Pros and Cons of Ceramic Braces

The styles of dental braces have seen significant changes over the past few decades. Ceramic braces are a newer style of orthodontics than the older, more traditional metal ones. Since they have a more natural appearance than metal braces, ceramic braces are often the choice of many individuals seeking straighter teeth. To understand the fundamentals of ceramic braces, you need to know their pros and cons.

Discreetness

• The natural appearance of ceramic braces is perhaps their biggest advantage. Since they are made from ceramic, they have an off-white color that tends to blend in with the natural color of a person's teeth. When compared to metal braces, the ceramic style is much more subtle, which appeals to many people. Seen from a distance, this style of orthodontics is often unnoticeable. The wire that connects each bracket is usually smaller than the wire on metal braces.

Comfort Level

• Another benefit is the comfort level that most people experience when wearing ceramic braces. Anyone who has worn metal braces knows how uncomfortable they can be on the mouth and gums. Most people find wearing ceramic braces less irritating, which results in a more positive overall experience.

Costs

• One of the biggest turnoffs of ceramic braces for many people is the cost involved. Since metal braces are usually mass-produced, they tend to cost significantly less than their ceramic counterparts. Ceramic braces typically cost anywhere between $500 to $1000 more than metal ones. This extra expense can be a problem for some individuals.

Potential for Staining

• Another disadvantage of ceramic braces is that they often become stained. Contact with food and beverages tends to leave stains on the ligatures. Since the ligatures are a whitish color, they are especially prone to staining, compared to metal braces. This sometimes defeats the purpose of getting ceramic braces in the first place.