Metal Braces vs Clear Braces: Which is Better?
Whether the time has come to align your child’s teeth or you’re finally ready to improve your own smile, choosing between clear or metal braces is an important decision. Both options can correct bite issues and transform your smile, but they come with different advantages in terms of comfort, appearance and maintenance. Below, our Madison dentists break down the pros and cons of each to help you choose what’s right for you.
What are Metal Braces?
Metal braces are a type of orthodontic appliance used to align teeth by bonding metal brackets to the teeth and are connected via a metal wire. This wire is periodically adjusted by an orthodontist, usually on set schedules, to aid in gently moving the teeth in their desired position over time.
What are Clear Braces?
Clear braces can be classified into two different forms: ceramic braces and clear aligners. Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces, except the brackets are clear instead of metal. Clear aligners are clear teeth inserts, similar to a clear mouth guard, that are worn for a certain number of hours each day. The most common clear aligners, and the ones offered at our clinic, are made by Invisalign.
The Advantage of Invisalign vs Ceramic Braces
Invisalign aligners do not have brackets or wires and are instead temporary plastic aligners that are not connected to the teeth. Invisalign is designed to straighten teeth into their proper position, enabling efficient functioning and oral health. These aligners can be removed at night and thus are more comfortable. Instead of visiting for physical adjustments, patients with Invisalign receive adjusted new aligners every few weeks that promote the aligning process.
Clear Braces vs Metal Braces: What are the Differences?
Material construction is the biggest difference between clear braces like Invisalign and metal braces. Traditional braces are made with metal wires and clamps, requiring fastening and adjusting to get the brackets into place. Invisalign is made with clear plastic, which you put in your mouth over your teeth, like a slim, unnoticeable mouth guard.
Invisalign braces are lower maintenance than traditional braces as well, giving you smooth, hassle-free treatment.
Your diet is unrestricted with Invisalign braces as long as you thoroughly brush your teeth between meals. With traditional braces, certain foods become entangled in the wires and brackets, requiring extensive cleaning. Patients using Invisalign replace their clear mouthguards every few weeks and do not need to visit the dentist to do so. Traditional braces require regular visits to the orthodontist for progress checkups and replacement.
Clear vs Metal Braces: Appearance
Clear braces cannot be seen by others, meaning people won’t know you’re wearing a form of tooth alignment correction. You’ll never feel uncomfortable showing off your smile in public when wearing Invisalign.
Clear vs Metal Braces: Durability
Clear braces are considered less durable than metal braces, due to their plastic makeup not being as strong as stainless steel. You are more likely to break ceramic braces or bend Invisalign aligners than metal braces.
Which is More Comfortable: Clear or Metal Braces?
Clear braces, especially Invisalign aligners, are considered more comfortable than metal braces. This is due to them being made from plastic and being removable for periods during the day.
Are Clear Braces as Effective as Metal Braces?
Clear braces are just as effective as metal braces. Ultimately, those who should get clear braces are individuals looking for a discreet orthodontic treatment option, a more common concern in older teens and adults.
Cost
The cost of clear braces such as Invisalign, vs metal braces is often comparable.
The Final Verdict on Clear vs Metal Braces
The latest technology in clear braces and clear aligners has paved the way for less noticeable and more comfortable teeth alignment treatments. Thankfully, the availability of clear aligners is as common as the dentist you visit for regular cleanings. Total Care Dental of Madison offers Invisalign clear aligners for patients of all ages. Contact us to set up a consultation on available smile alignment using Invisalign clear aligners today.
| Feature | Metal Braces | Clear Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Highly visible | Nearly invisible |
| Material | Metal brackets and wires | Ceramic brackets or clear plastic aligners |
| Comfort | More irritation risk | Generally more comfortable |
| Maintenance | Frequent checkups required | Less in-office time with Invisalign |
| Cost | Generally lower | Often similar, sometimes more |
Frequently Asked Questions on Clear vs Metal Braces
Which braces are better, metal or clear?
Determining whether metal or clear braces are better for you comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the individual receiving them. Metal braces are durable and long-lasting, but are much more noticeable. Clear braces blend in with teeth better but require you to wear them and monitor their durability.
Do clear braces take longer than metal?
Clear braces, such as Invisalign, are known to take less time than conventional metal braces. Patients can often see comparable results in around 10 months less time.
Do metal braces hurt more than clear?
Though metal and clear braces both come with discomfort as the teeth shift, metal braces have a higher likelihood of irritating your gums due to their material and because they are not removable.
Contact our Madison cosmetic dentists to set up a consultation and discuss whether clear braces by Invisalign are right for you.
