Are you unsure about which to choose between ceramic vs metal braces?

In the US, 33% of young adults feel reluctant to smile. If it’s not because of tooth pain or tooth decay, having misaligned teeth is another cause. It can lead to self-consciousness during job interviews and social events.

The best way to fix misaligned teeth is to get braces. When it comes to deciding your brace type, it can be difficult to make a choice. Below, we’ll discuss ceramic braces vs metal braces to help you pick the best one for you. And after you’re done with this article, you can check out this link if you’re looking for an orthodontist in vienna for deep teeth cleaning or braces.

1. Metal Braces and Its Pros and Cons

When you say braces, many people still picture the traditional metal type. Metal braces use brackets and wires that tighten to correct the alignment of your teeth. The brackets get glued on the front, which is most common, or back of your teeth.

Stainless steel makes up the brackets of metal braces while a metal alloy makes up the wires. Metal braces also have a third piece which is the ligatures. Ligatures or rubber bands attach the wires to the brackets.

Advantages of Metal Braces

Since it uses stainless steel, metal braces can last longer and handle more pressure than ceramic. Your dentist may also recommend metal braces if you’re undergoing severe correction. The durability of metal braces makes it great for sports too.

Speaking of the strength of metal braces vs ceramic, since metal braces can handle more pressure, the treatment period can be shorter.

It’s also good to note that getting metal braces is the cheaper option than ceramic ones.

Disadvantages of Metal Braces

This traditional tooth straightening option is not at all subtle. It’ll be very obvious to everyone you’re wearing braces. Don’t get metal braces if you’re self-conscious about them or your teeth.

While metal braces have an improved design now, it takes a while to get used to them. Metal braces can cause a lot of discomfort and irritation to the soft tissues of your mouth. Also, your mouth may feel sensitive after an adjustment.

2. The Pros and Cons of Ceramic Braces

What are the differences between ceramic vs metal braces?

Ceramic braces make a great alternative for metal braces if you don’t want the traditional ones. The main difference between ceramic and metal braces is in the brackets. Ceramic braces still use wires like the metal ones.

The brackets of ceramic braces use ceramic or porcelain material. In some cases, you can even get plastic brackets. These brackets are clear or can be in the same color as your teeth. You can also get clear wires.

Thus, ceramic braces blend in better with your teeth than metal braces.

Advantages of Ceramic Braces

The main advantage of ceramic braces over metal is they’re less visible. If you are self-conscious when you smile or talk, get ceramic braces. They’re also a good choice for people who feel they’re too old to get braces since they’re unnoticeable.

Unlike metal braces, they are more comfortable. They cause less irritation to the gums and soft tissue of your mouth.

Disadvantages of Ceramic Braces

Is your mouth sensitive to foreign materials? For some people, the inner lining of their lips gets irritated with ceramic material. If this is the case, ceramic braces aren’t the thing for you.

Also, ceramic braces have larger brackets than metal braces. If you think you’ll be uncomfortable with them, opt for metal braces or other alternatives. Make sure you discuss it with your orthodontist or dentist.

If you have an active lifestyle, be wary about choosing ceramic braces. Indeed, they’re tough, but they aren’t like metal braces. If you’re not careful in playing sports or exercising, your ceramic braces may crack or chip.

Also, depending on your diet and hygiene habits, your ceramic braces may stain. They’re also a little more costly than metal braces.

3. Picking the Right Option for You

As you can see, ceramic and metal braces have various pros and cons. The choice will depend on your lifestyle and preferences. You may also need to ask yourself some questions first and use your answers as a basis for your decision.

Consider whether or not you feel self-conscious about having very visible braces when you smile or speak. Ask if you want corrective orthodontic braces that look less obvious when speaking. Are you working with a budget and looking for affordable braces?

Don’t forget to consider whether you have time for braces or if you need a faster option. You need to factor in whether you perform activities or sports that can impact your mouth or teeth as well.

Those are only some of the factors you need to debate about before you decide to get braces.

For example, imagine you’re an athlete of rough sports like judo or football. If you’re wearing braces, you’re likely to get a lot of sores during training and competitions. However, metal braces can endure rough training.

Most combat sports and martial arts allow you to wear a mouth guard to reduce the risks of getting mouth sores. If you play sports with minimal risk of close combat, you can choose ceramic braces if you want. However, note that the impact on ceramic braces can cause chips or cracks.

4. Ceramic vs Metal Braces: Tips on Choosing Your Brace Type

Do you still feel torn between choosing metal vs ceramic braces?

If you know someone who has metal braces, try to get their opinion on it. In the same way, look for someone you can talk to about their experience with ceramic braces. You can also go online to see what other people have to say about their experience with braces.

Remember that you’re only getting the opinions of others for advice. Also, keep your dentist’s recommendations in mind. In choosing between ceramic and metal braces, the final decision is still yours.

Smile Brighter, Live Better

The debate between ceramic vs metal braces relies on your personal preferences

No matter if you choose ceramic or metal braces, remember to maintain them. It can be difficult to clean them out, but it’s better than developing tooth decay while you’re straightening your teeth.

But it doesn’t end here. If you want to see more content on orthodontics, check out our other guides now.