An orthodontist’s View on Metal And Ceramic Braces

Often, braces are the reasons people avoid going to the orthodontist. Especially when you became an adult, wearing those metal braces is quite difficult and makes you feel uncomfortable communicating with other people.

There is no doubt that metal braces have highest success ratio than all other options like Invisalign, Inman aligner and lingual braces which are less visible compared to metal braces. But, after a certain age, it might be difficult to adopt treatment with the metal braces. In such a scenario, ceramic braces seem to be a more suitable option as an alternative to metal braces.

What is it?

In ceramic braces, the brackets which hold the metal wire is built of composite material (polycrystalline alumina) or colored a way which synchronize with the color of the patient's teeth which makes it visibility less noticeable compared to traditional braces where metal brackets are used.

How it works?

Ceramic braces work on the same principle as traditional Braces, a metal wire is bound around the teeth wherever it is needed, to solve the issues like crowded and spaced teeth.

Which one to Choose?

Ceramic braces are more expensive than metal braces. If your insurance doesn’t cover dental costs, you should opt for metal braces. Hence, depending on the actual condition, the cost may vary for both.

Metal braces have a better success ratio compared to ceramic. For kids, who doesn’t need to face personality issues as adults, it is better to go with metal braces.

Gum irritation and teeth stains are less in ceramic compared to metal braces, a good advantage with extra cost.

Brackets in ceramic braces are not as strong as metal braces. Unexpected injury or hit on your teeth can break ceramic brackets or damage elastic bands on a bracket which is less possible with metal braces.

For certain critical conditions, treatment with ceramic braces lasts longer and may cost higher compared to metal braces.

The adoption of specific types of braces solely depends on the patient condition. In certain conditions, you may require to have a corrective jaw surgery or tooth extraction for perfect results. Instead of deciding on your own, you must consult with licensed orthodontist having good experience with all type of braces and other options for orthodontic treatment.

Questions May Arise in Your Mind Prior to Orthodontic Treatment?

Having curiosity is a human tendency when we go through certain kinds of treatment related to our oral health. Especially the kind of treatment which lasts longer and need to consult with doctor on regular interval of time.

Orthodontics is such kind of treatment for which time of the treatment may vary from one patient to another based on the condition of their teeth. The orthodontic specialists from Monash Dental Group reveals answers to some common questions raised by their patients, appeared for orthodontic treatment.

How long you need to wear dental braces ?

It is obvious that no one likes to wear ugly looking braces on their teeth for a long period of time and it is also one of reasons for avoiding treatment by many. Actually, the time depends on the criticality of your teeth alignment. it may take time between two months to six months for getting a beautiful smile through perfect placement of the teeth. So, don’t just assume that if someone needs to wear braces for a longer time than you need to wear as well.

With the new modern kind of Advance braces like ceramic , invisalign and lingual, it became possible to hide your braces till the completion of treatment.

What is the suitable age for treatment?

Ideally, orthodontic treatment should be carried out during the childhood, after getting permanent teeth. But, it’s never too late; one can go for treatment at any age until you get any teeth damage issue.

In certain cases, braces are not enough for proper teeth and you may need to go through corrective jaw surgery. So, if your kids have improper teeth, you must consult with orthodontist once and take advice on right time and procedure for the treatment.

How to clean teeth with braces?

If you require wearing permanent braces on your teeth, cleaning of teeth takes a little extra time than usual. Due to brackets and wire holes, there is a possibility that your chewed food remained at connection center of the wire which further cause tooth decay or other problems.

Give extra attention while brushing and rinsing your mouth. Also ask your dentist to recommend an appropriate mouth washer for rinsing.

What kind of Food should be avoided?

Avoid eating Hard, sticky, sugary and acidic food. Such kind of food produces acid with help of bacteria which further cause issues like dental plaque and gingivitis. Also ask your dentist on a specific list of food you should include in your daily diet during the treatment.

What is the cost of treatment?

Ceramic, metal, invisible, lingual are the different types of braces and cost of Dental braces is depend upon choice and the need of the braces.