Sapphire braces in Palma de Mallorca
Sapphire braces are clear fixed braces made from sapphire crystal. They blend in with the colour of the teeth and are barely visible, but they work just like metal braces: they correct tooth position and bite just as effectively.
They are a good option for adults and teenagers who want discreet fixed orthodontics, without having to wear aligners 22 hours a day. We fit them at our clinics in Palma, and your first visit is free. You can finance your treatment.
They blend in with the colour of the teeth
Sapphire does not discolour with coffee or tobacco
They work 24 hours a day, with no need for discipline
First visit and diagnosis
Book your free first orthodontic consultation
We assess your case, explain whether sapphire braces are the best option and give you a detailed quote.
Leave us your details and we will call you back within three hours.
What are sapphire braces?
They are aesthetic braces made from monocrystalline sapphire, a clear and very hard material. They are bonded to the front of the teeth and connected by a wire, just like metal braces, but the natural colour of the tooth shows through.
Unlike other aesthetic braces, such as opaque ceramic or resin ones, sapphire is clear and does not discolour over time. The wire can be metal, white or clear, so the whole appliance is as unnoticeable as possible.
What do they correct?
They correct the same problems as metal braces:
- Crowded, rotated or crooked teeth.
- Gaps between the teeth.
- Overbite and open bite.
- Crossbite.
- Problems with how the arches fit together.
Pros and cons of sapphire braces
Discreet
They are clear and barely visible at normal talking distance.
Stain-free
Sapphire does not discolour with coffee, tea or tobacco during treatment.
Just as effective
They move teeth as effectively as metal braces.
Fixed
There is nothing to remember to wear or take out, unlike aligners.
Biocompatible
Sapphire contains no metal, an advantage if you are sensitive to some metals. Let us know at your visit, as the wire may contain metal.
Worth bearing in mind
They cost more than metal braces, are slightly more fragile against hard knocks, and the small elastics holding the wire can stain, although they are changed at every check-up.
Sapphire braces at our clinics in Palma
Orthodontics
Udemax Miramar
Outpatient department, Hospital Juaneda Miramar
Camí de la Vileta, 30 · 07011 Palma
- Monday to Thursday
- 9:00–13:00 · 16:00–20:00
- Friday
- 9:00–20:00
By car
Paid parking at the Hospital Juaneda Miramar car park, a one-minute walk away, plus street parking. There is also free parking on Camí de la Vileta, about a 10-minute walk away.
Go to the car parkBy bus
EMT bus routes 6, 8 and 29, stopping at "Policlínica", in front of the hospital.
View bus routeBy taxi
Taxi ranks at Camí de la Vileta, 51 and Carrer de Pasqual Ribot, 1.
Orthodontics
Emardental
Carrer d’Alfons el Magnànim, 2, ground floor
Bons Aires · 07004 Palma
- Monday to Thursday
- 9:00–13:00 · 16:00–20:00
- Friday
- 9:00–13:00
By car
Street parking and the Santa Pagesa underground pay car park (Carrer d’Ausiàs March, 26), a 4-minute walk away. There is also a pay car park at s’Escorxador, about a 5-minute walk away.
Go to the car parkBy bus
EMT bus routes 12, 20, 24 and 40, stopping at "Pl. d’Abú Yahya", "Alfons el Magnànim" or "31 de desembre".
View bus routeBy taxi
Taxi rank at Plaça d’Abú Yahya, 2.
Orthodontics
Arcdental
Carrer de Sevilla, 8, ground floor
Son Dameto · 07013 Palma
- Monday and Wednesday
- 16:00–20:00
- Tuesday
- 9:00–13:00 · 16:00–20:00
- Thursday
- 13:00–19:00
- Friday
- 15:00–19:00
By car
Street parking and the pay car park at Hospital Juaneda Miramar, a 3-minute walk away. There is also free parking on Camí de la Vileta, about a 10-minute walk away.
Go to the car parkBy taxi
Taxi ranks at Carrer de Son Espanyolet, 58 and Carrer de Pasqual Ribot, 1.
What is treatment with sapphire braces like?
Diagnosis
We carry out a study with photographs, X-rays and a 3D scan to analyse the position of the teeth and jaws.
We use it to plan the movements and give you a plan with timeframes and a quote.
Fitting and check-ups
We clean the teeth, bond the braces with a specific adhesive and fit the wire. The process is painless.
Every few weeks we check progress, adjust the wire and change the elastics, so they never get the chance to stain.
Retention
When the braces come off, we fit a fixed retainer behind the teeth or a removable one to wear at night, so the teeth don't move back.
Sapphire, aesthetic self-ligating or Invisalign?
If you want discretion, you have three options. Sapphire braces are fixed, clear and don't depend on your discipline. Aesthetic self-ligating braces are also clear and have no elastics to stain. Invisible orthodontics with Invisalign is the least noticeable, but you need to wear the aligners for around 22 hours a day.
If price matters most, metal braces are the most affordable option and work just as well. At your first visit we explain which suits your case.
Caring for sapphire braces
To keep treatment on track and your braces discreet:
- Brush after every meal and use interdental brushes around the braces and under the wire.
- If you drink a lot of coffee, tea or red wine, brush or rinse afterwards: the bracket won't stain, but the elastics can.
- Avoid biting very hard foods, such as whole nuts or ice, which can dislodge or break a bracket.
- Wear a mouthguard if you play contact sports.
- Don't miss your check-ups.
Frequently asked questions about sapphire braces
Do sapphire braces stain?
The bracket doesn’t: sapphire does not discolour with coffee, tea or tobacco. The small elastics that hold the wire can stain, but they are changed at every check-up.
Are they more fragile than metal braces?
They are very strong in everyday use, but a hard knock can break them more easily than metal braces. That is why it is best to avoid biting very hard foods and to wear a mouthguard for contact sports.
Do they hurt?
They don’t hurt, but for the first few days after fitting and after each adjustment it is normal to feel pressure. Their smooth surface is usually comfortable against the lips and cheeks.
How long does treatment take?
The same as with metal braces: it depends on how complex the case is. As a guide, it usually takes between 12 and 24 months.
How much do sapphire braces cost in Palma?
They cost more than metal braces, and the price depends on how complex the case is and how long treatment takes. At your free first visit we give you a detailed quote, and you can finance your treatment.
What is the difference from ceramic braces?
Both are aesthetic, but sapphire is clear, while ceramic is usually opaque and tooth-coloured. Sapphire is even less visible, especially on very white teeth.
Can I wear them if I am allergic to nickel?
The sapphire bracket contains no metal, but the wire may. Let us know at your first visit so we can choose the right materials.
Who will treat you
Treatment with braces is led by Dr Cristina Martínez-Almoyna Rifá, who works alongside periodontics or oral and maxillofacial surgery when a case requires it.
