Are Metal Braces Better?
The idea of clear or invisible braces didn’t enter the dental scene until the 1970s, after braces had been used for almost 200 years; historically, metal braces were the only option. For children and adolescents, metal braces were often just a part of life, and adults with crowded or misaligned teeth either sought out strictly cosmetic solutions or simply got used to it. Leaving overcrowded or crooked teeth uncorrected for too long takes its toll on the oral health, though, and, thanks to innovations in orthodontic technology, less conspicuous options are now available. These barely visible braces are increasingly popular among adult patients, but it’s not always possible to correct orthodontic issues with clear braces. When significant corrections are required, metal braces are often the only type that can be used. Each type of braces has its pros and cons, and you and your orthodontist can discuss which treatment will work best for you.
Metal braces consist of metal brackets that are securely glued to the surfaces of the teeth connected with wires called arch wires. Some braces also use rubber bands to apply specific pressure in certain conditions. An orthodontist will adjust the arch wires periodically to increase force on the teeth and maintain their realignment progress. Metal braces are less expensive than other types of orthodontic treatments, and they are ultimately more effective than other braces, correcting bite and alignment issues, especially gaps, more quickly than their less-obtrusive counterparts. Because metal braces are made of highly durable materials, they are less likely to need repairing, which increases their cost-effectiveness. When highly pigmented foods adhere to the surface of clear braces, they can leave stains; this doesn’t happen with metal braces. Metal braces are more obvious than clear braces, which can cause patients to be self-conscious, though younger patients with metal braces can use different colored rubber bands to accessorize their braces and make them more of a fashion statement; the visibility of metal braces is usually more of a concern for teenagers and adults than for children. Metal braces can rub against the soft tissues of the mouth and create sores and ulcerations, and it can be challenging to effectively clean the teeth with metal braces, though proper oral hygiene is essential.
Ceramic braces, or clear braces, are functionally the same as metal braces and use the same components and principles, but the materials are clear or made in shades that match the teeth. This provides the biggest benefit of clear braces for many people: they’re significantly less noticeable than metal braces. They can be used for complex orthodontic treatments, which still rely on periodic adjustments, but they are less durable than metal braces and require more frequent repairs. This adds to the cost of clear braces, which are already more expensive than metal braces. Clear braces don’t aggravate the oral tissues as much as metal braces do, though the brackets used in clear braces do tend to be larger than metal brackets. Clear braces use arch wires that are either clear or white, and this porous material can be prone to discoloration. Because clear braces usually take longer to correct dental alignment than metal braces, they may be more well-suited to simple corrective treatments. Clear braces can also interfere with brushing and flossing and require specialized cleaning tools just like metal braces do.