A recent study found that 57-59% of the population requires orthodontic intervention. 15% experience negative social perceptions and functional difficulties if they don’t fix malocclusion or problems with their bite.
Metal braces were once the only solution. They fixed issues but could come with added social and functional pressure from stigma or improper care.
There are now many more and less noticeable solutions on the market. New patients may wonder what the best teeth alignment options for them are.
Read on to learn the differences between metal and ceramic braces.
What Are Metal Braces?
Metal braces are the traditional orthodontic treatment option. They’re used to correct issues with your teeth alignment or bite such as:
- Crooked, crowded, or overlapping teeth
- Gaps or spaces
- Overbites, underbites, or crossbites
- Misalignment
Metal brackets and wires are held together by rubber bands or elastics. They exert pressure on your teeth over time to move them into the right position. They need to be regularly adjusted during orthodontist appointments throughout treatment.
What Are Ceramic Braces?
Ceramic braces are a less noticeable alternative to metal braces. The brackets and wires they use to straighten your teeth are made of ceramic material instead of metal.
They work like metal braces, but they blend in so well that they’re almost invisible. This makes them a popular option for braces for adults. They’re also a fit for children and teens who are concerned about their appearance.
Pros of Ceramic Braces
Metal braces come with a bulky, metal appearance. That can have a major impact on self-confidence for patients of any age. They may not want to smile or take pictures of themselves.
Ceramic braces are also known as clear braces because they blend into your mouth. They’re so discrete that no one will know you’re wearing them if you don’t tell them.
Orthodontics have to use force to push your teeth into place. The process can often be uncomfortable. Metal braces poke and prod the inside of your mouth. That’s especially common if a bracket or band becomes loose. The metal materials can even leave an unpleasant, metallic taste in your mouth.
Ceramic braces have smoother edges that aren’t as likely to cause discomfort. They have no unpleasant taste. You may not even feel them at all in the same way you can’t see them.
That level of comfort is also essential for certain daily activities. These include playing wind instruments or contact sports. Metal braces would be too obstructive to allow you to enjoy them.
Cons of Ceramic Braces
Clear orthodontic solutions are almost like white shirts. They’re prone to visible staining. You’ll have to reduce your intake of dark foods and drinks such as:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Ketchup
- Curry
Try drinking through a straw and brushing right after meals to limit the effect. Keep up with a consistent oral hygiene routine as well.
The price of braces depends on factors such as:
- The type you get
- How misaligned your teeth are
- Additional services you require
- Length of treatment
The cost for metal braces runs from $2,750-$7,000. Ceramic options go from $3,000-$6,500.
Ceramic braces are more expensive because they use higher-quality materials. They can also take longer to achieve the desired results. That means scheduling more appointments.
Pros of Metal Braces
Not all patients may want to have invisible braces. They may prefer to use them to show off their personality.
Metal braces allow for customizability. You can choose the colors for your bands. It’s especially common in pediatric orthodontics. Picking a stylish band makes appointments easier for them.
Metal braces tend to have slightly shorter treatment times. The difference isn’t major, but it may be a factor to consider if you want your treatment done as soon as possible.
Both provide effective results for similar conditions, but not everyone is a candidate for ceramic braces. They don’t fit the bottom teeth well. They also aren’t best for extreme restructuring. You may be able to switch between the two options. Start with metal to treat serious conditions, then move to ceramic later.
Metal braces are made of more durable materials than ceramic. They’re resistant to breakage.
That doesn’t mean you won’t have a band break or a bracket snap. It just makes it less likely. Any emergency situations you do have should be easy to fix with a visit to the orthodontist.
Cons of Metal Braces
Cosmetic braces and appliances to fix major bite issues have one common goal. They want to give you a smile you can be proud of. That’s hard to do with large metal brackets staring back at you in the mirror.
They stain with dark foods or poor oral hygiene like ceramic ones do. The difference is it’s harder to remove these stains.
The metal materials are larger and more cumbersome. Brushing and flossing between a wire can be a difficult task.
That can have a major impact on your oral health. You can face complications such as gum disease. That condition is already affecting 42% of adults, according to the CDC.
New materials are making metal braces more comfortable than ever. Despite these advances, the orthodontic community hasn’t found a way to remove all irritation.
The pain can even get worse as you continue treatment. Metal braces need frequent professional adjustments. Your mouth can feel sore for days after each one.
All orthodontic appliances require regular care and attention from an orthodontist. This is especially true for metal braces. They need to be regularly checked in the early stages to ensure everything’s moving as it should. It isn’t only painful; it interrupts your schedule.
Where Should I Get Orthodontic Treatment?
Ceramic braces are a new alternative to metal braces. They’re almost invisible and much more comfortable. The only downsides are that they stain, aren’t as durable, and tend to cost more.
Zirbel Orthodontics provides care in a welcoming environment. Our team has over 250 years of combined experience.
We use that knowledge to tailor a treatment plan to your needs. We’ll give you a beautiful smile you can be proud of. Schedule a free consultation today.
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