If your child is about to get braces and start orthodontic treatment, you may wonder whether they should get ceramic or metal braces or what the ideal difference between them is. If you are also confused and want to know in detail before starting your child's treatment, you are at the right place.
Here, we will talk about ceramic or metal types of braces and the differences between each type. We have also discussed this with Dr. Ravneet Kaur while developing this blog. She is the best Pediatric Dentist in Gurgaon at Aspen Dental Clinic. So, let's start by shedding light on metal braces first!
What Do You Understand By Metal Braces?
Ideally, Metal braces consist of brackets on the front or back of the teeth and tightened wires to make teeth move and bite into better alignment. Metal braces are usually made up of stainless steel brackets and wires. Rubber hands (ligatures) attach the wires to the brackets. While traditional braces comprise brackets, wires, and ligatures as the main parts, the self-ligating braces work with clips instead of ligatures (that hold the wires to the brackets.)
What are the Pros & Cons of Metal Braces?
Despite the growing prominence of alternatives, metal braces remain the most common option. These are the most often worn by children, but in some cases, these are also preferred by adults undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Here are the most significant advantages and disadvantages of metal braces, and they are:
Pros of Metal Braces
Strong and Durable
With the materials' strength, metal braces are durable and provide excellent control. However, the metal braces can cause your child a little discomfort. Also, they leave a metallic taste in your child's mouth.
Less likely to Show Discolouration
These are made up of darker materials. As a result, metal braces are less likely to become discolored.
Efficacy
As a fixed appliance, metal braces help for greater control and precise tooth movement, especially in complex cases. As per a study, metal braces, compared with clear aligners, were more effective in treating tooth rotation, retention after brace removal, and certain malocclusions.
Dental Health
Metal braces can improve your kid's overall dental health, as misaligned teeth can result in swallowing or chewing issues. It also makes them harder to clean, making plaque buildup and increasing the risk of gum disease.
Cost-Effective
These are cost-effective, and you can quickly start your treatment without causing a significant effect on your budget.
Cons of Metal Braces
Appearance
Some people may need more than the appearance of metal braces. As per some studies, most people opted for the comfort and aesthetic of clear aligners compared with conventional braces.
Diet
Another disadvantage of metal braces can be identified is that a person needs to monitor their diet and oral hygiene more closely than ever. Including foods high in sugar in your diet may lead to plaque buildup around the metal brackets. This buildup may also cause permanent damage or straining to your kid's teeth.
Duration
Treatment with metal braces can only last up to 1-3 years. After this period, the patient will need a retainer that helps to hold their teeth in the new positions.
Increase Irritation
These metal braces can irritate your child's gums and make them the least favorable.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are usually made of aluminum oxide. The brackets of ceramic braces are glued to the surfaces of the patient's teeth. These brackets are made up of stainless steel, ceramic, or other materials. Also, an archwire controls the teeth' movement and helps connect the brackets and the bands. These braces are popular because they're less noticeable than metal braces. But they also have disadvantages, so people may use ceramic or metal braces.
Pros of Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are found to be less painful in use as they do not irritate the gums.
Ceramic braces either have semi-translucent ceramic brackets, better for white teeth, or tooth-colored ceramic, far better for slightly darker teeth. Either way, they blend in well.
These braces are vital, especially if they are of high quality. They usually don't chip or break unless they are badly abused.
Cons of Ceramic Braces
Ceramic brackets are known to be more expensive than metal brackets. They are also more extensive but can only blend with the teeth. So, they might be an issue for most patients.
Like traditional metal braces, ceramic braces use clear or white ligatures to hold the archwire in place. These ligatures are identified as little rubber bands; they can get stained because they're porous and need to be changed at every adjustment.
As ceramic brackets can withstand less pressure than metal brackets can, ceramic braces are usually not recommended for people looking for extensive treatment.
The ceramic braces treatment cost in Gurgaon or elsewhere is more expensive than that of metal braces.
What Should Your Child Get: Metal or Ceramic Braces?
Your child's orthodontist will determine whether ceramic aligners are a good option. Generally, these are popular among adults who require a slight alignment, but they are not a good option for adjusting the bite.
In some conditions, switching from one type to the other mid-treatment may also be possible. However, this transition may involve more money and time in changing and reapplying the new brackets.
It is better to talk to the best orthodontist to decide what you and your child prefer aesthetically. You can consult an expert orthodontist, Dr. Ravneet Kaur at Aspen Dental Clinic. She has 15+ years of experience helping people to correct their bite issues and fall in love with their smiles.
You can book your appointment with her by visiting Aspen Dental Clinic today!
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