Light struggling to pass through ceramic orthodontic brackets, representing challenges in light transmission.

Are Your Braces Blocking the Light? How Ceramic Brackets Affect Treatment

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into how different ceramic orthodontic brackets impact light energy transmission and what it means for your smile."

For many seeking orthodontic treatment, ceramic braces offer a discreet alternative to traditional metal brackets. Their tooth-colored appearance blends more seamlessly with your smile, making them a popular choice among adults and teens alike. However, beneath the surface of aesthetics lies a critical factor that can influence the effectiveness of your treatment: light energy transmission.

When your orthodontist applies ceramic braces, they use a special adhesive to bond the brackets to your teeth. This adhesive requires curing with a light source to harden and create a strong bond. The amount of light that can pass through the ceramic bracket directly affects how well the adhesive cures. If the bracket blocks too much light, the adhesive may not fully harden, potentially leading to bracket failure and longer treatment times.

A recent study published in the International Orthodontics journal has shed light on this very issue, investigating the light energy transmission through six different brands of ceramic orthodontic brackets. The research highlights significant variations between different brands and materials, raising important considerations for both orthodontists and patients.

The Science Behind Light Transmission and Ceramic Braces

Light struggling to pass through ceramic orthodontic brackets, representing challenges in light transmission.

Ceramic brackets are generally divided into two categories based on their manufacturing process: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline brackets are made from a single crystal of aluminum oxide, while polycrystalline brackets are made from fused or sintered aluminum oxide particles. This difference in structure affects how light passes through the material.

Grain boundaries and impurities, more commonly found in polycrystalline brackets, can refract light, leading to scattering and absorption. This reduces the amount of light that reaches the adhesive. Think of it like trying to see through frosted glass versus a clear window—the frosted glass scatters the light, making it harder to see through.

Monocrystalline Brackets: Generally offer better light transmission due to their uniform crystal structure.
Polycrystalline Brackets: May have reduced light transmission due to grain boundaries and impurities.
Bracket Thickness and Design: Can also influence light transmission. Thicker brackets or those with more complex designs may block more light.

The International Orthodontics study used a device called a MARC™-Resin Calibrator to measure the total light energy (TLE) transmitted through various ceramic brackets, both alone and with adhesive. The Ortholux™ Light Curing Unit (LCU) was used to cure the adhesive, and the researchers measured the irradiance (light intensity) and TLE values. The results revealed significant differences between the different bracket brands.

Making Informed Choices for Your Orthodontic Treatment

The study underscores the importance of orthodontists carefully selecting ceramic brackets based on their light transmission properties. While aesthetics are important, ensuring adequate light transmission is crucial for proper adhesive curing and long-term bracket stability. Patients considering ceramic braces should discuss these factors with their orthodontist to make informed decisions about their treatment. Ask about the type of ceramic bracket being used and whether it has been shown to provide adequate light transmission for effective bonding. Remember, a well-informed patient is an empowered patient, leading to a healthier and happier smile.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.ortho.2018.09.005, Alternate LINK

Title: Light Energy Transmission Through Six Different Makes Of Ceramic Orthodontic Brackets

Subject: Orthodontics

Journal: International Orthodontics

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Mohammed S. Aldossary, Siti Suria Abu Hajia, Ario Santini

Published: 2018-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are ceramic brackets?

Ceramic brackets are orthodontic appliances used as an alternative to traditional metal brackets. They are designed to be tooth-colored, which allows them to blend in more with the natural appearance of teeth. This makes them a popular choice for those seeking a more discreet orthodontic treatment option.

Why is light energy transmission important when using ceramic braces?

Light energy transmission is important because orthodontists use a special adhesive to bond the ceramic brackets to the teeth, and this adhesive needs to be cured with a light source to harden properly. If the ceramic bracket blocks too much light, the adhesive may not fully harden. Incomplete curing of the adhesive could lead to bracket failure, extended treatment duration, and potentially compromising the overall effectiveness of the orthodontic treatment. Insufficient light can lead to weaker bonds, and potential bracket failures.

What is the difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline brackets, and how does it affect light transmission?

Monocrystalline brackets are made from a single crystal of aluminum oxide, giving them a uniform structure that allows for better light transmission. Polycrystalline brackets, on the other hand, are made from fused or sintered aluminum oxide particles. The presence of grain boundaries and impurities in polycrystalline brackets can refract light, reducing the amount of light that reaches the adhesive.

What measuring tools are used to evaluate the light energy transmission through the ceramic brackets?

The MARC™-Resin Calibrator is a device used to measure the Total Light Energy (TLE) transmitted through the ceramic brackets. The Ortholux™ Light Curing Unit (LCU) is used to cure the adhesive, and the researchers measure irradiance (light intensity) and TLE values. This measurement helps determine how effectively the light can pass through different types of ceramic brackets, both with and without adhesive applied.

What should I discuss with my orthodontist about ceramic braces to ensure effective treatment?

When choosing ceramic braces, it is beneficial to discuss the light transmission properties of different bracket types with your orthodontist. Factors like the type of ceramic used (monocrystalline versus polycrystalline), bracket thickness, and overall design can influence how much light reaches the adhesive. Understanding these factors allows you to make informed decisions about treatment, potentially leading to more effective and stable results.