your lifestyle.

Speak to an orthodontist about which treatment will suit you best. Contact us to book an appointment at Profile Orthodontics in Claremont or Joondalup.