by maria |
Last Updated: December 5, 2020 Everyone wants to have perfectly straight and aligned teeth on healthy gums with zero gaps between teeth. Unfortunately, not all are genetically gifted to have a perfect set of signing teeth for an adoring smile. Thankfully, braces are here to help you straighten your misaligned teeth. If you are concerned about your public appearance with braces, then you have several options of relatively discreet braces to smile freely. The moment you start looking for suitable braces treatment, available metal, ceramic, and invisible braces might confuse you. Braces are of unquestionable effectiveness when it comes to giving you a straight smile. But if you are self-conscious, read further to choose the best that suits all your needs better.
What to Consider While Choosing Dental Braces
Your decision to wear braces to straighten misaligned teeth shows your passion to have a healthy and confident smile. Following examination, your orthodontists will offer you options of traditional metal braces, discreet ceramic braces, or invisible braces to choose from. All are great as far as treatment outcome is concerned, but cost, comfort, and appearance might play a role in selecting the suitable braces. While choosing braces, you should consider these factors:
- The aesthetic requirement is the topmost concern amongst those wearing braces for the orthodontic procedure.
- Dental structure plays a crucial role in deciding braces as all braces are not equally effective in treating complex dental misalignment.
- Whether there is the crossbite, over or under bite issue.
- Is there any need for jaw surgery as part of the orthodontic procedure?
- If treatments require, you might have to wear headgear to get teeth movement in the desired direction.
- Well, not so important but some orthodontists prefer or recommend one brace over another due to one reason or the other.
- Invisibility comes at an additional cost, so you might have to invest higher in an invisible brace as compared to metal or ceramic braces.
Ceramic Braces vs. Metal Braces Comparison
Before you finalize your braces, you should know about the advantages and disadvantages of braces under consideration. If you are confused between metal vs. ceramic braces, then ceramic definitely beats metal in all counts but it comes with additional cost. Let’s consider all aspects while choosing braces to have a straight smile.
Aesthetic Value
When it comes to visibility, traditional metal braces are by characteristic more visible as compared to ceramic braces. If you are more self-conscious then ceramic braces could be a better option as it will remain invisible to onlookers. Made of ceramic, porcelain, or plastic, clear braces straighten teeth stealthily without affecting your confidence. Your orthodontist will make sure that brackets match the original color of your teeth to blend better.
Effectiveness and Durability
Both metal and ceramic are highly effective in bringing teeth to the desired position in the shortest possible time. If your dental structure is highly complex, your orthodontist might recommend wearing sturdy metal braces to get a better result in the shortest possible time. A straightening outcome should ideally be your top priority. Getting it done discreetly is desirable, but not at the cost of the quality of the treatment. Metal braces are more durable compared to ceramic as they chip or crack rarely and can endure pressure more effectively. If you are in active sports, then metal braces are a better option as they are endurable. If you are looking for quality teeth aligning results in relatively less time, then metal braces rate better than ceramic.
Cost Matters
The cost of the orthodontic procedure varies depending on dental complexity, aesthetic priorities, location, and, of course, type of braces. If you include all possible expenses, the cost of ceramic braces including retainers might vary between £3,000 and £5,000.
The cost of teeth straightening using metal braces could be relatively less between £1,250 and £1,450. Ceramic braces are costlier than metal braces but far cheaper than Invisalign clear aligners. Your insurance might cover the cost of ceramic braces, at least partially. Some orthodontics might offer flexible monthly payment options for ceramic or Invisalign clear aligners.
Final Words
If you want to have straight teeth without disrupting your natural smile, ceramic braces will give you the best return on investment. Beyond aesthetics, it all depends on your dental structure and treatment goals. Your orthodontist will focus more on the outcome, so you should ask for ceramic braces to avoid a ‘metal mouth‘ look.