What Are The Differences Between Ceramic and Metal Braces? - Video
Metal and ceramic braces are designed to straighten teeth and improve smiles. Their main difference lies in the material of their brackets.
Metal braces have brackets made from medical-grade stainless steel. In contrast, ceramic braces use brackets made from polycrystalline alumina. These can be clear or match the color of your teeth.
Due to the stainless steel, metal braces are quite noticeable against white teeth. This makes ceramic brackets popular for their less visible look.
Both braces work effectively, similar to lingual braces, which are another type of teeth-straightening solution. The brackets can also be transparent. Both use rubber bands to move the teeth in a particular direction.
If you’re having a hard time deciding which one is better for you consult with your orthodontist. They can help put together the right treatment plans with different options. No matter what option you pick you can count on straightening your teeth by the end of treatment.
What are Ceramic Braces?
Caring for ceramic braces and avoiding stains is crucial, as their tooth-colored wires can blend with teeth but are prone to staining. Regular cleaning and dietary caution ensure they stay less noticeable and maintain dental health.
It’s best to avoid dark beverages like coffee and red wine during your treatment. In addition, they generally cost more than traditional metal, usually between $4,000 and $7,000.
All in all, ceramic braces are a great option for treating all sorts of orthodontic issues.
How Much Do Ceramic Braces Cost?
When all costs are calculated, such as pre-treatment x-rays, office visits, and retainers, ceramic braces generally cost between $4,000 and $7,000. This is a higher cost than traditional metal , which run between $1,700 to $6,000.
They are generally less than the cost of Invisalign clear removable aligners, another discreet orthodontic treatment. The experience is comparable to wearing a retainer.
Depending on your insurance, you may be able to get these fully covered, at least partially. The out-of-pocket expenses will likely also be higher when compared to metal braces.
When picking an orthodontist, find one with flexible monthly payment options for easier management of ceramic or clear braces expenses.
These braces are usually more expensive than traditional metal braces but are less costly than Invisalign clear aligners. The payment plans break the total cost into low monthly amounts, easing the financial burden. Remember to check if your braces come with elastic bands, which are essential for effective treatment.
Other Differences Between Ceramic and Metal Braces
Archwires
The bendable metallic wire linking the brackets in ceramic braces can also be crafted in a lighter hue. Color options consist of white, silver, or a frosted shade that complements the brackets.
The combination of tooth-colored brackets and wire means that your ceramic braces may be nearly invisible to others. This choice is favored by working adults or college students seeking straight teeth while avoiding the appearance of traditional braces.
Durability
Ceramic braces are not as strong as metal ones. The material of the brackets in ceramic braces is weaker than stainless steel. Research shows that these clear or ceramic brackets are more likely to break or fracture.
They are over twice as likely to have issues compared to metal brackets. Because of this, taking good care of them and following guidelines is very important. To avoid breaking them, avoid eating any crunchy foods or hard candies.
Staining
Ceramic brackets can stain easily due to their lighter color and may affect tooth movement. To prevent staining, limit consumption of dark foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, ketchup, and curries. Use a straw when drinking, brush and floss teeth after eating or drinking to reduce stains, maintain oral health, and avoid gum disease. It’s also a good idea to check your dental insurance for brace care coverage, but remember that diligent oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment.
Enamel Wear
Ceramic braces on both upper and lower teeth can cause enamel wear, particularly on the back of the top teeth, due to their abrasive material. This may lead to tooth decay if not cared for properly. Patients with excessive overbites might benefit from getting metal braces on their bottom teeth to protect their oral health.
Cost
The increased expense arises from the use of a more delicate and costly material in crafting the brackets.
Ceramic braces typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000. This price covers the braces, office visits to the orthodontist, and aftercare like retainers. In comparison, metal braces range from $1,700 to $6,000 for the same services. This information is essential for a ceramic vs metal braces cost comparison.
What Conditions Do Ceramic Braces Treat?
The clear or tooth-colored brackets are affixed to the teeth, connected by a flexible archwire. Your orthodontist will carefully re-align the teeth into their proper positions by tightening, adjusting, and holding the wire.
There are many different kinds of orthodontic conditions that can be corrected with ceramic braces: these are called malocclusions. Each one requires careful planning and expertise to treat. Be sure to seek out an expert orthodontist with a demonstrated record of success in achieving healthy smiles.
Common malocclusions treatable with ceramic braces include excessive overjet, overbite, gaps between teeth, crossbite, or crowded teeth. Remember that your length of treatment may be longer with ceramic or clear ones, due to the delicate material used in the brackets.
Who should get ceramic braces?
Many older teens and adults favor them over metal braces, seeking a less noticeable orthodontic solution.
For working professionals or college students , ceramic or clear braces provide all of the same effectiveness as other treatment options do. Just without the “metal mouth” appearance that we often attribute to younger teens wearing braces.
Ceramic braces are a choice for those who want to avoid foods and drinks that cause stains. Consider the cost and benefits carefully when evaluating ceramic braces for orthodontic conditions treated by ceramic braces. If you have questions about the conditions they treat, reach out for more information.
A different type of braces is lingual braces . Which are also in the same higher price range but are on the inside of the teeth.
Pros & Cons of Ceramic Braces
Pros
- Tooth-colored brackets offer a nearly invisible option, making them discreet and hard to notice. They use the same effective and reliable technology as metal brackets.
- These brackets boost confidence by improving your smile without the noticeable “metal mouth” look. They are also less costly than Invisalign clear aligners, while still providing a similar discreet appearance. Additionally, tooth-colored brackets may feel more comfortable and smoother than metal ones.
Cons
- More fragile and prone to breaking than metal brackets.
- Higher cost than other treatment options.
- More prone to discoloration because of the light-colored brackets.
- Wearing it on the bottom teeth might lead to damage to the upper teeth.
- Incapable of undergoing teeth bleaching because of orthodontic braces.
