Traditional Fixed Braces
Metal Braces
What are the advantages of traditional metal braces?
Many patients believe that braces are only beneficial for cosmetic reasons. While having straighter teeth does improve the appearance of your smile, braces provide many additional benefits, such as:
- Improve the health of your teeth and gums.
- Prevent jawbone erosion.
- Stop your teeth from making whistling sounds when you speak.
Teeth can be straightened with a variety of treatments depending on how much straightening is required. We know most people are keen to avoid the ‘train track’ look, so if your teeth are suitable we can discuss a number of alternatives, which may be suitable.
Clear Braces: Your clear alternative to metal
Clear braces are designed to be less noticeable on your teeth than metal braces and customized for your unique smile. Many older teenagers and adult patients prefer this discreet option because they can give you a great smile without the visibility of metal braces.
Ceramic braces are also known as clear braces, tooth-colored braces, or aesthetic braces. At Hanks Orthodontics, we use them to correct your bite and align your smile the same way as metal braces
Ceramic braces are a clear alternative to metal braces and allow the natural look of your teeth to shine through. Made from a translucent glass material, the brackets neither stain nor discolour, maintaining their original appearance all the way through to the end of treatment.
The arch wires can also be coated with tooth coloured material to conceal their appearance.
Differences between ceramic & metal braces
Metal braces are known for their strength and durability. Ceramic braces are strong, too, but they are made from a slightly more fragile material that’s more likely to chip or crack,.
Both types of braces work on the same principles and tend to be equally as effective in most cases.
Maintaining clear braces
You may worry about ceramic braces staining, but that hasn’t been a problem for some time. Ceramic brackets won’t stain, but the adhesive used to attach the brackets to the teeth and the clear elastic ties used to hold the wires in place can stain.
This can give an overall impression of discoloration over time. You can minimise things like coffee and tea, red wine, tomatoes, pasta/curry sauces to reduce the chance of any staining.
If you maintain a good oral hygiene routine and follow the treatment plan from your orthodontist, you shouldn’t have to worry about giving up your morning cup of coffee or evening glass of wine.