Which Braces are Best, Metal or Ceramic?

Today's orthodontic patients have a variety of metal and ceramic choices to select from.

While this is clearly a plus, since it allows for more individualized care, we appreciate that it may also be perplexing for patients. That's why we've put together this guide to explain the benefits and drawbacks of metal and ceramic braces. 

Advantages and disadvantages of metal braces

Metal braces are less costly and more effective at addressing excessive crowding than alternative solutions such as transparent braces or Invisalign aligners. They provide your orthodontist the ability to shift your teeth in little steps at a time. The biggest drawback of conventional braces is the look of metal in the mouth. While less visible orthodontics like Invisalign may appear to be a better alternative for people concerned about their looks, today's braces are more aesthetically attractive than in previous years, with a variety of color options for both the brackets and the elastics. You also won't have to worry about misplacing your aligners if you use these sorts of braces. 

Advantages and disadvantages of ceramic braces

Advantages

• They are less noticeable than metal braces. These braces can be made of clear or tooth-colored ceramic material.
• They straighten teeth more quickly than transparent aligners (Invisalign). Straightening your teeth with ceramic braces takes 18 to 36 months. Even if your teeth don't require much correction, popular clear-alignment treatments like Invisalign can take a year or longer to function. Furthermore, clear-alignment techniques are ineffective in situations of extreme misalignment or malocclusion (a crooked bite).
• You have the option of selecting your own colors. Metal braces are offered in only one color: gray (or a gleaming metallic silver, if available). Ceramic braces come in almost every color conceivable.
• They don't obstruct imaging testing. Signals in imaging tests can be disrupted by metal braces. Signal interference is significantly reduced using ceramic bracing.

Disadvantages

• They are more costly than braces made of metal. Ceramic braces are often $1,000 to $2,000 more expensive than metal braces.
• They have the potential to induce gum irritation. Brackets made of ceramic are bigger than those made of metal. If your toothbrush doesn't reach the enamel and gumline, this might make cleaning around your brackets more difficult, resulting in inflamed or receding gums.
• They're not quite as tough as metal. Ceramic braces are more than twice as likely to shatter or fracture when compared to metal braces. Debonding (the procedure of removing the adhesive) has also been reported to harm the surface of your teeth (enamel).
• They are slower than metal in moving teeth. Repairing damaged brackets or making modest modifications at each session might cause the straightening process to be delayed since they're more delicate.
• They have the potential to stain. The elastic ties that secure the wire to the brackets are prone to staining and will stay discolored until they are replaced.

Which option is best for you, metal braces or ceramic braces?

When it comes to choose between metal and ceramic braces, the optimum option will be determined by the circumstances – both in terms of treatment and expense. You could discover that removable aligners are the perfect suit for your needs as an extra complexity.

How to take care of metal braces and ceramic braces？

• Avoid meals that aren't suitable for braces. Avoid chewy meals like as caramels or other soft candies, as well as foods that are too firm or crunchy to harm your braces. Certain fruits and vegetables should be sliced into small pieces to avoid becoming trapped in your braces. To maintain your braces in excellent shape and reduce your risk of cavities, your practitioner will most likely offer you a list of items to avoid.
• Appropriately brush and floss. It is always vital to take care of your teeth, but it is extremely critical when you wear braces. Brushing and flossing on a regular basis will help you maintain the appearance of your braces while also preventing tooth discoloration. A special brush intended to penetrate into the crevices and varied surfaces of metal braces may be recommended by your dentist. Learning how to brush and floss around your braces may take some effort, but it will get simpler over time.
• Seeing your dentist and orthodontist on a frequent basis allows you to have any modifications to your braces done as well as have any questions or concerns addressed.