Looking for a quick and effective way to straighten your teeth? Then you've most likely looked into the different types of braces. Many patients automatically think of metal braces when considering braces, but thanks to advancements in cosmetic dentistry, metal isn't the only material to consider any more. Clear braces can be more aesthetically pleasing than traditional metal braces, but both options come with their own benefits and drawbacks.
Today, we're looking at both clear and traditional braces, including how they work and their advantages and disadvantages, to help you decide which is the best option for you.
Clear braces are very similar to traditional braces, but they're made from much less noticeable materials instead of metal. This makes them a popular choice for adults and professionals who want a more subtle option without sacrificing the effectiveness of their orthodontic treatment. Clear braces can be made from either ceramic or plastic, which is coloured white or cream, helping them blend in with your natural tooth colour. The arch wire is a similar colour, and this puts gentle, steady pressure on the teeth to guide them into place over time.
Clear braces usually take between one and three years to completely transform your smile, depending on how complex your case is. They're fitted to your teeth with dental glue, meaning they won't be removed until the treatment is completely finished. For this reason, many adult patients prefer the 'clear' colouring to make it as non-intrusive as possible.
Metal braces, made from stainless steel, are the most common type of braces that most orthodontists offer. They're considered one of the strongest forms of orthodontic treatment, making them excellent for people suffering from overcrowding, gaps, crooked teeth, and more. Similar to clear braces, traditional braces use metal brackets that are glued to the front of the teeth and joined together with arch wires. The wire puts gentle pressure on the teeth to move them within the jaw to their correct position.
Metal braces are typically worn for between one and three years, and they're only removable once the treatment time has concluded. Ligature braces are also made from metal, and these are fitted to the back of your teeth to make them invisible to others.
There are plenty of benefits of clear braces. We've outlined these below for your convenience.
The biggest benefit of clear braces, and the number one reason they're chosen over metal braces, is their aesthetic appeal. Clear braces are much less noticeable when you're smiling, eating, or talking. Many patients note that they feel self-conscious with metal wires and brackets, so choosing a clear alternative can help you still feel good about yourself while fixing your smile.
Clear braces are effective at rectifying a lot of complex dental cases, such as crowding, spacing, misaligned bites, and rotated teeth. They work in a similar way to metal braces, so they're a good middle ground between metal braces and clear aligners, which are only suitable for minor dental issues.
Since clear braces are fixed to your teeth, there's no risk of forgetting to wear them like there is with clear aligners. This means that whether you're sleeping, eating, or exercising, your braces are always working to straighten your teeth. Forgetting to wear your aligners is a good way to stunt treatment, but there's no worry of this with clear braces.
Some patients find ceramic or plastic brackets smoother against the inside of their cheeks and lips than metal brackets, making them more comfortable overall. If you're worried about pain, clear braces could be a smoother option.
There are also drawbacks that come with clear braces, which we've detailed below.
Clear braces are often made from plastic or ceramic, which are two materials decidedly weaker than metal. This means that they might break when biting or chewing too hard, and there's a slightly higher chance of the brackets debonding. These issues will require emergency dental appointments, which can be expensive and time-consuming.
Clear braces tend to be more expensive because they're trickier to make and therefore less widely available. When looking for clear braces, you might need to consult a few different orthodontists before finding someone who offers them, so be prepared for a longer time and higher monetary commitment.
Since ceramic and plastic braces tend to be slightly more fragile than metal alternatives, your orthodontist might not be able to put as much pressure on them during adjustment appointments. This is to prevent them from coming away from your teeth to avoid extra appointments, but the lack of strength can make for a longer treatment time.
There are several benefits to choosing metal braces, which we have detailed below.
Traditional braces are very effective thanks to the strength of the material. Metal has a smaller chance of breaking, so your orthodontist can put slightly more pressure on the wire to move your teeth at a faster pace. Braces put gentle pressure on your teeth thanks to the natural shape of the wire, but the tighter your dentist can adjust them, the more your teeth will move in a shorter period of time. It's for this reason that this type tends to work faster than other braces.
Traditional metal braces are suitable for almost all dental issues that require the movement of teeth, thanks to their strength and adjustability. The most common problems fixable with braces include overcrowding, tooth gaps, bite issues, midline mismatches, jaw misalignment, chewing difficulties, speech problems, and more. As you can see, there's not much traditional braces can't do!
Metal braces are often the go-to for most orthodontists, meaning most offer them. As these braces are so widely available, dentists can offer them at more affordable prices. If you're looking for the most affordable option without so much concern about aesthetics, traditional metal braces could be the best option for you.
One of the trickiest parts about wearing braces is the challenge of cleaning them. However, cleaning metal braces is slightly easier than clear alternatives, because you can see them clearly as they stand out against your teeth. Patients tend to agree that cleaning traditional metal braces is easier than clear or lingual braces. We recommend using an orthodontic toothbrush to make sure you maintain good oral health throughout treatment.
You have the option to work with your orthodontist to customise your braces to make them more useful for your oral ailments. For example, extra strong wires or bands can be placed on your braces to fix more than just the positions of your teeth, such as bite and misalignment. You can also change the colours of your ligatures to customise your smile, hopefully boosting your self-confidence.
There are also some drawbacks to metal braces. We've outlined these below.
One of the main drawbacks of metal braces, and the reason why many adults tend to look for alternatives, is their appearance. Metal stands out against your teeth easily, so braces can be quite eye-catching when you're talking or eating. This can affect self-confidence in teens and adults, especially when treatment time extends between one and three years.
Braces might be uncomfortable when they're first introduced to your mouth, but some patients complain more about metal braces than other types. This is because metal braces are stronger and can be tightened more dramatically, forcing your teeth to move quicker. While the discomfort should settle down after a few days after each adjustment, it can be difficult and disruptive to your daily life.
Braces require regular check-ups to make sure your teeth are moving as they're supposed to be. They're not low maintenance, so you'll need to make time out of your busy schedule for these appointments. It can be difficult and frustrating to make each appointment, but it's important for your treatment. Make sure you are willing to commit to the time required for metal braces before scheduling them.
Metal braces come with bands called ligatures, and these are available in a wide range of colours. Most adults and professionals choose lighter coloured bands to blend in with their natural teeth better, but these are more likely to stain. If you're a fan of dark coloured food and drink, such as coffee, you might find your braces staining between appointments.
Choosing what type of braces you need can be difficult, especially when you have a list of desires from your treatment. Clear braces are ideal for those who want a minimally invasive option that won't be obvious when they smile. However, they're more fragile than metal braces and can be more expensive. Traditional metal braces are stronger and can withstand more pressure to reduce treatment time, but they're not aesthetically pleasing. Ultimately, what you want to get from your orthodontic treatment will determine the right type of brace for you. Learn more about all types of braces at our Melbourne CBD clinic today!
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