Clear vs Metal Braces

Who wins in the battle of clear vs metal braces? If you’re in the market for braces, you may not be aware that many forms of braces are available. In the past, there used to be only a single braces option, known as the traditional metal braces, available for patients. These were used since early civilizations in order to straighten teeth for purely aesthetic purposes Now, thanks to advanced technology and improved research, various forms of braces have been invented, including a clear form. This allows for minimal visibility of the braces along your teeth.

Braces allow for straightening of your teeth for both visual and useful purposes. This means if you have any structural issues within your mouth, braces can help correct these as well. If you’re debating whether you’d most benefit from clear or metal braces, let’s compare both of these options in detail below.

Clear Braces

Clear braces operate identically to metal braces in the fact they are fastened to your teeth with a composite resin. Clear bands are then attached to the tooth and tightened every four weeks. The use of clear braces can benefit plenty of individuals who need braces but don’t want the look of metal against their teeth. For obvious reasons, the most positive reason for receiving clear braces is they’ll be significantly less visible then the traditional metal braces are. Additionally, these braces can drastically improve the look of your teeth over time, potentially faster than traditional braces can. That’s because many clear braces operate on a sliding mechanism which allows for faster results.

Another great feature about clear braces is they rarely require extractions. The goal of these braces is to get the fastest, most improved results possible, all while utilizing the natural shape of your mouth and teeth. Clear braces is an excellent option for individuals who desire straighter teeth but don’t want the potential chunkiness of metal braces.

Metal Braces

Metal braces are the most typical, common form of braces that exist. They have been used for hundreds of years, improved through time. Metal braces use all metal – this means there is metal attached to your teeth with a composite resin, and there are metal wires that connect these brackets to each other. Every four to six weeks, you’ll come visit us for a tightening. Gradually, your teeth will become pulled into its ideal place in the mouth. One negative about metal braces is how visible they are. They stand out against the natural white color of the tooth ultimately making them significantly more visible.

Alternatively, metal braces are the best for those with extreme oral conditions and misalignments. This is because orthodontists are able to easily manipulate the brackets to determine how your teeth will eventually lay in the mouth. Nothing is wrong with the original, so if you have a more severe case, don’t fret the metal!

Need Braces?

Even though the process may be daunting, braces can significantly benefit you and the way your smile looks in the long run. For a top orthodontist in NYC, NYC Dental Orthodontics can help you out. Here, we can identify whether you’d benefit most from clear or metal braces and talk you through the entire process.

Schedule an appointment with us today for the best teeth of your life!