Braces can help straighten and align your teeth to enhance your appearance and confidence. Your orthodontist can recommend metal or clear braces to correct your crooked or misaligned teeth. Here are the differences between clear and metal braces:
Material
Metal braces can be made from high-grade stainless steel, gold, chrome, or nickel. Stainless steel is a popular material because it’s durable and may not cause allergic reactions. Your orthodontist may ask you about your allergies to determine the best metal brackets for your teeth.
Clear braces use brackets made from polycrystalline alumina. This material is strong enough to withstand the force applied by archwires, and it’s effective in fixing teeth alignment problems.
Durability
Metal braces are more durable than their clear counterparts since metal is sturdier than ceramic. It’s more flexible than ceramic, making it easier for orthodontists to remove metal brackets than clear brackets.
You need to exercise extra caution to prevent chips in clear brackets. Avoid eating hard candies or crunchy foods and follow your orthodontist’s instructions to get the most out of your braces.
Appearance
Metal braces are hard to miss against white teeth, but clear braces can be almost invisible from a distance. Since they’re less visible, clear braces are popular among adults or teenagers who don’t want to wear typical braces.
You can ask for a silver or white-colored archwire for your ceramic braces. The combination of tooth-colored brackets and light-colored archwires can make it difficult for people to notice your braces.
Staining
You need to maintain proper hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth regardless of the type of braces you have. Extra caution is necessary if you opt for clear brackets since they’re more likely to stain than metal brackets. Food buildup can be more noticeable around clear brackets than around metal brackets since clear brackets are tooth-colored.
You may prevent staining by limiting your intake of foods like berries, red wine, and coffee. Your orthodontist can recommend over-the-counter teeth cleaning solutions to help you clean your braces.
Why Choose Metal Braces?
Metal braces can be suitable for complex dental conditions like severe overcrowding and huge gaps since they’re strong. They can handle a lot of force without breaking, making them ideal for people with strong chewing habits or individuals who participate in contact sports.
Metal braces are less likely to show discoloration as they’re made from darker materials. These braces can be ideal for you if you’re looking for a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution.
Why Choose Clear Braces?
Adult patients favor clear braces because they’re made from a translucent material, making them less noticeable. Some options include white or tooth-colored archwires to enhance their discreet appearance. Clear braces can be more comfortable than metal braces since ceramic is less abrasive than metal. They’re ideal if you want a comfortable and less visible solution.
How Can You Take Care of Your Braces?
You need to take good care of your braces, regardless of their type, to achieve your desired results. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Avoid Chewy or Sugary Foods
Eating things like candy and taking sugary beverages can cause cavities and affect your braces’ durability. To prevent this, limit your intake or avoid them altogether. You should avoid foods and drinks that cause staining, like berries and coffee. Ask your orthodontist to give you a list of foods to avoid based on the type of braces you choose.
Maintain Proper Dental Hygiene
You need to brush and floss your teeth every day to keep your braces looking good and your teeth healthy. If you can, invest in toothbrushes designed to clean braces since they can reach crevices and surfaces that regular toothbrushes can’t.
Perfect Your Smile Using Braces
Metal and clear braces can straighten your teeth and eliminate chewing or biting difficulties that result from misalignment. While both options are effective, the two types of braces differ in terms of durability and appearance. Metal braces are more durable since they’re made of materials like stainless steel, chrome, and nickel. Clear braces are less visible since they’re tooth-colored, making them ideal for people looking for discreet solutions.
