Metal vs Ceramic vs Clear Braces: Choosing the right option for you.

Are you considering getting braces but feel overwhelmed by the different options available? Let’s make things easy for you and help you choose the type of braces that best suit your needs, as choosing the right type of braces can have a significant impact on your braces journey. With various types of braces to choose from, it’s important for you to understand their differences and benefits before making a decision.

It’s time to talk about three most popular types of braces

Orthodontic treatment has gained a lot of acceptance in recent years. Gone are the days when braces treatment was considered a treatment limited to children during their development years. With advancement in technology and better treatment options more people are willing to go for smile enhancements. With the availability of more aesthetic options like aligners which are practically invisible, more and more adults are willing to correct the aesthetic appearance of their teeth irrespective of age.

• Traditional metal braces
• Ceramic braces
• Clear aligners

A) Traditional metal braces:

Those small silver clips glued to the front surfaces of your teeth is what comes into your mind when you hear about braces or orthodontic treatment. Ever wondered what those small tiny square clips are? Well that is how your traditional metal braces appear. Tooth alignment with metal braces is one of the most ancient methods of orthodontic treatment and also the most economical.

Advantages of traditional metal braces:

• Affordable
• They work fast
• Strong and durable
• Variety of uses

1. Affordable: One of the biggest benefits of metal braces is that they are the most affordable form of braces option available as compared to its other counterparts. As ceramic braces and clear braces are slightly more expensive.

2. They work fast: Metal braces are long known as the quickest way to attain straight teeth as they provide more force to move teeth more quickly, thanks to the fact that you can’t remove them or lose them. However, the amount of time may vary depending on individual treatment needs.

3. Strong and durable: Unlike other braces options, metal braces are strong and stand the daily wear from brushing and chewing quite well. Created using titanium or stainless steel, they are more durable and resistant to breakage. Designed in such a way that they can last as long as your treatment duration.

4. Variety of uses: Metal braces are the most effective teeth alignment solution for numerous orthodontic issues. Below are some tooth problems that are better treated with traditional metal braces;

• Proclined teeth
• Teeth crowding
• Misalignment
• Overbites
• Underbites
• Realignment cases

Disadvantages of traditional metal braces:

• Visibility
• Decalcification
• Discomfort
• Dietary restrictions

1. Visibility: The most concerning downside of metal braces is their obvious visibility. They are easy to spot making you more conscious about the way your mouth looks with metal braces. This is when ceramic braces or clear aligners come to rescue as they are less visible and a great choice for you if you are too particular about the way you look with braces.

2. Decalcification: Another major issue with metal braces is the problem of decalcification that can happen if you do not properly clean or brush your teeth around your metal brackets and wires. Gradually you will start noticing white spots on your teeth which are nothing but the initiation of cavity build up. Therefore, correct brushing habits becomes a necessity while you are under your dental braces treatment.

3. Discomfort: During your initial days with metal braces you may experience some discomfort or soreness as your teeth are gradually adapting to their new alignments. Gradually this soreness will subside.
You may also experience minor discomfort and small cuts on inside of your mouth as your mouth adjusts with the new added member! You need not worry, as all of these discomforts are easily tackled by some over the counter painkillers and gels. Remember, braces discomfort is temporary but your beautifully aligned teeth shall be permanent!

4. Dietary restrictions: There are certain foods that you should avoid while on metal braces; mostly hard, sticky and sugary foods. The major reason for doing so is to prevent any breakage of the wires or brackets placed in your mouth. Also frequent sugary intakes with compromised brushing and flossing habits predispose your teeth to decay.
With some basic precautions and proper care all of the above mentioned disadvantages of metal braces can easily be managed.

B) Ceramic braces:

They are more or less similar to the traditional metal braces but are made of tooth coloured ceramic material making them a go to option in adult orthodontics. If you are an adult wanting a braces treatment but are too self-conscious about wearing braces; ceramic braces are your best buddies. As they provide the needed strength and effectiveness of traditional metal braces and are barely visible.

Advantages of ceramic braces:

1. Less visible: Less visible than traditional metal braces. They have a discrete look, people may not even realize that you have braces on your teeth unless you are very close to them. This is one of the major advantages why people prefer ceramic braces over metal braces during their late teenage years and early 20’s.

2. They do not interfere with imaging tests: Ceramic braces have much less signal interference during medical imaging as compared to metal braces as they contain less metal.

3. They move teeth faster than clear aligners: While clear aligners can take up to a year or more to work even for mild discrepancies, ceramic braces can straighten your teeth in 18 months or less.

Disadvantages of ceramic braces:

1. Staining of braces: The material used to fabricate ceramic braces is polycrystalline ceramic which does not easily stain; however, if you do not take proper care of your ceramic braces they can stain and discolor. Make sure you avoid dark coloured drinks and beverages and also maintain proper brushing to limit the amount of staining.

2. Slightly less durable than metal: Ceramic braces are two times more likely to break as compared to metal braces. Therefore, they should be taken care of properly.

3. May cause gum sensitivity: As ceramic brackets are bigger compared to metal brackets; it makes them harder to clean around brackets. Plaque build-ups in these areas contribute to gum inflammation further leading to gum sensitivity.

4. Expensive: Ceramic braces are more expensive than metal braces because they have a specialized manufacturing process and are often custom made.

C) Clear aligners:

Clear aligners are transparent plastic trays that are custom made as per your orthodontic concerns. As you wear them they apply gentle pressure on your teeth and gradually move them in their desired positions. As they are practically invisible and can be removed while eating they are the most popular braces choice among teens and young adults. If you have mild to moderate teeth alignment issues such as crowding, spacing between teeth, overbite, underbite etc you can opt for clear aligners as your braces option.

Advantages of clear aligners:

• Appearance
• Comfort
• Shorter treatment times
• Knowledge of the treatment outcome

1. Appearance: One of the top reasons that people prefer clear aligners is for their appearance. This has been by far the best innovation in the field of orthodontics; providing a solution for those who dislike the noticeable metal braces but are wanting to have aligned teeth. Made of clear plastic snap ons they provide you a set of removable braces options for a beautiful dazzling smile.

2. Comfort: With clear aligners you get the liberty to have your favorite foods like you normally had. It does not have the general dietary restrictions like the traditional metal braces. As metal braces can sometimes be quite poky to cheeks or tongue and cause discomfort inside your mouth but with clear aligners you don't have to deal with such hassles. Made from a soft elastic material, they provide you better comfort.

3. Shorter treatment times: The time required to complete your orthodontic treatment with clear aligners is shorter as compared to the traditional metal braces. One of the reasons for this is, because it is prefabricated according to the desired forces that it has to exert for alignment of your teeth, custom made sets designed and handed to you for your easy insertion and removal. So that you don't have to wait for your monthly orthodontic appointments for your braces tightening.

4. Knowledge of the treatment outcome: As your treatment will be planned and executed digitally your orthodontist gets a more precise idea about your future treatment outcome. And can easily explain the treatment results to you even before the completion of the procedure.

Disadvantages of clear aligners:

1. Long wear durations in a day: Although you can remove the clear aligner if necessary, you will still have to wear them for at least 20-22 hours a day for better treatment results. Therefore, avoid their unnecessary removal as per your convenience.

2. Proper removal and placement: Careful removal and placement of your clear aligner is very important as incorrect methods could change the course of your treatment in the long run. Therefore, be cautious while you remove or place back your clear aligners into your mouth.

3. Temporary speech impediment: You may experience certain speech alterations such as lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain words during your initial days with clear aligners. Do not worry, soon your tongue will adapt to the new environment in your mouth.

4. Expensive: The major disadvantage with clear aligners is its cost. As it is less economical people usually drift from receiving its benefits even after knowing about the conveniences it offers over other dental braces options.

Hope this comparison among the three most commonly used braces options help you determine the one that works best for you considering your individual preference and budget.

Planning on getting a healthy, beautiful smile? Our braces specialists at Realtooth are here to help you decide the best treatment as per your individual need, helping you achieve that perfectly aligned teeth for a radiant smile.

For more updates on the various types of braces visit us at Realtooth where we offer you advanced treatment options for your oral health needs. Visit us or you can also call our office or request an appointment online with our experts. Because your smile is our priority.