Metal vs Ceramic

[18daystobrace]

Five Disadvantages of Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are worn on the front of your teeth just like metal ones. They are made from tooth-colored composite, so they're practically invisible. These braces have a few disadvantages when compared to traditional braces. They are more fragile, can damage your teeth, and take longer to work. This article will discuss the disadvantages of ceramic braces.

Fragility

One of the first disadvantages of ceramic braces is that they are fragile. Ceramic is a naturally brittle material, so the braces will be more fragile than those made with metal. Ceramic braces will easily chip or break if you're not careful. When they break, the sharp edges may even cut your lip.

Teeth

Another disadvantage of ceramic braces is that they may wear your teeth down. Ceramic is harder than the enamel on your teeth. If the brackets are put on your lower teeth, your upper teeth will be worn down because because they are in constant contact with the ceramic brackets.

Removal

Removal is also a disadvantage of ceramic braces. They are known for being very difficult to remove. In some cases, removal can be painful to the patient. Ceramic braces may also damage one of your teeth upon removal if they break and leave a piece stuck to one of your teeth.

Stains

Ceramic braces are also easily stained. If they become stained, then they will lose their tooth-like color and become more visible to other people. If you have ceramic braces, you will have to pay more attention to the foods you eat and to your oral hygiene.

Correction Time

One of the final disadvantages of ceramic braces is the length of time it takes for correction. It normally takes a longer time for these braces to correct your teeth than it would for metal braces. This is due to the fact that your teeth will move slower because the ceramic surface experiences more friction between the wire.

Five Disadvantages of Ceramic Braces - Associated Content

[Sunny]

The author of this article (D Swain) is not an orthodontist ... which is quickly apparent when reading the inaccuracies.

Fragility - some earlier brands of ceramic brackets were fragile, but the better quality brackets used by most orthodontists now, are not.

Teeth - Ceramic is very hard and could damage teeth, if they were 'banging' against them continually. Teeth would also be damaged if they were continually banging against metal or any other material. Orthodontists will use products such as 'molar buildups' and 'bite turbos' when brackets (of any type) risk being knocked by teeth.

Removal - A good orthodontist will have the necessary equipment to 'pop' ceramic brackets off, the same as any other type of brackets. Most ceramic and metal brackets have the same finishing and bonding ... therefore there will be no difference. When removing brackets (all types) some bonding material may remain on the teeth. This is easily polished off, and will not damage you or your teeth.

Stains - Ceramic does not stain. There have been plastic brackets made that stain, but ceramic can not absorb as it's too hard.

Oral Hygiene - is usually easier with ceramic brackets, due to the design of most types, and the smoother finish of most brands.

Correction Time - this one is funny, and often used when advertising other types of brackets. Brackets do not move teeth ... therefore they can also not interfer with correction time. The finish of the 'sleeve' of brackets is made to ensure that the archwire (which does move teeth) will move the same no matter what type of bracket is used.

Studies by orthodontist using metal, ceramic and self ligating brackets, show that all three types have results that are similar. If this was not the case, there would not be a market for all three products.

[mariahfromchicago]

That really cleared up some misconceptions, Sunny.

[18daystobrace]

Thanks for the insight.

I am having metal on top and metal on bottom. Save $350X2 = $700

[Sunny]

Thanks Mariah!

Where I work 18daystobrace, it costs the same for all types of brackets. The ortho's I work with all agree, that the brackets do the exact same job and therefore there shouldn't be any extra charge.

I think the most popular at the moment is ceramic with white archwires. I've got a mix of metal and two brands of ceramic. I'm kinda a guinea pig ... but that's cool ... as I get to try all the new stuff!