Is your child’s smile not as perfect as you hoped it would be? Do they have crooked or gapped teeth? If so, you may be considering braces to help improve their smile.
While metal and ceramic braces are both effective at straightening teeth, there are some key differences between the two types of braces that you should be aware of before making a decision.
In this article, we will compare metal and ceramic braces, discuss the treatment procedures, before and after instructions, and more to help you make an informed decision about which type of braces is right for your child.
Metallic vs ceramic braces
Metal braces are the most common type of braces used to straighten teeth. They are made of high-grade stainless steel and are attached to the front of the teeth with dental cement.
Ceramic braces are made of porcelain and are less visible than metal braces. They are attached to the back of the teeth so they are less noticeable.
Metallic braces are more visible than ceramic braces but are less expensive. Ceramic braces are less visible but more expensive.
You should discuss with your orthodontist about the following things before getting the metal & ceramic braces procedure done.
- Your medical history
- The current state of your oral health
- What kind of results you are expecting
- Your treatment options
- The duration of the treatment
- The estimated cost for ceramic braces treatment, and
- Any risks or potential complications associated with the metal & ceramic braces procedure.
Metallic Braces: Steps of Metallic Braces Treatment
- The first step is to have a consultation with an orthodontist to see if braces are the right treatment option for you.
- The next step is to have an oral examination and x-rays taken.
- Once the consultation and oral examination are complete, the orthodontist will develop a treatment plan.
- The next step is to have the braces placed on the teeth. This is done by bonding metal brackets to the teeth and attaching the metal wires to the brackets.
- The orthodontist will then make adjustments to the braces as needed.
Ceramic Braces: Steps of Ceramic Braces Treatment
Initial consultation appointment: The first thing you need to do is schedule a consultation appointment with an orthodontist. During this appointment, the orthodontist will examine your teeth and determine whether ceramic braces are the right treatment option for you. They will also discuss the estimated treatment time, cost, and potential risks and side effects with you.
Take impressions of your teeth: If the orthodontist decides that ceramic braces are the right treatment option for you, they will then take impressions of your teeth which will be used to create your custom braces.
Receive your custom braces: Once your custom braces have been created, you will need to schedule another appointment to have them fitted. During this appointment, the orthodontist will attach the braces to your teeth using a special adhesive.
Adjustments and follow-up appointments: You will need to schedule regular adjustments and follow-up appointments with the orthodontist throughout your treatment. These appointments are necessary to ensure that your braces are functioning properly and that your teeth are moving as they should.