Ceramic Braces Vs Metal Braces

One challenge when committing to any orthodontia is how to stay confident in your appearance while wearing them. If your child is about to celebrate a major milestone, you might wonder what the difference is in appearance – as well as functionality – for ceramic braces vs metal braces. You may even wonder whether it's possible to change materials mid-way through the treatment.

Get the facts on each type of braces, so you can decide, with the help of a dental professional, which look and functionality is best for your child.

Metal Braces

Metal braces typically consist of brackets placed on either the front or back of the teeth and wires that are tightened to help move the teeth and bite into correct and straighter alignment, per the American Dental Association. Metal braces are made of stainless steel brackets and wires that are a type of metal alloy, says the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO). They are adjusted with the help of ligatures or the rubber bands that attach the wires to the brackets. Traditional braces are comprised of brackets, wires and ligatures as the main parts, while self-ligating braces have clips instead of ligatures that hold the wires to the brackets.

If your teen feels self-conscious and you want them to be confident and smile wide in photos, let them know that a metallic smile is normal. Many of their peers sport similar shiny grins.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces, on the other hand, have tooth-colored or clear brackets and ligatures but still have metal wires, notes the AAO. You also have the option between traditional and self-ligating braces. Just like metal braces, traditional ceramic braces and self-ligating ceramic braces respectively have ligatures or clips that attach the wires to brackets.

Ceramic Braces vs Metal Braces and Your Appearance

Talk to your dentist and take time to study images with both metal and ceramic braces to compare what you or your child would prefer aesthetically. You might opt for ceramic braces because, on the whole, they're less noticeable. It might seem straightforward to choose ceramic braces for this reason. But according to the Cleveland Clinic, ceramic braces can become stained or discolored over time. Treatment may also last longer because of the way the ceramic brackets can create friction against the wires.

Metal braces tend to be less costly and treatment time isn't affected by the way the appliances work together. Though, for either option, treatment time is dictated by the same factors: the severity of the misalignment, the distance your teeth need to move, the health of your mouth and adherence to your treatment plan, notes the Cleveland Clinic.

It also may be possible to switch from one type to the other mid-treatment, though it involves more money and time in changing out and re-applying the new brackets.

Keep Your Smile Bright

Keeping your teeth and mouth healthy are key to reducing the risk of staining, both on your teeth and if you (or your teen) chooses ceramic braces. For important photo occasions, white teeth keep your smile looking great with braces.