Harbor Family Orthodontics

Ceramic, Traditional or Lingual Braces - Which Type of Braces are Best?

When you think about getting braces, you probably have a lot of questions about the different types available.  Which type is best for you?

There are many different types of braces, and they all serve specific purposes. Your specific needs and goals will direct the type of braces you choose.

So how do you know which type is right for you? In this article, we’ll talk about the three main types of braces: ceramic braces, traditional braces, and lingual braces. We’ll also go over some of their pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your situation.

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Ceramic vs. Traditional vs. Lingual Braces

Ceramic braces, lingual braces, and traditional braces are three types of braces commonly used to straighten teeth. The choice of which type of braces to use depends on the severity of your case, the amount of time you have, and your budget (1).

When it comes to choosing the right type of braces for your teeth, you will have to consider a few things.

Keep reading to find the basic differences between ceramic braces, lingual braces, and traditional braces.

Ceramic Braces —Comparing its Benefits and Negatives

Ceramic braces are very much like metal braces, only they are made of a ceramic material that are long-lasting and virtually invisible while worn.

Also, they are less visible than traditional metal braces. Aesthetically, ceramic brackets look much better than metal brackets because they blend in with the natural color of your teeth. In addition, brackets are translucent and tooth-colored, so they blend in nicely with your teeth’ color. This makes ceramic braces much less noticeable than traditional metal ones (2).

Benefits

  • Less visible than metal brackets.
  • Aesthetically pleasing.
  • Less noticeable in photos

Negatives

  • Ceramic braces are sometimes more expensive than traditional metal braces. However, here are Harbor Family Orthodontics we do not charge any more if you want this upgrade!
  • They are also slightly larger than metal braces, but overall not so much that it should change your mind whether to get them or not.

Traditional Braces —Analyzing the Pros and Cons

Traditional braces, also known as “metal braces”, are made of metal wires that are used to move teeth in the desired direction. The wires are attached to brackets that are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth. Additionally, they work by making gradual changes to the position of your teeth. They are used on people of all ages, but they’re especially helpful for younger patients who have had time to wear them for about two years.

Pros

  • Metal wires and brackets are less expensive than other types of braces
  • You have plenty of color options (with traditional braces).
  • They help correct tooth alignment problems.
  • Traditional braces are made of metal, so they are more durable than other types of braces.
  • Traditional braces have a long track record of success.

Cons

  • They are not aesthetically pleasing.
  • You’ll have to adjust to a certain lifestyle to keep your teeth clean while wearing traditional braces. For example, you’ll have to use a toothbrush and floss daily to prevent dental decay caused by food getting stuck between the brackets and wires.
  • The brackets can cause discomfort while they’re being worn.

Lingual Braces — Contrasting the Positives and Drawbacks

Lingual braces are bonded to the lingual (tongue) surface of your teeth. They are known as “invisible” braces because they do not show when you smile or talk.

The most notable difference between traditional braces and lingual braces is that traditional braces are attached to the front of your teeth, while lingual braces are placed to the back of your teeth. On the other hand, while you can see the brackets and wires every time you smile with traditional braces, lingual braces are hidden behind your teeth so only an orthodontist can see them (3).

Positives

  • The main advantage of choosing lingual braces is that they are less visible than traditional metal braces. The brackets are hidden from view, making them less noticeable than traditional metal braces, which are visible on the outside of your teeth.
  • There are no metal wires that stick out from your teeth as traditional braces do — thus, no embarrassing moments when you smile or laugh because your wire got caught on something (like a food particle).

Drawbacks

  • One major drawback of lingual braces is that they may affect speech and eating habits.
  • One drawback of lingual braces is that they are difficult to clean because they are behind the teeth. This means that food particles can build up on these brackets over time and lead to tooth decay or other oral health problems.
  • They require additional time in the chair and more visits to your orthodontist over traditional braces.
  • They are more expensive than regular braces because they require more visits to orthodontists.
  • Lingual braces take more time to adjust and may irritate the tongue.

Takeaway

Braces are a great way to straighten teeth and improve your smile. If you’re considering braces, you may wonder which type of braces is best for you.

Ceramic, traditional and lingual braces are all options for orthodontic treatment. Each type of brace has its benefits. Deciding which type is best for you will depend on the severity of your dental problems and your comfort level with each type of brace.

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