If your dentist tells you your child may need braces, you might consider ceramic braces an alternative to traditional metal ones. Before you make a decision that your child could be stuck with for years, though, as well as a significant financial investment, it is important to know everything you can about this option. One of the downsides that some people worry about is the durability of ceramic braces over metal braces.
In this post, we will look at the differences between these two options, including durability and how they perform compared to one another. This will help you make the right decision for your child and their unique dental situation.
You might think that because the braces and components are made of ceramic, they work differently from their metal counterparts. In reality, the way that the two braces work is mostly identical. Essentially the parts that would be metal are swapped out for ceramic ones, but the function of the parts is the same. There are some differences between the two types of braces, just not in how they work.
In terms of how well they correct dental issues, ceramic braces are on par with their metal counterparts. The time it takes for them to work will vary by patient but is largely the same, so there is no loss in the quality of treatment. The ceramic parts gradually move teeth into the correct position in the same way that traditional metal braces do.
If you are thinking about choosing ceramic, first, we will discuss the primary reason why some parents want to go with this option.
Ceramic is a dental-safe material that is used in a number of different dental appliances because it is more malleable than other materials and able to be customized for patients. What this means is that dentists can change the look and color of the material to make it blend in with natural teeth or stand out in bright, vibrant colors if wanted. The extra customization makes many young patients feel less self-conscious about their braces.
Using ceramic is also somewhat more comfortable than metal and will not demineralize teeth like metal braces. The bands and wires can also be customized, and ceramic does not stain as easily as metal braces. One final benefit is that it is easier to remove the ceramic material when it is time for the braces to come off, making for a more pleasant patient experience.
Perhaps the most serious downside to using ceramic as a material is that it is not as durable as other materials. This can be a problem for braces because the braces have to hold up to day-to-day wear and tear as well as pressure as they correct the teeth. Dentists advise against giving children top teeth rest over their bottom teeth braces made of ceramic because of the increased chance for the braces to break and need to be repaired.
While ceramic functions just like metal in terms of performance, if the braces need to be adjusted or repaired many times over the course of treatment, it can actually make the treatment process take longer than it should. Frequent repairs can also make ceramic braces the much more expensive option over traditional metal braces. This also means more times you have to take your child to the dentist, which in itself can be a difficult task if you do not have a lot of time for additional visits just to get braces repaired.
For parents, the decision may come down to cost over comfort in terms of which option to choose for their children. Both types of braces have benefits, with metal being the industry standard and a more durable and reliable option. Ceramics are more comfortable, more appealing to the aesthetic senses, and more customizable, which may appeal to children and teens more.
No matter what type of braces you choose, it is a considerable investment of time and money. Think about the specifics of your situation, speak with your child and your dentist, and make the decision that works best for everyone involved. If having a less noticeable appearance and a more comfortable fit are the most important priorities, then choosing ceramic braces may be the best option.
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