4 Reasons To Choose Metal Braces Over Ceramic Braces
It used to be that all patients wore metal braces, but more and more orthodontists are now also offering ceramic braces. These might seem attractive at first since they are more discreet than metal braces, yet metal braces are still the smartest choice for most patients.
Here are just four reasons why.
1. Lower Cost
Many patients worry about the cost of having braces, even when part of that cost will be covered by their dental plan. However, this shouldn't be such a concern when you opt for metal braces over ceramic braces. Metal braces are typically far less expensive. Additionally, since ceramic braces are usually chosen more for cosmetic reasons than anything else, you may find they aren't covered by your dental plan, and that can mean having to pay a lot more than you might have expected.
2. Higher Durability
The brackets used for modern ceramic braces are much stronger than you might expect, but they aren't nearly as strong as those made from steel. Ceramic is a relatively brittle material, which means ceramic braces are easier to break. If any breaks do occur, you'll need to visit your orthodontist to have your braces repaired. This can happen due to accidental impacts, but you can also damage your ceramic braces simply by cleaning them too rigorously. Metal braces are stronger, so they tend to offer greater peace of mind.
3. Resistant To Stains
Far and away the most common reason people opt for ceramic braces is that they are more discreet than metal ones. However, they may not remain as discreet. That's because ceramic brackets can be stained. Patients are often advised to brush after every meal to help prevent this, and you may also be told to avoid certain foods and drinks that are known to create stains. Yellowing may also occur if you don't properly clean ceramic braces. If your ceramic braces do become stained, you'll probably have defeated the very reason you chose them. As such, it often makes sense to simply go with metal braces.
4. Faster Results
In some cases, ceramic braces will move your teeth just as fast as metal ones. However, the fact that ceramic braces aren't as strong as metal ones often means they cannot withstand as much pressure. As such, your orthodontist may need to make less significant adjustments each time you visit, which often means you'll have to wear ceramic braces longer than metal ones just to achieve the same results.
Reach out to a braces dentist to find out more.