The need to possess perfectly straight and inline teeth has driven many people to consulting orthodontists and dentists these days. Most meetings leave the desperate patients with two options, surgery, or braces. Surgery of the mouth is expensive and comes with a wide range of possible complications that may occur, leaving many to resort to the use of braces to achieve the perfect and bright smile they crave. However, once the decision is made to wear braces there are more choices yet to be made, as there are many different kinds of braces available.
Nearly every child or teenager is either wearing or has worn braces as some point in their lives as the practice is becoming increasingly common, but there are also many adults who are choosing to polish up their smile as well. Whether it is a child or an adult, though, there are essentially two options for braces, ceramic or metal. Metal braces are the more traditional method and consist of metal links glued to the teeth with a wire running through. Ceramic braces, on the other hand, are made from many composite materials and are the more common choice for adults as they appear clear and not noticeable on the teeth, unlike traditional metal ones.
Both types have certain pros and cons that need to be weighed before making a decision though. Metal braces are the more traditional method. They are easy to find as any orthodontist or dentist is sure to have them or have a way of which to lead you to them, and the results that are achieved after wearing them are nothing short of amazing. However, the metal brackets and wires that are used to move and straighten the teeth are very visible and greatly obstruct your smile while wearing them. They can also poke, jab, and irritate the gums, cheeks, and lips around them making them rather uncomfortable at times. Last, they must be worn for an extended period, often between one to two years and there is always the risk of breaking off a bracket or bending a wire as well.
Ceramic dental braces, unlike metal ones, do not share nearly as many complications. A ceramic brace can come in many different forms, but the preferred forms are clear ceramic braces. The ceramic brace is perfectly clear and having the ceramic braces on, other than the small and thin arch wire, does not noticeably show in your smile. They can also move your teeth just as quickly and effectively as metal braces while not providing near as much irritation and poking as metal ones do. However, ceramic braces price in at a tad more than metal due to their nearly invisible attributes and the ceramic braces cost should always be a factor in making a decision.
Also, consider your diet and the magnitude of the changes you wish to make in your smile before choosing which method of braces to pick. If you have major tooth positioning problems that you want fixed, metal brackets are the way to go as most ceramic ones, although perfectly capable of moving teeth, are not designed for major movement. In addition, if you smoke or drink black coffee often, metal braces are preferred as well. While ceramics are extremely stain resistant, activities such as smoking and liquids such as coffee can begin to stain the braces over time.
In all, ceramic vs. metal braces is a tough decision. Metal ones are cheaper, will never pose the risk of staining, and can move even the toughest teeth. On the other hand, though, ceramics are invisible, comfortable and can fix minor issues with ease and comfort for a higher price. However, no matter the method you choose, look forward to the day they are removed, as they are sure to reveal a bright and perfectly new smile and a brand new you.
Thu, Jul 1, 2010
Cosmetic Denistry