When it comes to achieving a straighter, healthier smile, braces remain one of the most effective orthodontic treatments.
However, patients now have more options than ever before, and they can choose between the most popular alternatives, which are metal braces or clear braces.
In this article, we’ll go over all you need to know about both options, including how they work, what the process involves, and how to choose the one that best suits your needs and lifestyle.
Knowing the key differences between braces will help you make the correct decision and get that confident, beautiful smile.
Table of Contents
What Are Metal Braces?
One popular orthodontic treatment for teeth straightening and bite issues is metal braces. These are made up of metal brackets that are fastened to the teeth, joined by archwires, and frequently held in place using rubber bands, also known as ligatures.
Together, these parts exert pressure, which eventually moves teeth into the appropriate positions.
What Are Clear Braces?
Clear braces are a form of orthodontic treatment that straightens your teeth. They can fix a variety of orthodontic problems, including crowded, gapped, overlapping, and crooked teeth.
In comparison to metal braces, clear braces are more discreet and less obvious.
For adults and teenagers, many orthodontists offer clear braces because they are less obvious.
Why Are Braces Used?
Braces are used by orthodontists to treat a variety of misalignment problems, such as:
- Malocclusion (bite misalignment).
- Overbites.
- Underbites.
- Cross bites (when the lower teeth are positioned outside the upper teeth).
- Open bites (when the upper and lower front teeth do not meet or cover one another).
- Crowded teeth.
- Spaces or gaps.
- Overlapping.
Braces not only increase your self-esteem and confidence but also enhance the function and health of your mouth. A poorly aligned set of teeth might raise your risk of gum disease and cavities. When teeth are crowded or overlapping, cleaning them becomes more challenging. Additionally, proper alignment lowers your chance of developing chewing problems.
The Procedure Of Braces
You must first schedule an evaluation with a dentist or orthodontist. To determine if you qualify for braces, they will examine your dental health. The dentist will have to take care of any gum disease, recession, or severe tooth decay first.
If your dentist determines that you are a good candidate for braces, your orthodontist will attach the brackets to the front of your teeth. After the brackets are in position, your orthodontist uses metal bands on your back molars to secure a tooth-colored wire to the brackets.
To hold the wire securely in place, they will lastly apply elastics to your brackets. The braces are typically placed by an orthodontist in one to two hours.
Metal Braces or Clear Braces: What’s the difference?
Most likely, when you hear the word “braces,” you think of classic metal braces. These dental devices use wires, brackets, and bands made of stainless steel to straighten your teeth.
The function of clear braces is identical to that of traditional metal brackets. However, they are made of transparent wires and ceramic brackets that match the color of your actual teeth. Therefore, compared to metal braces, clear braces are less obvious. Metal braces are stronger than clear braces. Because of this, applying clear braces to straighten your teeth could take a little longer.
If you don’t know whether to choose metal braces or clear braces, you should consult an orthodontist.
At Davinci Dental Clinic, we provide detailed consultations where the dentist can check if you are suitable for braces and help you choose the best type for your teeth.
Are Braces Painful?
There may be some pain and discomfort caused by putting on or adjusting braces, particularly during the initial process. However, the pain is usually described as a slow ache rather than a sudden, severe one.
When the braces are first put on, the teeth may feel pressured or tightened. Sore gums or the inside of your lips are also possible, although they generally go away soon.
The wires and brackets are tightened during adjustment sessions, which may result in a tight, stretching, or pressure-like sensation. However, all of this can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
How Long Do Braces Last?
Braces treatment normally lasts around two years, although the exact time varies from one patient to another. While some patients complete the treatment in as little as 12 months, others may require up to three years.
More difficult situations, including severe overbites or various alignment abnormalities, often require longer treatment periods.
Additionally, if you don’t follow your orthodontist’s advice and care for your teeth, it might increase the treatment period.
Read More: Types of Metal Braces.
Conclusion
In the end, choosing between metal braces or clear braces ultimately depends on your lifestyle, personal preferences, budget, and particular dental requirements.
Both treatments are quite successful in addressing alignment problems and enhancing dental health. While metal braces are durable and more suitable for complex cases, clear braces offer a more subtle, aesthetically pleasing alternative.
If you’re still unsure about which option to choose, schedule a consultation with Davinci Dental Clinic to discuss what’s best for your smile.
Read More: Invisible Braces vs Metal Braces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to get clear braces or metal braces?
Because of their smoother brackets, clear braces could be more comfortable than metal braces. They are more fragile and prone to breaking, though. So, if you need something more durable, you should opt for metal braces, but if you care more about aesthetics, then clear braces would be suitable for you.
What are the disadvantages of clear braces?
Compared to regular braces, clear braces often feature larger brackets, making cleaning the area surrounding your brackets more difficult due to the larger size. As a result, your gums may swell or recede further if you can't keep the area surrounding your brackets clean.
Do clear braces turn yellow?
The idea that clear braces would eventually become yellow is a common one, however, it is untrue. Even after repeated usage, clear braces won't discolor or stain. The transparent elastic bands that are affixed to the transparent braces could be discolored if you don't follow the care instructions or consume many staining drinks like coffee and tea.
