So, you’ve decided to get braces. Excellent! You’ve made one of the most beneficial decisions for your oral health and your future. Now the next question is, what type of braces do you want? Never before have there been so many options in orthodontic treatment, and more options are coming by the day. Holbert Family Orthodontics has so many choices when it comes to braces that it really can be hard to choose! We’ll compare clear braces vs metal braces in this blog.

Traditional wire braces treatments have two distinct types of brackets: metal and clear. While they work the same way to straighten teeth and align jaws, choosing between the two is a big decision. Holbert Family Orthodontics wants you to understand the differences so that you can make the best choice for your lifestyle!

Metal Braces

Clear Braces vs Metal BracesMetal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable than ever before. When orthodontists use the term braces, these are probably what you think of: steel squares fitted to the teeth housing a metal wire. This wire is what creates the constant pressure on the teeth, causing gradual and safe shifting to form your new perfect smile.

Pros

  • Smaller and more efficient  This means less irritation on the lips and gums, so before long you’ll forget they’re even there
  • Numerous aesthetic options  From colored brackets to elastics, brighten your smile and show off your vibrant personality

Cons

  • Visibility  At the end of the day, traditional metal braces are the most noticeable option on your smile.

Clear Braces

Your second option for a traditional style braces treatment is clear braces. Clear braces function exactly like metal braces but instead of stainless steel, these brackets are made of durable clear plastic or ceramic.

Pros

  • Nearly invisible This option is very popular among teen and adult patients because of their low visibility on your teeth. With these beauties, your teeth are still the most visible feature of your mouth and smile. Someone really has to pay attention to spot these braces.

Cons

  • Higher Maintenance With a great smile comes great responsibility. The brackets on clear braces are larger than their metal counterparts, and they require more vigilant cleaning and oral health to keep them undamaged and working correctly.

The Verdict

When it comes to clear braces vs metal braces, it’s all about what you want out of your orthodontic treatment and what you are most comfortable with. Holbert Family Orthodontics is here to help you every step of the way. We want you to have the comfortable and confident smile you’ve always wanted, and we the best experience possible during your treatment during your new smile journey. Talk to your orthodontist. Let her get to know you, what you want and don’t want (that’s important too) so that you can work together to get your best smile! Visit Holbert Family Orthodontics online to schedule your complimentary consultation!