Are you looking for a method to enhance your smile by straightening your teeth and fixing issues like overcrowding, twisted teeth, and gaps? Then braces might be the best treatment plan. There are several types of braces to choose from, including metal braces and ceramic braces. Both options come with their own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to weigh up all the facts before deciding which is best for you.
Below we've outlined a guide to metal braces vs ceramic braces, including the best and worst features, to help you get a better understanding of which to choose.
Metal braces, otherwise called traditional metal braces, are the most common option that most orthodontists offer. They're often offered as the default treatment option for those suffering from orthodontic ailments, such as overcrowding, gaps, crooked teeth, and more. They use metal brackets attached to the front of the teeth with dental glue, attached together with an archwire. The wire runs through all the brackets, held in place by tiny elastic bands called ligatures, to gently guide your teeth into the correct places. Other components can be added to enhance the effectiveness of the braces, such as stronger bands and coils, to rectify more complex issues.
Metal braces are often considered the most effective option, usable as the most aggressive form of treatment. They are typically worn for between one and three years, only removable once the treatment is completed.
Ceramic braces are very similar to metal braces, but with one cosmetic upgrade. Instead of being made from metal, ceramic braces are coloured either clear or tooth coloured. This means they blend into your smile in a much less noticeable way. The tooth-coloured brackets are bonded to the front of your teeth, with a similar coloured archwire and clear or white ligatures.
Ceramic braces work in the exact same way as metal braces, and also take between one and three years to completely move your teeth to their optimal position. They are a good option for both minor and major dental ailments. While many adults prefer them to metal braces for cosmetic dentistry reasons, they come with their own set of drawbacks, such as durability and price.
There are plenty of benefits to choosing metal braces. We have outlined the most popular below.
Metal braces are incredibly effective at fixing plenty of complex issues, such as bite problems, crowding, and rotated teeth. Braces use the natural shape of your jaw to put gentle pressure on your teeth, moving them without intense pain or discomfort. Metal braces tend to work quicker than many other alternative types of braces.
Traditional metal braces are made from stainless steel brackets and archwire, which make them much more durable than braces made from other materials. Metal is much harder to break than ceramic braces, giving you fewer reasons to book emergency appointments to fix your braces.
Metal braces are more readily available than other types, with almost all orthodontists offering this service. Since they're easier to obtain, they can be offered at lower prices. Traditional braces are often the most affordable type to choose, so they're excellent if you're on a budget.
Traditional braces use ligatures, which are tiny elastic bands, to keep the wire and brackets attached. Metal braces can use any colour ligatures, allowing you to customise your smile during every appointment. Orthodontists usually offer bright coloured bands, as well as white, black, and clear ligatures.
Braces can be tricky to clean, but traditional metal braces tend to be easier than ceramic or lingual braces. This is because you can easily see them against your natural teeth, getting into all the nooks and crannies around the wires, brackets, and bands. We recommend using an orthodontic toothbrush to maintain proper oral hygiene.
There are also some drawbacks to metal braces, which we've detailed below.
One of the biggest drawbacks to mental braces is their appearance against your natural teeth. Metal braces are quite dark and eye-catching, which can interfere with your self-confidence and aesthetic appearance. Adults and professionals sometimes seek other treatment options that are less noticeable than metal.
Any form of braces can be uncomfortable to begin with, and metal is particularly unforgiving. Brackets and wires can rub against the inside of your mouth, causing sores and ulcers. Most orthodontists will offer treatments for these ailments, and the discomfort should become less noticeable over time. However, most patients find metal braces quite uncomfortable to begin with.
Braces aren't low maintenance, and you'll need to make time for several appointments for check-ups and adjustments. Metal braces are no different, and some patients find the required appointments to be inconvenient. However, they're important to keep braces effectively straightening teeth.
While ligatures are essential in keeping the archwire attached to your brace brackets, they can also work to draw attention to your smile. To rectify this, many adults choose clear bands. However, these can become stained quite easily with coffee and dark foods, which can make them more noticeable.
Likewise, there are plenty of advantages to ceramic braces. We've outlined these below for your convenience.
Ceramic braces are more aesthetically pleasing than metal braces as they can be coloured to match your natural teeth, blending into your natural smile. This makes them less noticeable than metal braces, making them an excellent choice for adults and professionals who want a more discreet look.
Metal and ceramic braces work in exactly the same way, as there are no differences in how they're fitted and adjusted. This means that they can be used for all sorts of orthodontic treatments, such as crowding, bite issues, gaps, and misaligned teeth. They should be able to handle complex cases that other braces alternatives, such as clear aligners, can't.
Since ceramic braces don't need to be removed when you're eating or drinking, there's very little you need to do in the way of maintenance. Aside from cleaning them twice a day to prevent staining and plaque build-up, ceramic braces don't require any extra attention. Plus, since they're fixed in place, they're always working.
Many patients find ceramic to be smoother and less irritating to the inside of their cheeks and lips than metal, which might make them more comfortable to wear. While there is often an adjustment period for most types of braces, ceramic braces may be a better option for those particularly susceptible to pain and discomfort.
There are also drawbacks that come with ceramic braces, which we've detailed below.
Ceramic isn't as strong as metal, making this type of brace more brittle than its metal counterparts. It's also possible to chip or crack ceramic braces, making them less effective. There has been a higher number of reported cases of ceramic braces debonding from the teeth, too. Any of these issues will need to be rectified by your orthodontist as soon as possible, potentially costing you more in emergency appointment fees.
As ceramic braces are coloured light white or cream to match your teeth, they can stain when subjected to lots of dark-coloured food and drink. While the brackets are quite difficult to stain themselves, ligatures tend to pick up lots of colour from your diet, leaving little dark marks along your smile. If you're a heavy coffee or wine drinker, ceramic braces might not be the best choice.
Ceramic is a more expensive material than metal, therefore making it a more expensive treatment. Ceramic braces aren't offered by every orthodontist, so they can be more difficult to obtain. However, ceramic braces don't cost as much as lingual or clear aligners in most cases, so they might still work for your budget.
Ceramic braces tend to be more fragile than metal braces, so to avoid them breaking, your orthodontist might use slightly less pressure when adjusting them. While this should protect your braces and prevent you from having to book emergency appointments to fix them, it might also slow down treatment and results.
When deciding which type of braces to choose, there are plenty of considerations that have to be made. While metal braces aren't considered the most aesthetically pleasing option, they're thought of as very effective and affordable. Ceramic braces are a good option if you're worried about the appearance of your smile, but they come with a few drawbacks, such as fragility and longer treatment time. Your requirements and wants will determine which braces material is right for you. Learn more about all types of braces at our Melbourne CBD clinic today!
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