Which Type of Braces Should One Go For?
Until very recently, braces were almost exclusively worn by children, most commonly those aged between 10 to 14 years, but in this new era, even adults want to correct their smile and look smart with a confident smile. Allowing a positive approach for individuals to select their type of braces, here is the guide explaining the pros and cons of different types of brackets.
When planning for braces, the question that comes to mind is which type to go for. There are different types of braces, they are,
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Ceramic braces.
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Metal braces.
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The new advanced technology clear aligners.
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Lingual braces.
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Self-ligating braces.
Every type has its own pros and cons. Depending on the needs of an individual, one can go for a particular type of braces.
What Are Ceramic Braces?
It is also known as clear braces and is available either in clear or tooth color. It is made up of polycrystalline alumina that blends with teeth. Arch wire used for ceramic braces can be metallic or white-colored or clear, depending on the esthetic demand of the patient. On the other hand, when wire and brackets are tooth-colored, they are more aesthetic than metal braces and are less visible. So this combination attracts most youngsters.
Ceramic braces are most commonly preferred by older teens, adult patients, and socially active individuals who want to straighten their teeth without embarrassment by a metallic smile or metal mouth. Ceramic braces get stained easily with food color or with beverages like coffee or red wine.
What Are Metal Braces?
Metal braces are a traditional form of braces, which involves stainless steel bands, brackets, or wires. This is the form of braces used to treat highly complicated cases. The dentist will bond the brackets in position over each tooth and a flexible arch wire is placed over the brackets. Ligature which is tiny elastic bands are used to hold the wire firmly in position. These metal brackets are very visible and give a metal smile, so, for aesthetic purposes, a person can choose clear aligners or ceramic braces.
What Are Clear Aligners?
These are the clear trays used to align teeth or to correct the malocclusion. Clear trays are thermoplastic trays and are aesthetic and more comfortable than traditional braces. A few sets of trays are given to patients, and they are educated or instructed about the wear of trays, duration of trays, and maintenance. Chairside appointments are very few in clear aligners.
What Are Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces are the same as metal brackets which are made of metals but are placed on the lingual surface (the inner surface of the teeth) of the tooth. These brackets are not easily visible from the outside. This form of brackets is chosen for aesthetic purposes. This form of braces provides the required result at a slow pace. It is very difficult for the patient to maintain these brackets and it may harm the tongue when it comes in contact with these brackets.
What Are Self-Ligating Braces?
This form of braces is the same as the traditional braces, where clips are used instead of elastic bands to place the wire in position. There is reduced friction over the braces and maintenance of the teeth and the braces are very easy. This form of braces provide much precise tooth alignment as it has enhanced control over the appliance. These forms of braces are expensive and visible.
How Should One Compare the Different Types of Braces?
Comparing different types of braces depends on the following points:
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Prescription or technique used.
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Material used.
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Durability.
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Type of malocclusion.
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Esthetic.
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Effectiveness.
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Duration of treatment.
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Maintenance or appointments are required.
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Pain.
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Patient compliance.
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Cost.
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Prescription or Technique: The prescription used in ceramic or metal braces is similar to achieve good alignment of the teeth, which means the technology used in either kind of bracket is the same. The difference comes in the material used, the ceramic bracket is made of polycrystalline alumina that makes its appearance white or tooth-colored. Clear aligners are made up of CAD-CAM procedures. They are molded with rapid prototyping called stereolithography.
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Material Used: Metal braces are made up of medical-grade stainless steel. Ceramic braces are made up of polycrystalline alumina or are composed of alumina oxide. When placed on the bottom front teeth, ceramic brackets may cause wear and tear on the upper teeth because of the material used. Clear aligners are made up of different thermoplastic materials such as polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyethylene terephthalate glycol.
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Durability: Metal braces are more durable than ceramic braces and clear aligners. Breakage of metal braces is less than ceramic braces, as they are not as strong or sturdier as stainless steel metal brackets. Clear aligners are more prone to breakage and distortion when not maintained properly.
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Type of Malocclusion: In complicated cases, metal braces are preferred over other types. Clear aligners are not advisable in complicated cases.
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Esthetics: When comparing metal brackets, ceramic brackets, and clear aligners, clear aligners are more aesthetic than ceramic braces and metal braces. Metal braces give the appearance of a metallic smile or metallic mouth. Ceramic braces surpass metal braces in terms of aesthetics due to their tooth-colored or white appearance. Ceramic braces get stained easily with food color, coffee, tea, or other beverages. So to prevent it, either drink with a straw or, after having it, rinse the mouth properly or brush the teeth and take care of it properly.
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Effectiveness: When comparing metal brackets and ceramic brackets, the prescription used in them is the same. So the effectiveness of either of the brackets is the same. But when the wire used for ceramic brackets is white color or clear colored, there will be increased friction between them and is less effective when compared to metal brackets or with metal wires.
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Maintenance or Appointments Required: Appointments for metal and ceramic brackets will be near about the same, and there will be chairside appointments and reactivation. While the clear aligners, then the appointments required will be fewer as the tray sets will be delivered to patients, and they are instructed about the duration of wear. So the chairside appointments will be fewer when compared to metal or ceramic brackets. Ceramic brackets will require more maintenance when compared to metal brackets as they have a light color and so they get stained easily. Metal brackets do not get stained easily. So look for the pros and cons before getting orthodontic treatment.
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Pain: In metal braces and ceramic braces, pain is there because of the activation process, the extra end of the wire, or ligature wire ends that are pricking to soft tissue. But with clear aligners, there is no pain caused by the extra wires or distal ends of arch wires.
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Patient Compliance: When there is less patient compliance, clear aligners are not a good choice, as it is removable and it totally depends on the patient to wear it strictly as advised. Metal and ceramic braces are fixed braces, and they require less patient compliance.
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Cost: When it comes to cost, metal braces are cheaper than ceramic braces, and when we compare ceramic braces with clear aligners, clear aligners are costlier than ceramic and metal braces.
Conclusion
When one wants esthetic braces, then ceramic braces or invisible aligners are the best options. In bit critical or complicated cases, metal braces are preferred. When distance or time for an appointment is an issue, one can go for clear aligners if the case is not that complicated. When cost is an issue, then one can go for metal braces.
