Metal Braces vs. Clear Braces

Last updated 1 year ago

Braces used to almost guarantee a mouth full of metal, but today, that is not always the case. Clear braces can straighten your teeth without many of the side effects caused by metal braces. Take a look at clear braces and metal braces and learn about your orthodontic options.

There are several different kinds of clear braces that you can use to get a straighter smile:

Ceramic braces are tooth colored, making them very hard to distinguish from the natural tooth.
Invisalign is a set of clear trays that are completely invisible when in the mouth.
Braces made from monocrystalline sapphire are almost totally translucent.

Clear braces are not without their flaws, however; for example, Invisalign can't be used to correct dramatic alignment problems and the monocrystalline sapphire braces may stand out on teeth that aren't bright white.

Metal braces aren't what they used to be—instead of the metal circling the entire tooth, metal braces now consist of brackets glued to the front of the tooth with rubber bands holding the arch wire in place. The bands come in a variety of colors, and you can even get shaped brackets, making metal braces more of a fashion accessory than just an orthodontic device. Metal braces typically cost less, but can scratch the inside of the mouth until the patient gets used to them. Dental wax can be used to protect more sensitive mouths.

Your orthodontist will help you decide which type of braces is best for you. Ceramic braces aren't as strong as metal braces, meaning they may take longer to reach desired results. However, these braces are much less noticeable than the traditional orthodontic devices. Metal braces are faster and cheaper, but are much more obvious and require a bit more maintenance. Your orthodontic treatment options will vary based on what you need.

At Image Orthodontics Sacramento, we offer clear braces, Invisalign, and traditional metal braces. To get the smile you've always wanted, call our Sacramento offices at (415) 752-0654 and schedule an appointment today.