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In the past, when it came to choosing braces, you didn’t exactly get to choose your own adventure. Today, though, self-ligating metal braces and clear ceramic braces are two of the most dynamic choices you’ll find at One Love Orthodontics. But which one is right for you? Let’s take a closer look.
What Are Self-Ligating Metal Braces?
You can think of self-ligating braces as a more advanced version of traditional braces! Instead of using elastic bands to hold the main wire in place, they have a built-in clip system made of stainless steel—in other words, your teeth can move a bit more freely and induce less friction.
Key Features:
- Made from stainless steel that is strong, hypoallergenic, and corrosion-resistant
- Low-profile brackets that are smaller and more discreet than older models
- Built-in clip system for easier, quicker adjustments
Pros of Self-Ligating Metal Braces:
- Efficient Tooth Movement: The special sliding mechanism allows for faster, more precise movement than traditional metal braces. You’ll spend less time in our office for adjustments and more time out living your life!
- Greater Comfort: Fewer components and less friction mean a more comfortable experience overall.
- Budget-Friendly: Metal braces are typically more affordable than other options, making them a smart choice for families—though this is dependent on your insurance coverage and budget.
- Durable for All Ages: Great for children, teens, and adults, especially those with complex alignment or bite issues. They can bear additional components as needed to help with various other problems.
What Are Clear Ceramic Braces?
Clear braces are surprisingly similar in terms of their effectiveness to metal braces—but are highlighted for their more subtle appearance. Our clear braces use high-quality ceramic materials for brackets, making them appear more tooth-like.
Key Features:
- Tooth-colored ceramic brackets
- Stain-resistant materials
- Low-profile design
Pros of Clear Ceramic Braces
- Aesthetics: If you’re concerned about the visibility of your braces, ceramic brackets offer a natural look that’s perfect for adults or teens who might be image-conscious.
- Strong and Reliable: Modern ceramic braces are durable and can handle many of the same orthodontic challenges as metal braces.
- Comfort-Focused: Smoother bracket surfaces and flexible wire options help reduce irritation. They’re also easy to clean, and because they’re semi-transparent, it’s easier to spot any food particles or plaque.
- Great for Students and Professionals: We find that our teenage patients really appreciate the look of clear braces. Likewise, if your job involves public speaking, video calls, or client-facing work, clear braces help you maintain a confident, polished look throughout your treatment.
Directly Comparing Metal vs. Clear Braces
| Feature | Metal Braces (Self-Ligating) | Clear Ceramic Braces |
| Visibility | Small, low-profile brackets, but higher contrast to teeth | Subtle, tooth-colored brackets blend in with teeth |
| Comfort | High, with fewer adjustments needed | High, with smoother materials |
| Durability | Extremely strong | Very strong, but slightly more fragile due to ceramic material |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean | Easy to clean |
| Treatment Time | Possibly shorter (metal can handle more pressure) | Slightly longer in some cases (ceramic can’t handle as much pressure) |
| Cost | Dependent on insurance, but usually lower cost | Dependent on insurance, but usually higher cost |
| Best For | Kids, teens, adults with simple to complex cases | Teens and adults with mild to moderate cases focused on aesthetics |
What About Clear Aligners?
For some patients, Dr. Dayan might suggest clear aligners as an ideal orthodontic solution. They are in their own category, with some of the benefits including a nearly invisible appearance, removability, and easier cleaning. A few important things to keep in mind about clear aligners:
- This treatment is reserved for teenagers and adults, since a decent amount of compliance is required. Aligners must be kept in 20-22 hours daily to work properly.
- Not ideal for the most complex cases.
- Allergy-friendly, using SmartTrack material free from BPA, BPS, latex, and gluten.
- Pros often outweigh the cons for patients seeking the least visible treatment possible.
Finding the Right Fit
Dr. Dayan is well aware that no two smiles in Brooklyn are alike—which is why he uses advanced diagnostic techniques to plan every treatment on a custom basis. Regardless of which option you choose, you’ll receive expert care and support from start to finish with One Love Orthodontics!
Our team wants to offer some encouragement—we promise that choosing the right orthodontic treatment doesn’t have to be an overwhelming experience. At a practice like ours, we work hard to make sure the process is stress-free and comprehensive, and fits your goals, lifestyle, and budget perfectly. If you’re in the Brooklyn area seeking orthodontic treatment, we hope to see you soon for a free consultation!