Braces — are not only stereotypical “iron” but modern systems to correct the bite. They can be white or translucent — ceramic. If in orthodontic treatment you are concerned not only about the result, but also about the appearance for the next year and a half, then in this article we will tell you what are the differences between metal and ceramic braces, and what is better to choose. First of all, let's understand what braces are and what they are not.
Metal braces
The undisputed classic of orthodontics — reliable braces made of hypoallergenic alloys (medical steel or titanium). This is the most versatile tool for the orthodontist, as the material allows for optimal sliding of the arch in the groove, which allows for significant and yet safe tooth movement.
In terms of appearance, metal braces can be divided into 2 subgroups:
- Ligatureless all-metal — all-metal construction with no additional elements. Example: self-ligating Damon Q.
- Metal braces with ligatures, where the arch in the metal groove of each bracket is held by a small elastic ligature — clear or colored. Example: Orthos titanium ligature braces.
The difference in these braces is not only in appearance, but also in the principle of operation: self-ligating braces with a metal cap instead of a ligature work much more effectively than ligature braces. At the same time, the all-metal design looks smaller, more aesthetically pleasing and easier to clean.
Ceramic braces
Translucent braces made of synthetic ceramic or sapphire.
Aesthetic braces can be categorized into 3 subgroups:
- Ligature-free ceramics — a construction made of polycrystalline aluminum oxide in which a special cap holds the arch in the groove. Even the hooks for attaching elastics are made of ceramic. Example: Damon Clear self-ligating braces. Even in the ceramic system, the building teeth (6,7) are fitted with metal locks for security. But the only metal element visible in the smile in this construction — the archwire.
- Ligature clear braces — small locks made of sapphire or ceramic, in whose grooves the arch is held in place by removable rubber bands or wires — ligatures. Example: Sapphire Inspire Ice.
- Ceramic braces with metal elements that combine a metal cap or groove and a ceramic base
As with metal braces, the self-ligating ceramic design will be many times more aesthetically pleasing than the ligature design due to the lack of extra elastic elements that change color, collect plaque, and stand out against the white bracket.
Comparison of metal and ceramic braces
We will do a comparison of Damon Q and Clear self-ligating braces, as these braces — the standard of work in our clinic.
Appearance
Of course, for those who care about aesthetics and minimal noticeability of treatment — Damon Clear — ceramic braces are the ideal solution. Translucent locks perfectly merge with the natural color of the enamel of the teeth, and even the metal arch is not very noticeable to others. From afar or in a photograph, ceramic braces are not always immediately recognizable.
The material of Damon Clear and Clear 2 braces does not absorb food dyes and does not change color for the duration of treatment.
In terms of visibility, metal braces certainly won't hide from anyone.
Effectiveness and reliability
If we compare metal and ceramic braces of the same type (self-ligating), we should pay attention to 2 parameters that affect the effectiveness and speed of treatment:
- material strength
- coefficient of friction
Polycrystalline aluminum from which Damon Clear and Clear 2 ceramic braces are made — is quite durable and, if inferior to metal braces, it is only slightly inferior. Orthodontic treatment will not be delayed due to frequent detachment or breakage.
Physician's Review
«Clear2 — is not only an aesthetic brace, but almost as reliable and easy to work with as the Damon Q. One of the few aesthetic braces that can be reattached without damaging the bracketя».
Ceramic braces have a higher coefficient of friction of the arch against the groove walls because the material is slightly more porous on a micro level than metal, which can make some tooth movement difficult. Usually in such cases, orthodontists recommend combining ceramic braces in the smile area with metal braces on the back teeth or lower row of teeth.
Comfort
Damon Q metal braces and Clear ceramic braces have rounded, polished edges to make treatment as comfortable as possible for the lips and mucosa. Even the protruding hooks have a smooth, rounded tip at the end so that they do not scratch the cheeks from the inside.
The difference between Clear ceramic braces and metal Q braces is the size — ceramic is much larger than metal in order to maintain the necessary strength of the bracket due to the volume of the material. Therefore, ceramic is not always convenient to install on the lower tooth row if the patient has small incisors. Such braces can put additional pressure on the gum around the tooth, as well as prevent good hygiene around the bracket. In this case, doctors recommend a compromise treatment — clear ceramic braces on the top row of teeth in the smile area and metal braces on the bottom teeth.
Cost
Ceramic Damon Clear braces at Konfidencia cost 10,000 ₽ more than metal Damon Q braces for 1 tooth. Patients who choose the aesthetic option receive a comfortable, technologically advanced, yet not highly visible, bite correction tool. Many of our patients choose the combined option of ceramic braces on the top row of teeth and metal braces on the bottom row. The cost does not increase much, and the clear braces in the smile area help maintain the desired aesthetics.
Which braces should I choose: metal or ceramic?
When choosing a bracket system, it is important to realize that braces differ not only in material, but also in the features of the design, which directly affect both the effectiveness of treatment and appearance.
Braces made of transparent material can be both ligature – and then the braces are attached to the rubber bands, which quickly stain and require replacement every month; and self-ligating — that is, one-piece with caps instead of rubber bands.
Before your orthodontic consultation, find out what kind of braces the doctor works with, and at the consultation itself, ask to see a photo of your teeth in clear braces during treatment. This will give you a better idea of how the braces look on your teeth and whether they change color during treatment.
We recommend Damon Clear+Q combination braces to our patients who want aesthetic treatment as an option for balancing aesthetics with cost.
Cost of braces
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