Are you struggling to decide between the different types of braces available to you? You might not have known this before, but there are several types of braces to choose from - including the traditional metal braces and the newer, lesser-known lingual braces. Both options come with their own set of benefits and drawbacks, so it's important you look at all the facts before choosing which is right for you.
Keep reading for our guide to metal vs lingual braces, including their advantages and disadvantages, to help you better understand the right option.
Metal braces are the most common type of braces, and most patients will be offered these as a default. They work by attaching tiny metal brackets to the front of the teeth with dental glue, and are connected with an archwire that runs through all the brackets to guide the teeth's movements together. The wire is held in place with elastic bands called ligatures. Dentists can also add extra components, such as stronger bands and coils, to correct other ailments, such as bite.
Metal braces are often considered the strongest form of brace and therefore are offered as the most aggressive treatment plan. They can take between one and three years to properly straighten the teeth, and they're not removable during this entire time. While they can be a pain, they're also very effective, and their results are long-lasting.
Lingual braces are essentially the same as metal braces, but with one distinct difference. Instead of having the metal brackets glued onto the front of the teeth, they're placed on the back instead. This means that the brackets and wires are completely hidden when you smile, so you don't have to worry about the aesthetics of your braces. Many adults prefer lingual braces, especially when they have professional jobs where they don't want their braces to obstruct their smile or influence their speech.
Lingual braces are glued onto the backs of your teeth, with an archwire connecting them behind the teeth. This applies a gentle pressure to the teeth to help them shift into alignment. Because of the slightly lower pressure being put on your teeth from behind, lingual braces might take slightly longer to work.
There are plenty of benefits to choosing metal braces, which we have outlined below.
Metal braces are some of the most effective braces available, and are most effective at fixing complex issues such as severe crowding, bite problems, and rotated teeth. Thanks to the pressure the natural shape of your jaw puts on the teeth, metal braces also work faster than many other alternatives, too.
Metal braces are made from durable metal, which is much more durable than ceramic braces or clear aligners. Metal is much less likely to break, so you shouldn't need to book any extra emergency appointments to fix your braces.
Metal braces can't be removed from your teeth, so there's no chance of you losing them or forgetting to put them back on once you're finished eating. You don't have to rely on your own discipline to continue wearing them, which is a huge plus for people who have a tendency to forget.
Metal braces are the most common option and, therefore, most widely available, meaning they can be offered at more affordable prices. They are often cheaper than ceramic braces, lingual braces, and clear aligners, making them more widely available for those on a budget.
Metal braces are fitted with tiny elastic bands called ligatures. These keep the wire in place against the brackets. Unlike ceramic braces, which use natural tooth-coloured bands to blend into your natural smile, metal bands can be used with a variety of different coloured bands. You have the chance to customise the colour at each appointment.
Likewise, there are also a few drawbacks to metal braces. We've detailed these below.
One of the biggest reasons why people turn to other, more aesthetic options for braces is that metal braces are visible and can interfere with their smiles. While there is nothing wrong with the appearance of braces, they can impact your confidence. Self-conscious teens and adults may choose to look for alternative options.
Introducing metal into your mouth can be uncomfortable to begin with, especially if the brackets and wires rub on the inside of your cheeks. Most orthodontists sell wax that you can use to relieve this discomfort, but it doesn't always work.
Metal braces work well because of their strength. However, they need to be tightened every few months to ensure they keep pulling your teeth into the correct spaces. This can be frustrating when you have a busy schedule, but it's vital that you keep up with your appointments to maintain their effectiveness.
Metal braces are attached together with coloured bands. Depending on the colour you choose, they may stain and become discoloured before your next appointment to get them replaced. Most adults choose clear bands to avoid too much attention being drawn to them, but clear bands are some of the worst for staining.
Similar to metal braces, there are lots of advantages to lingual braces. We've outlined the most common below.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of lingual braces is that they're invisible to others. This is because they're stuck to the back of your teeth instead of the front, so no one can see them when you talk or smile. This makes them ideal for adults or professionals who want a more discreet treatment.
Many lingual braces work with brackets that have been custom-made for your smile with 3D scans. These often fit the teeth more comfortably than traditional brackets, which can lead to more precise results. As long as your teeth are good candidates for lingual braces, they may be more comfortable than metal braces (once you adjust).
There is a small chance of braces staining your teeth, but as lingual braces are on the back of your teeth, the stains won't be seen. Lingual braces are slightly harder to clean, too, so the assurance that stains won't be seen is a great benefit.
Braces can be irritating, especially for people with active lifestyles. If you play an instrument or train as an athlete, you might want a type of brace that doesn't interfere too much. Many athletes and musicians agree that lingual braces are more comfortable than traditional braces when practising their crafts.
Most forms of invisible braces work only for minimal dental issues, such as small gaps and gentle crowding. For this reason, metal braces are recommended for the majority of complex cases. However, lingual braces use the same material as traditional braces, so they can treat many of the same issues. These include overcrowding, bigger spacing, bite issues, tooth rotations, and more.
There are also drawbacks that come with lingual braces, which we've detailed below.
Lingual braces tend to be more expensive than traditional braces or Invisalign, because you'll need custom-made brackets. Extra costs also come from a more complex installation process, along with longer appointments for checkups and adjustments.
Because the brackets are on the back of your teeth with lingual braces, it can be much more difficult to clean them. Without sufficient cleaning, plaque buildup can cause issues such as staining and weakening of the dental cement. There's a small increase in the chance of cavities with this type of braces, too.
While most patients find lingual braces to be more comfortable, the adjustment period can be longer because your teeth have to learn how to rest comfortably against the brackets. A few people consider this to be more uncomfortable in the short term, but ultimately worth it for the long-term benefits.
As lingual braces fit on the back of your teeth, there is a higher chance of them coming loose when your teeth hit them while chewing or talking. These may not be a good fit for people who have a tendency to grind their teeth or clench their jaws often.
When determining which is best for you, it's important to evaluate all aspects of traditional and lingual braces, especially their benefits and drawbacks. Traditional metal braces can be incredibly effective, durable, and more affordable, but their visibility is sometimes a drawback. Lingual braces eliminate this issue thanks to being attached to the back of your teeth. However, they can be fragile, harder to clean, and more expensive. Learn more about all types of braces at our Melbourne CBD clinic to see which is the best option to enhance your natural smile today!
You must be logged in to post a comment.
