Metal braces and ceramic braces use a similar design to achieve straight teeth and a healthy smile. The main distinction is the material used to make the brackets. Metal braces are held together by brackets made of medical-grade stainless steel. On the other hand, Ceramic braces use polycrystalline alumina, which can be clear or the same colour as your teeth. Because stainless steel stands out against the white of your teeth, ceramic brackets are appealing for their inconspicuous appearance. Brackets can also be made transparent. Rubber bands are used in both cases to move the teeth in a specific direction. Talk to your orthodontist if you need help deciding which is best. They can assist in developing appropriate treatment plans with various options. Whatever option you choose, you can expect your teeth to be straightened by the end of treatment.
What accurately are metal braces?
Metal braces are typically made up of brackets placed on the front or back of the teeth and wires that are tightened to help move the teeth and bite into better alignment. Metal braces are constructed with stainless steel brackets and wires. Ligatures are rubber bands that connect the wires to the brackets. Brackets, wires, and ligatures are the main components of traditional braces. Clips, rather than ligatures, hold the wires to the brackets in self-ligating braces.
What are Ceramic Braces accurately?
On the other hand, Ceramic braces have tooth-coloured or clear brackets and ligatures but still use metal wires. You can also choose between traditional and self-ligating braces. Traditional ceramic braces and self-ligating ceramic braces, like metal braces, have ligatures or clips that attach the wires to the brackets.
Metal Braces vs Ceramic Braces
The following are some key distinctions between metal and ceramic braces:
- Metal braces are typically less expensive.
- Ceramic braces are less noticeable because they match your child's teeth.
- Over time, the 'clear' brackets may become stained.
- Ceramic braces may require more time to heal than metal braces.
Ceramic braces can dis-colour over time, requiring your orthodontist to replace the ligatures. Because the ceramic brackets can create friction against the wires, treatment may last longer. Metal braces are less expensive, and unlike ceramic braces, treatment time is not affected by how the appliances work together. However, the same factors govern treatment time: the severity of the misalignment, the distance your teeth must move, the health of your mouth, and adherence to your treatment plan.
Where can you get the services?
At SLS Orthodontics, every patient deserves a healthy, straight smile. That is why we provide patients in need of orthodontic treatment with a variety of options. Traditional metal braces are an effective and affordable option for patients of all ages with most types of orthodontic issues. Schedule a consultation to learn more about the advantages of traditional braces.
WHAT DO BRACES COST?
Treatment costs vary according to the patient's needs. Please schedule a consultation with our orthodontist to get an accurate cost breakdown. For your convenience, our office accepts most insurance plans. We also provide flexible payment plans to make our services as affordable and accessible as possible, then choose metal braces and ceramic braces.