Want to know if clear braces are better than metal?
While the thought of straighter teeth might bring a smile to your face, the process of getting there can be less appealing. In most instances, it takes between six months to two years to correct crooked, misaligned or overcrowded teeth, meaning long months wearing braces. For many, this is not desirable and the option to have less noticeable braces is one many embrace, but are clear braces better than metal? Let’s find out!
Clear the way: the benefits of clear braces
Braces that use either clear or tooth-coloured brackets to attach the braces to the teeth can tend to move the teeth faster than other clear alternatives such as Invisalign and are therefore can be more suitable for more extreme cases. Your orthodontist will determine if you are a suitable candidate for clear braces depending on your bite.
Full Metal: benefits of metal braces
When we think of braces, we often envisage a mouth full of metal, with the teeth almost completely obscured by metal brackets. So, are clear braces better than metal? Not necessarily. Metal braces now use much smaller brackets, making them less noticeable than in the past. Because they’re made of metal, they are far more resilient than their ceramic counterparts and recommended for people who engage in a lot of sporting activities. Another benefit of metal braces is the price and they are usually the most cost-effective option available.
Steel Yourself: the negatives of metal braces
The main thing that puts people off metal braces is their appearance but, as mentioned above, they are becoming more discreet over time. Metal braces have a more immediate effect on the teeth, meaning that it may take wearers a couple of weeks to get used to them. You also need to be careful when choosing what to eat as some foods can break the braces or make them difficult to clean.
Damon Developments
Simply Orthodontics have also embraced the new technology of Damon braces which are available in either metal or clear versions. Instead of having brackets that are regularly adjusted to realign the teeth, Damon braces use a self-ligating approach. Sliding brackets and memory wire allow the braces to gradually move your teeth into alignment, tightening as the teeth move. This means there’s less pressure and therefore less pain.
Invisible Intentions
In addition to braces, another orthodontic development has been Invisalign. These are removable aligners that are translucent and therefore nearly invisible. As the aligners can be removed, some people prefer them as it means they can eat whatever they like and continue with their normal oral hygiene routine.
A Brace of Choices
When deciding on the best course of orthodontic treatment for you or your children, choose a professional to guide and support you. At Simply Orthodontics, experts are on-hand to offer you useful and friendly advice in a comfortable and professional environment.
Talk to us about the advantages of the various products available and find out the definitive answer to the question, are clear braces better than metal? If you don’t want to commit to a consultation just yet, check out our website and view all treatment options we have to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are clear braces?
Fundamentally, the biggest difference between clear and metal braces is the materials they’re made from. Clear braces still use the same wire as metal braces but replace the metal brackets that attach the wire to the teeth with clear or tooth-coloured ceramic. Just like metal braces, clear ones are designed to coax a brighter and straighter smile from your teeth.
How do clear braces work?
Clear braces work in much the same way as metal ones. They exert pressure on the teeth over a long period of time to gradually move the teeth from their original position into a new one, creating more space in the mouth and forcing the teeth into alignment. As the teeth begin to move, the jaw bone adjusts to its new position and begins to change shape.
Why choose metal braces?
It may seem like an obvious choice – metal mouth or hardly noticeable clear ceramics? However, if you live an active life or participate in a lot of sport, you may want to opt for metal braces which are more robust than their ceramic counterparts. Similarly, if you have a sensitive mouth, metal braces may be a better option as ceramic can cause irritation to the inner lips.
Are there any negatives to clear braces?
Clear braces can be slightly larger than metal braces, so your orthodontist will determine if you are a suitable candidate for them depending on the nature of your bite.
