Clear Braces Vs Metal Braces
If you are considering teeth straightening and want to know more about the options available, this blog post might be a good place to start. Whilst we will always advise you to seek expert counsel from your orthodontist before you decide on any treatment, it doesn’t hurt to do some research beforehand and learn about the experience of others before you choose the teeth straightening treatment that will suit you. Of course, the type of treatment that will be viable depends upon the severity of crookedness, crowding or misalignment that requires correcting, but in most cases, there is usually more than one option.
Are clear and metal braces the same?
The short answer is that clear and metal braces effectively do the same job. They work in a very similar way to straighten the teeth and the principal difference between them is how they look.
The quick answer, however, doesn’t give you the full picture. For example, there will be individuals for whom certain types of braces won’t be suitable, so we need to look more closely into the differences between clear braces and metal ones.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces have been a familiar sight amongst school age children for many years, demonstrating the effectiveness of this treatment. The good news nowadays is that these braces are smaller and more comfortable than they used to be, which also makes them a good choice for adults looking to straighten their teeth.
One of the biggest advantages of metal braces is their cost compared to more discreet straightening treatments. This makes them a popular choice for those on a budget and if you choose the latest self-ligating systems, the wires are much less visible than in traditional ‘train track’ braces.
Metal braces may be less appealing than some clear braces as they cannot be removed for eating or cleaning, but so long as you practice a good oral health regime during treatment and speak to your orthodontist if you have any concerns about keeping your teeth and gums clean, then treatment will be effective and problem free.
Clear Braces
Clear aligners, such as the popular Invisalign® brand, are probably the most popular teeth straightening system on the market. The aligners are made of clear plastic, which makes them very difficult to detect, plus they are easy to remove which makes eating, drinking and cleaning your teeth very straightforward during treatment.
The principal difference you will notice when having clear braces as opposed to metal ones is how visible your braces are. In many cases this will not be a problem, but those who are conscious about their smile, who work in a customer-facing role or do a lot of public speaking, may prefer the anonymity of clear braces.
This secrecy does of course come at a price, with clear braces generally being more expensive than metal ones, however there are more cost effective options such as ceramic braces, which may be a viable alternative, particularly if your teeth have more irregularities than can be treated with aligners. If you are worried about cost, you can find out more here about our interest-free credit payment plans.
Whatever treatment you decide on, you can be assured of one thing – the service and care you receive here at Northenden House will be of the same high quality. We apply the same degree of attention and aftercare for all our patients, so all you need to do is maintain great oral health during treatment and look forward to the results!
To find out more about the differences between metal and clear braces or to discuss what options are suitable for you, please contact our practice on 0161 998 2622 or email us with your enquiry.
- Mohammad Malik
