Do Metal Braces Take Longer?
Traditionally, metal braces have been used to correct problems with a person’s bite or the alignment of their teeth. This treatment method has years of clearly demonstrated orthodontic effectiveness, but metal braces are also notorious for their obvious appearance. Thanks to material and technical advances in the fields of dentistry and orthodontics, however, in more recent years, patients have had the option of using ceramic braces. If you’re concerned about the timeline of your orthodontic treatment, you might wonder if ceramic, or clear, braces are as effective as metal braces, or if metal braces take longer than ceramic braces or the other way around. The reality is that each type of braces has its strengths and its weaknesses, and duration of treatment depends on multiple other factors. In general, treatment with metal braces and treatment with clear braces can take a comparable amount of time, but the specific timeline for each patient will always be unique to that person.
Ceramic braces use brackets and wires to slowly move the teeth, just like metal braces do, but, unlike metal braces, ceramic braces match the color and tone of the teeth and appear unobtrusive in the mouth. The materials used for clear braces are made of ceramic or porcelain and plastic; the brackets that are attached to the teeth are either clear or tooth-colored, helping them blend in with the teeth. In some cases, clear arch wires can be used to attach the brackets, contributing to their inconspicuous profile. In many cases, ceramic braces can deliver comparable results to metal braces, though treatment may take longer for more complex situations. However, even during longer treatments, clear braces remain barely visible and continue to protect the patient’s smile and self-confidence.
The average timeline for treatment with metal braces ranges from under a year to around three years. When the bite problems or alignment issues are severe, treatment takes longer. The same is true for clear braces. The average treatment times for comparable clinical cases is longer for clear braces than for metal braces, but in cases of severe malocclusion or misalignment, clear braces are rarely used, which skews overall averages. When they are used, clear braces can take longer because they’re made of less durable materials than metal braces, making them more prone to breakage, and the ceramic material provides more friction than metal, loosening the arch wires and lessening the intensity of force that moves the teeth over time.
Because clear braces are less durable than metal braces, they may require more frequent repairs during treatment. Unfortunately, repairs cost money, and complex treatments with ceramic braces already tend to cost more than similar treatments that use metal braces, though the average cost of both metal braces and clear braces is about the same overall. Some dental insurance companies may not cover clear braces, though, so patients are responsible for paying for the procedure out-of-pocket. Many orthodontists accept CareCredit or comparable financing arrangements, which provide financing options with little or no interest. For many patients, the aesthetic benefits of clear braces are worth the extra cost, but you should consult with your dentist and learn what the best treatment is for you.