Traditional, ceramic or clear: Which braces to choose?

Mar 23, 2022

You have spoken with your dentist and are ready to plunge into braces for your teeth. You are one step closer to a more beautiful smile and healthy bite. The next step is choosing the right Stittsville braces for you and all of your needs. Here are some things to consider.

Several factors go into play, and these include cost, the length of time it will take to get to the finished product, how severe your bite is restricted, and whether you care for others knowing you are wearing braces.

With all of these factors, let’s look at the choices.

Traditional braces.

Traditional braces have improved considerably in the past few decades. The heavy metal and headgear are gone, and new metal braces are constructed from high-grade stainless steel. Brackets are attached to each tooth, and elastic O rings connect the thin wires. Periodically your dentist will tighten the wires and replace the elastics to move your teeth into better positions. This is the type of brace you will need for a complex reconstruction or if there are jaw issues. They are the least expensive. They will be very noticeable.

Ceramic braces.

Ceramic braces are the middle choice. They are made from clear materials and appear almost transparent. They are less visible, so they will cause fewer comments, which is vital if you are involved in the business world. Ceramics are more prone to breaking because the substance is brittle. You will not be eligible for these braces if you have severe jaw issues. While they are more expensive than traditional braces, they are less expensive than invisible ones. Ceramic braces will probably take less overall time to straighten your teeth than the clear aligners.

Invisalign.

Finally, the clear aligners that you see advertised repeatedly. This is a more complex routine because they need to be worn 20 to 22 hours out of every 24-hour day. They are not appropriate for severely crooked teeth or children younger than teens. However, they are considerably less noticeable. They are the most expensive of choices.

Need help choosing the right braces?

No two smiles are alike, and that means there’s no single type of braces that works for everyone. The best way to find out which type of braces you should choose is by contacting Mulkins Main Dental to schedule an appointment. At our clinic, we provide Stittsville braces for patients of all ages. Our experienced orthodontists will work with you to determine which type of braces is best for your individual needs. Contact us today!