Which Should You Get: Clear Braces or Metal Braces?

Metal braces were formerly the only choice for addressing orthodontic abnormalities; young children and teenagers usually wore them. However, an increasing number of adult patients are demanding discrete orthodontic treatment.

Clear braces are an excellent option for those who don’t want everyone to know they’re getting orthodontic treatment. However, depending on the extent of correction required, each orthodontic system offers advantages and disadvantages.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of transparent braces over metal braces?

Advantages of Clear Braces

Clear braces have the benefit of being more visually pleasant than metal braces since they are less noticeable. This may improve the quality of life for people self-conscious about using an orthodontic appliance.

Clear braces are less irritant to the gums and soft tissues of the mouth than regular metal braces. To understand more, read our evaluation of the finest invisible braces.

The Drawbacks of Clear Braces

Because of the design and material utilised, clear braces are more costly than metal braces. The brackets are also somewhat bigger than metal braces.

Clear braces are more liable to damage than metal braces since the materials used are less robust, which may result in more expenditures for maintenance.

Arch wires for transparent braces are either clear or white; since the material is porous, it is susceptible to staining.

Clear braces also take longer to realign teeth than metal braces and are better suited to more specific corrective concerns.

Benefits of Metal Braces

Metal braces  are the least costly form of orthodontic correction device, making them a better alternative for most patients than transparent braces.

They are also more successful than other braces in realigning teeth and correcting bite abnormalities, particularly gaps.

Metal braces are made of more lasting materials than transparent braces, so you are less likely to have to pay for future repairs.

Metal braces are also less likely to exhibit stains from pigmented meals, which may attach to clear braces and affect the colour if proper dental hygiene is not practised.

Although they are more visible than other orthodontic systems, patients may take advantage of this by selecting various coloured rubber bands to express their style, exhibit their school colours, or support their favourite sports team.

Metal Braces Have Drawbacks

Metal braces are more visible than other orthodontic systems, which may influence the quality of life for many patients, especially older teenagers and adults.

They may cause mouth sores in your soft tissues, particularly during or after an adjustment.

Metal braces are difficult and time-consuming to clean, and they need unique brushing and flossing practices to maintain excellent dental health.

Taking Care of Your Braces

Whether you select transparent braces or metal braces, it is essential that you properly care for your braces and teeth.

Proper oral hygiene is essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums while wearing braces, but you will need to change the frequency and method of brushing and flossing, in addition, cleaning your teeth and braces after each meal is essential to eliminate any food particles that may get adhered to the brackets or wires.

To clean the brackets’ area, use a conventional toothbrush or a specifically designed brush with a smaller head. When flossing, move softly and prevent snapping the floss on your gums by threading waxed floss between the archwire and the space in the tooth. A Waterpik or interdental brush may also aid in flossing, mainly if your teeth are sensitive after an adjustment.

Reflections

Metal and transparent braces are both excellent options for achieving wonderfully straight teeth. Contact Vivid Dental to schedule an appointment if you need corrective orthodontic treatment.