The primary concern of every good orthodontist is helping patients obtain strong, healthy, and well-balanced bites. They know that this is the surest way to avoid unnecessary wear on the natural tooth structures, and to preserve the overall health of the teeth. That’s why most professionals within this industry go out of their way to provide a number of options in alignment appliances. For most people, choosing between ceramic braces vs metal braces is purely a matter of aesthetics. Both options provide a safe and reliable way to effectively reshape the smile, balance bite forces, and promote proper tooth alignment. There are things to know about both types of braces, including the unique range of benefits that each provides.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Metal Braces
Metal braces have been around in various incarnations for quite some time. Also referred to as traditional metal braces, these are usually the first type of braces that comes to mind when people think about tooth alignment appliances. Not only are these structures capable of realigning the smile, but they’re also the simplest option for this type of orthodontic treatment. Moreover, despite their long-standing reputation for being conspicuous, their all-metal brackets and wires have grown increasingly smaller throughout the years.
When it comes down to ceramic braces vs metal braces, the sole drawback of metal braces is that they’re undeniably the most noticeable type of braces available. This makes them less appealing to adults who’ve decided to straighten their teeth or minimize tooth gaps in their later years.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Ceramic Braces
Also called clear braces, ceramic braces are the exact same shape and size as traditional braces. The primary difference between the two is that ceramic braces are clear. As such, they’re very popular among people who want to realign their teeth without having to look dramatically different throughout the treatment process.
Although ceramic braces are just as effective as metal braces for aligning the bite, patients should note that ceramic braces can and often do stain easily. This requires a greater level of care for maintaining their inconspicuous and clear appearance.
Choosing the Right Option for You
When deciding between ceramic braces vs metal braces, consulting our orthodontist at Ragan Orthodontics in Dallas is your best bet. During an appointment, you can talk to our orthodontist about your wants, needs, and goals ahead of your treatment to ensure that you’ve chosen the perfect brace type for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more!
