AAO Ragan Orthodontics in Dallas, TX

Clear Braces vs. Metal Braces

Dental health is closely linked to the body’s overall health. When a person has teeth that are crooked or that are misaligned, it can affect their ability to eat and speak clearly, and it can result in abnormal tooth wear and tear and jaw pain.

For this reason, when a person has crooked teeth, they will want to have their teeth aligned, straightened and properly spaced. In addition to improving function, straight teeth are more attractive.

There are many braces options currently available. They range from the traditional metal braces all the way to clear dental trays. Before selecting a form of treatment, it is good to discuss clear braces vs. metal braces with our orthodontist.

Traditional Braces

Traditional metal braces are made of brackets and wires. These are what most people think about when they hear the term braces. Although modern metal braces are a lot smaller and a lot less noticeable than their predecessors, they are still clearly seen on a person’s teeth.

Modern technology allows dentists to use heat-activated archwires, which work in conjunction with the body’s natural heat to move teeth quicker and with less pain than in the past.

The pros of traditional braces is that they are less expensive and come equipped with colored bands that allow the wearer to have some say in how their braces look. The negative side is that traditional braces are the most noticeable type of braces on the market.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces come in basically the same shape and size as their metal counterparts. The only difference is that the brackets are tooth-colored, which allows them to camouflage with a person’s teeth.

These braces can come with transparent or colored wires to make them less noticeable. With that being said, they are not invisible.

The pros of ceramic braces are that they are less noticeable than traditional metal ones. They work faster than plastic aligners.

On the negative side, they are more expensive than traditional braces, and the ceramic brackets are prone to stain if they are not rigorously maintained.

Invisalign® 

Invisalign® has the benefit of being virtually invisible. Unlike metal or ceramic braces that have brackets that adhere to the patient’s teeth, Invisalign® is a series of 18 to 30 aligners that have an appearance similar to mouth guards. It is removed and replaced every two weeks.

The benefit of Invisalign® is that it is basically invisible. Patients can remove the aligners whenever they want, and they can eat whatever they want. This makes oral health care a lot easier.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

When it comes to straightening crooked teeth, there are a lot of options available. With three locations in the Dallas area, Ragan Orthodontics is here to help you every step of the way as you decide what choice of braces is right for you.

Contact our office today to schedule your appointment to learn more.