Metal or ceramic braces - which is better?

Braces are an orthodontic structure that is placed on teeth to correct an overbite or irregularities in the dentition. The most common are metal and ceramic braces. Which ones should you choose and why? Let's find out what is better - metal or ceramics, and whether there are alternative options.

Classification of braces

When choosing orthodontic braces, you need to consider the following parameters:

Material. Braces are made of metal, ceramics, plastic, sapphire, etc. They differ in functionality, durability and service life.
Aesthetics. Metal braces are visible on the teeth, while plastic and ceramic braces can be transparent or match the color of the enamel.
Medical indications. Complex orthodontic problems are difficult to correct with plastic or ceramic restorations. In such cases, it is better to install metal ones.
Duration of orthodontic treatment. It goes faster if you install metal structures.

Braces are divided not only into metal and ceramic, there are other varieties, but these two types are the most common. Orthodontic structures are also classified on other grounds, for example, the method of fixation: ligature, non-ligature, removable, self-adjusting, etc.

The choice of design is determined by medical indications, but often the dentist invites the patient to choose the material from which the orthodontic brackets will be made. To make it easier for you to decide, we will tell you which braces are better - ceramic or metal, and what advantages and disadvantages they have.

Indications and contraindications

The brace system is indicated for malocclusion. Uneven teeth are considered the main indication, but in addition to this, doctors recommend installing braces in the following cases:

Curled teeth. If the teeth are spaced too tightly, the oral microflora will develop faster. At the same time, with increasing load, the enamel becomes thinner and the risk of caries increases.
Disproportional development of the jaws. If the defect is left unattended, the chewing process may be disrupted. The cause of this phenomenon may be the bad habit of chewing pencils or sucking fingers.
Dystopia. This term means a displaced position of a tooth - its extension from a row or rotation.
Gaps between teeth. Braces can be used to restore normal dental density. The problem may be related to tooth loss or may be genetic.

Installation of braces is not possible if the following contraindications are present: too many teeth are missing, diseases of the immune system, blood diseases, endocrine diseases, HIV, neuropsychiatric disorders have been identified.

What is the difference between metal braces and other types?

The first orthodontic braces, which were made of iron, appeared in 1955. Since then, they have remained virtually unchanged in their operating principle, but have become more convenient, smaller and safer. Such structures are made of steel, titanium or nickel. The main advantage of metal braces is their secure fit. They allow you to solve an orthodontic problem in a relatively short period of time.

There are other advantages to metal braces. Among them:

high strength, the likelihood of damage to the structure is minimal;
resistance to all types of dyes, metal is not stained by coffee, tea, soda and nicotine, and does not corrode;
high hygienic characteristics, metal structures are less susceptible to bacteria;
financial affordability: metal braces are much cheaper than ceramic braces.

Before choosing metal staples, check out their disadvantages:

unaesthetic: metal braces look unsightly and can cause psychological discomfort in the patient, especially in a child;
Not suitable for individuals intolerant to various metals.

However, the first point is relative. The negative attitude towards them is partly formed by cinema. Previously, in cinema, iron braces were installed on actors who had to play shy and insecure people, which is why the majority have a stereotypical opinion on this issue. Today, neat metal braces are made that do not spoil a person’s appearance and even become his highlight.

If any brace system is suitable for the patient according to indications?

In this case, we recommend that the patient choose based on aesthetics. The cost will depend proportionally on it. The more invisible the braces, the slightly more expensive they are. Therefore, the patient can choose clear sapphire braces, where activation occurs once a month, or clear ceramic Clear braces, where activation occurs once every 2 months. The most invisible braces - lingual - are placed on the inside of the teeth, they are activated once a month, and they are not visible at all. Their specificity is a slightly longer adaptation period. But the patient chooses, including the financial part that is comfortable for him.

Treatment times also depend on aesthetics - they are slightly longer with transparent systems. The fastest orthodontic treatment occurs with external metal braces

For a patient for whom aesthetics is not important, the orthodontist installs the brace system that works the fastest. Optimally – Damon Q self-ligating braces.

They are also recommended for complex work, with large movements and distances. This is the most reliable option if there is serious work to be done, and not just a small correction. During this time, ceramic braces are still at risk of chipping. Therefore, the patient needs a durable, reliable brace that can withstand this big, challenging job. This is possible with sapphire and ceramic braces, but it will be more difficult and longer. In such situations, it is preferable to choose not ligature metal braces, but self-ligating Damon or even Insignia Damon Q, individually manufactured using digital orthodontic technology. This is the best that an orthodontist can offer his patient.

Damon Q braces

Ceramic braces - what is the difference from metal braces?

Ceramic braces are modern designs that have high aesthetic values. They do not differ in color from enamel, and therefore are practically invisible on the teeth. In addition, they are hygienic, lightweight, safe and have miniature locks that are easy to maintain. Also, ceramic braces do not cause allergies.

But they also have disadvantages. They are inferior to metal ones in efficiency. Defects that can be corrected with metal braces in one year are corrected with ceramic systems within 2-3 years. At the same time, ceramic products are much more expensive than iron ones. They are also not as durable and can break under strong mechanical stress. Thus, both types of systems have their pros and cons, which should be taken into account when selecting materials.

Frequently asked questions when installing braces

Patients in the orthodontic chair have many questions. Read the answers to the most common ones in this section of the article.

— What causes malocclusion to develop?

A perfect bite is quite rare. Almost every person has minor curvatures. The causes of irregularities are formed during the prenatal period, but most often curvatures arise precisely because of bad habits, premature loss of baby teeth and early weaning. That is, all bite problems must be prevented at an early age.

— Does it hurt to wear braces?

Modern orthodontics allows you to restore your bite using completely painless methods. At first, the patient will feel the presence of a structure in the mouth, but over time he will stop noticing it altogether.

— At what age should a bite be corrected?

Uneven teeth are best corrected during adolescence. Between 10 and 17 years of age, bite correction is most effective, but this does not mean that orthodontists will not be able to help older patients. It will just take longer to wear braces.

Which braces are better - metal or ceramic?

People who play sports will benefit from metal braces as they are more durable. They will also be better for those who want to fix a defect in a shorter time. Ceramic braces should be chosen by people who want to hide orthodontic treatment from others or who are allergic to metal. In general, ceramics do their job just as well as iron, but a little slower.

Currently, it is possible to get braces that are half ceramic and half metal. The doctor installs an arch with ceramic locks on the smile zone, and metal on the molars and premolars. Such treatment will cost slightly more. If price or wearing time are not determining factors for you, you can opt for other materials.

Is there a compromise?

For clients who can’t decide whether to choose ceramic or metal braces, dentists today can offer a compromise option. Its essence is to install ceramic devices on the teeth located in the smile zone, and metal ones on all others.

This combination allows you to make the cost of orthodontic treatment more affordable, preserve the aesthetics of your smile and obtain excellent therapeutic results.

Remember: braces are just a tool in the hands of a doctor. An experienced doctor knows how to eliminate a patient’s defect using different types of devices. But he offers exactly those that will make your smile more attractive more quickly and less traumaticly. Therefore, trust your doctor and strictly follow all his instructions. By following this rule, you will correct your bite very quickly.

Sapphire and plastic braces

Plastic staples are considered the cheapest. Light, safe and invisible, as they are completely transparent. Their disadvantage is that they are not suitable for severe dental diseases. In addition, they are not as durable as metal or ceramic braces. Also, plastic products may darken over time if a person often drinks drinks with coloring substances.

Sapphire structures are made from synthetic sapphire, which remains perfectly transparent throughout the entire time you wear braces. In addition, sapphire systems are much stronger than metal, ceramic and plastic. There is virtually no risk of breakdowns. Designs made from synthetic sapphire are suitable for people who need “invisible” treatment or play sports. Also, sapphire braces, which have small locks, are convenient to install for patients whose lower teeth are small. The only disadvantage of such systems is their high cost.

The first factor: when the doctor is used to working with certain braces

...Or he learned to work on ligature braces, then he becomes an adherent of the classic braces system. It happens that an orthodontist began his activity at the department as a resident, where everyone worked with a certain brace system, and he practically grew up on it. It can be difficult for a doctor to give up such preferences. But a professional and experienced orthodontist does not focus on one method of treatment, but knows and uses different techniques.

Combined systems

There are also systems more complex in design and functionality used in dentistry. We are talking about hybrid or combined orthodontic brackets, for example:

lingual-vestibular;
metal-ceramic;
metal-sapphire;
ligature-self-regulating, etc.

There can be many such combinations. Braces systems are constantly being modernized and becoming more and more functional. Hybrid designs can combine aesthetics, versatility, reliability, strength, etc. But they require large financial investments from the patient and high professionalism from the dentist.

It is worth remembering that the effectiveness of treatment is determined not only by the type of structure. Much depends on how a person cares for his teeth and braces. To keep them intact and prevent the development of caries, you must adhere to a number of recommendations:

stop smoking and alcohol;
buy a special brush and brush for berkets;
use dental floss and irrigators;
limit your consumption of sweets;
give up solid foods;
Avoid sticky foods and drinks with dyes.

When purchasing toothpastes, mouthwashes and other hygiene products, choose products that are recommended for orthodontic treatment.

Let's sum it up

How to choose effective braces for an adult, and which ones are best for teenagers and younger children? All these issues should be resolved together with a doctor, depending on the diagnostic results, the severity of the pathological process, the location of the problem, individual characteristics, financial capabilities and other factors. You will have to wear the arches for a long time, so it is important to carefully think through all the details of the treatment so that it does not cause discomfort.

The dental clinic installs the most popular types of structures at affordable prices. Call the phone number listed on the website or leave a request and we will contact you as soon as possible. Our specialists will help you select the appropriate orthodontic device and develop therapeutic tactics.