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Dentistry
So, you’ve decided that you want to have your teeth straightened, what system do you go for? With so many options out there at the moment from traditional metal braces, through to invisible braces and finally ceramic braces it can often be difficult to know.
So this page is dedicated to helping you understand the difference between metal braces and ceramic braces so that you can be in a better position to make the best decision when it comes to having your orthodontic treatment.
The decision about which type of brace you have depends on many factors including.
Generally speaking metal braces are made of a silvery coloured material, although modern braces can also sometimes be made in gold. Metal braces are exceptionally strong and I generally suitable for most types of treatment due to their inherent strength. Modern metal braces are bonded to the surface of your tooth, and so have a minimal impact on the tooth itself. The arch wire is then connected to these brackets using a little rubber band called a ligature. In some cases these ligatures can be in a variety of colours to make your metal braces even more jazzy!
There are a variety of different types of metal braces within this category. Each with a slightly different design by a different specialist orthodontist, and whilst this is rather interesting for dentists it is not really interesting for patients to know the details of whether braces are self ligating or not!
Tom Cruise and ceramic braces
The biggest advantage of ceramic braces is the fact that they are generally more tooth coloured. They are made of an especially strong composite material which generally speaking is resistant to staining. As with metal braces there are a variety of manufacturers of ceramic braces. You may also be interested to know that Tom Cruise was one of the celebrities that had ceramic braces fitted to misaligned teeth.
Which ceramic braces the ligatures which connect the brackets to the art wire are also generally tooth coloured, this means the whole of the system blends in to the tooth making the braces almost invisible.
Where does six month smiles fit into this?
Six month smiles offers ceramic bracket braces and is a revolutionary new system. It uses a specially designed bracket which allows for rapid tooth movement much faster than conventional ceramic or metal braces. Generally speaking six month smiles is also cheaper than conventional orthodontics, making it more appealing and obtainable by more people.
Having said this, it is not always possible to use six month smiles with every patient and this is why at Evolve Dentistry on the outskirts of Bristol we have our own orthodontist who is able to offer the full range of metal and ceramic braces to deal with the widest range of orthodontic possibilities.
Here’s a video of what one of our patients said after having ceramic braces fitted by up our dental practice
Six month smiles have a great YouTube channel where you can see many videos about the treatment.
How do braces actually work? 🤔
In the latest video from our Two Thirty series, Lisa explains exactly how braces move teeth — and why treatment takes time.
If you’ve ever wondered how gentle pressure can gradually straighten your smile, or what’s happening behind the scenes during orthodontic treatment, this short video breaks it down in a clear and easy-to-understand way.
Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or your child, understanding the process can make the journey feel much more reassuring.
Watch the full video now and, if you have questions about braces, our reception team will be happy to help you book a consultation at Evolve Dentistry in Portishead.
Have you got an old filling on a front tooth that’s starting to discolour?
Andrea recently visited us to have a stained filling replaced by Richard — and she’s absolutely thrilled with the result.
In her video, she talks about how the old filling had become noticeable over time and how much fresher and more natural her smile looks now.
Sometimes it’s the small changes that make the biggest difference to your confidence.
If you’re unhappy with an old filling, contact our reception team to book a consultation and explore your options.
Thinking about improving your smile but not sure what SmileFast actually involves?
Richard Ford has recorded a short video explaining how the SmileFast process works and the benefits of treatment.
From digital smile design through to the final result, SmileFast offers a minimally invasive way to enhance chipped, worn or uneven teeth — with predictable, natural-looking outcomes.
If you’ve been curious about composite bonding or want to understand your options, this is a great place to start.
Watch the full video on our YouTube channel and contact our reception team if you’d like to book a consultation.
Life gets busy — we get it.
If your healthy mouth review has slipped down the to-do list, this is your gentle reminder 💚
We’re here to help you stay healthy, comfortable and smiling with confidence.
📍 Portishead | 📅 Book your appointment today.
🕝 The Two Thirty series
Are sleep apnoea mouthguards effective? 😴
Yes — for many people with mild to moderate sleep apnoea, they can work really well.
In this video, Maggie explains how mouthguards help, and why more severe cases may need further assessment through a medical sleep service.
Clear answers to important questions — watch now 👆
#TheTwoThirty #DentalAdvice #SleepApnoea #BetterSleep #DentalFAQs
🕝 The Two Thirty series
Is fluoride good for your teeth? 🪥
Yes — and Carol explains why in this quick video.
She also shares some reassurance: every main toothpaste brand you’ll find in the supermarket contains fluoride, so you don’t need anything fancy to look after your teeth well.
Straightforward answers to everyday dental questions.
Watch now
#TheTwoThirty #DentalAdvice #OralHealthTips #Fluoride #DentalFAQs
