Metal or clear braces?

At Toothworks, we often help patients choose between metal braces and clear (ceramic braces). Today, our dentists at Toothworks at Square One in Ontario explain why these options, in addition to clear aligners, are so hotly debated.

How do Braces Help?

Braces are a go-to option to straighten your teeth and realign them into their corrected positions. They are appropriate for both simple and complex orthodontic issues, including overbite, underbite, crossbite and misalignment. 

Misaligned teeth can lead to other oral health problems such as gum disease or tooth decay, as they are more difficult to clean than straight teeth. Teeth that are misaligned may also wear down more easily due to an uneven wear pattern. There are also aesthetics to think about. Many people with misaligned teeth or a misaligned bite can feel insecure about their smile's appearance. Lastly, misaligned teeth can sometimes make regular daily activities such as speaking or eating more difficult. 

Braces can address the issues mentioned above and help fix misaligned teeth. 

For braces treatment, a bracket is attached to each tooth and connected with a wire. The wire is secured in the back. A mechanism is attached to brackets placed on the rear molars that allows your orthodontist to tighten the wire. 

Rubber bands called ligatures hold the wire against the bracket. the brackets are held to your teeth using a special type of cement. 

You'll visit your orthodontist throughout the duration of your treatment to have your braces slightly adjusted. Pressure will be gradually applied to your teeth through the braces to bring your smile into alignment. You have the option of expressing your style by choosing coloured elastics (rubber bands). 

The Difference Between Metal Braces & Clear Braces

Metal Braces

You are probably familiar with traditional metal braces, as they are the most common type. As the name implies, these braces are made entirely of metal (though they are supported by elastics). Thanks to advancements in orthodontic technology, metal braces have received multiple upgrades, and the brackets used today are much more streamlined than those used in the past.

Now, there’s less risk of a bracket irritating the inside of your lips or cheeks, as brackets have gotten smaller and more comfortable. But, some people are still reluctant to go with metal braces because of their appearance. If you are concerned about others noticing your braces, you could consider 'clear' alternatives.

Clear Braces

Clear braces are not actually transparent. Instead, the brackets are made of tooth-coloured ceramic, allowing them to blend in better with your smile.

Beware: While clear braces are a compromise between metal braces and clear aligners in terms of appearance, they are actually larger in size, and more brittle, than traditional metal braces are. They also tend to be a bit more expensive that metal braces, and are therefore often only used on upper front (most visible) teeth to save on costs.

Option 3: Clear Aligners

Clear aligners such as Invisalign are transparent, removable orthodontic appliances that are custom-made to fit your smile.

Made of clear plastic material, they are lower profile than braces and do not come with metal brackets or wires. The casual observer will be hard-pressed to see them on your teeth.

What about cost?

For people who aren’t candidates for clear aligners, clear braces may be a good compromise. Clear braces also typically fall in the middle of the spectrum in terms of cost, depending on your treatment requirements.

Metal braces are usually the most economical option, with clear aligners coming in just above the average cost of braces. Of course, cost will depend on the nature of your orthodontic problem, the duration of your treatment, and other factors.

Are you wondering which orthodontic treatment option is best for you? Book a consultation with our dentists at Toothworks at Square One so they can assess your smile. Or find a Toothworks location near you.