Did you know that more than 4 million people in the United States alone wear braces? While veneers and dental bonds can give the appearance of straight teeth, braces are often covered by dental insurance while those other options are not. More than that, braces can correct bite abnormalities, so their benefits can go far beyond cosmetic reasons.
Many people find themselves stumped with the decision of metal vs ceramic braces. While both will end up straightening your teeth, they each have their own pros and cons (as well as their own price tags). If you’re unsure whether metal braces or ceramic braces are right for you, keep reading and find your answers below.
The Pros and Cons of Metal Braces
When it comes to the pros and cons of metal braces, the first thing you should know is that metal braces are one of the most traditional and oldest forms of teeth straightening. For that reason, everyone knows that metal braces work to straighten teeth just fine. Also, because they are pretty basic and traditional, they tend not to be too expensive and are usually only a few thousand dollars.
Depending on the severity of the misalignment of your teeth, it may take up to a year to get straight teeth when using metal braces. For others, it may only take half a year or so. However, there are some downsides when it comes to metal braces.
One of the biggest downsides is that metal braces are large and very visible. If you are already very self-conscious about the appearance of your teeth, you may not want to bring more attention to your teeth with metal braces. You can try to avoid extra attention by not adding colored bands to your braces, but even so, the metal of the braces is hard to miss.
The maintenance of metal braces is also a big issue for many, especially those who have very busy schedules. Out of all the types of braces, metal braces have a good chance of staining your teeth if you don’t take your dental hygiene seriously. If you don’t regularly brush your teeth when you have braces on, you will find that once you take your braces off, there will be little white stains on your teeth.
This is certainly not the kind of result that you want to see after having to deal with braces for so long. Fortunately, good dental hygiene can prevent this from occurring. But how do ceramic braces compare?
The Pros and Cons of Ceramic Braces
Out of all the pros and cons of ceramic braces, one of the biggest benefits is that they are far less visible than metal braces. This does not mean that they are invisible, however. Instead, ceramic braces are much smaller than metal braces and they are lighter in color as well.
For that reason, if you are embarrassed about your teeth and don’t want anyone staring at your braces, ceramic braces may be your best bet. Often, ceramic braces match the color of your teeth so they are especially hard to see. This may be an especially important consideration if you are an adult.
Braces tend to be associated with teenagers and children. If you need braces as an adult, it may be best to opt for braces that are hard to see. Also, considering the benefits of braces, these braces tend to be less painful than metal braces.
This is because metal braces are more abrasive than ceramic braces, in general. However, there is a major downside of these lighter-colored braces, and that downside has to do with staining.
Because ceramic braces are lighter in color, they tend to stain more easily than metal braces. Over time, you may notice that the color of your braces will start to get darker. For that reason, you should avoid dark foods and beverages such as coffee or black tea.
This will help to minimize any staining of your braces (and of your teeth, for that matter). Another downside of ceramic braces is that they tend to be a bit pricier compared to metal braces. However, if you are concerned about the appearance of your braces, the extra cost may be worth it.
Keep in mind that your insurance may be able to handle the extra cost of these braces.
Metal vs Ceramic Braces
In reality, the type of braces you need all depends on what you need out of your braces. If you are on a tight budget, it may be better to stick with metal braces since, in general, they tend to be cheaper than ceramic braces. On the other hand, if you want your braces to be as discrete as possible, you might want to opt for ceramic braces instead.
However, if your teeth are very crooked, metal braces may be the better option. This is because ceramic braces tend to be better at treating and straightening teeth that are only mildly to moderately misaligned. But keep in mind that even though metal braces may be stronger and more durable, they have their downsides as a result.
When you first get metal braces, you may notice a metallic taste in your mouth that you can’t get rid of. You may also find metal braces uncomfortable or painful due to the way they might scrape against the inside of your mouth.
Everything You Need to Know about Metal and Ceramic Braces
Deciding between metal vs ceramic braces can be difficult, but in the end, it all depends on your circumstances. For some, metal braces may be the perfect choice while for others, ceramic braces might be ideal instead.
If you are interested in getting braces, don’t hesitate to contact us here to learn more.
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