CERAMIC BRACES OR METAL BRACES
Ceramic Braces
The use of ceramic braces has been introduced more recently as they have distinct advantages over metal braces, especially if you are concerned about your appearance. Adults prefer them as they merge in with their teeth. The ligatures are small rubber bands and hold the arch wire on to the ceramic brackets. They are often white or clear. To begin with, they look good, but after time they will stain, particularly if you smoke or drink a lot of black coffee. However, these ligatures are replaced every time an adjustment has been made, which is normally every four weeks. The ceramic brackets themselves don’t stain.
Benefits of Ceramic Braces
The benefits of ceramic brackets are mainly that they can be matched to most teeth colors, especially teeth that are not completely white. They cannot be seen too easily compared with metal braces. The general feeling among users is that they are more comfortable than metal braces and don’t cause too much irritation to the gums. Some people are afraid that they may break off too easily but this is a fallacy as they are very strong.
The main drawback of ceramic braces is that they are more costly than metal braces and have to be worn for a longer period of time to gain the desired effects.
Metal Braces Are Strong
Metal braces are stronger than ceramic braces and can be used for types of treatment not suitable for ceramic braces.
When first used they could cause irritation to your gums which, after a while, will stop. An elastic rubber band, which is O shaped, and commonly referred to as a ligature is used to keep the arch wire on the bracket. On occasions an orthodontist may use tie wires made of metal which are attached to the bracket. These are used as a substitute for plastic ligatures.
Benefits of Metal Braces
Expense often makes them a preferred option, especially if appearance is not so important. They also generally take less time to adjust the teeth’s position than their competitors. It is possible to select a ligature that is darker in color, which will make coffee, curry and smoking stains more difficult to see. Another added benefit is their durability, as they are extremely strong, and incidences of breakages are extremely rare.
Which Brace Should You Choose?
If appearance is important and price is not an issue, then ceramic braces are an effective choice. If appearance is not as important as price, then metal braces do the job as well. Your orthodontist may have to choose for you, depending on your treatment requirements. If metal is your only option because of the treatment that is required, there are different colors that can be chosen that add that shine to your teeth’s appearance but which all can see.
