Traditional Braces (Metal & Ceramic Braces)

How to care for traditional braces?

A person with braces should ensure that they regularly brush and ensure that they clean the brackets, wires, and each tooth individually. Regular brushing may help prevent oral diseases such as gingivitis and plaque.

Individuals should also monitor their diet to prevent plaque buildup and damage to the braces.

• Brush at least thrice every day.
• Brush after 1 hour of having your meal
• Brush above, on and below the brackets

If you have chosen metal braces you should avoid chewy, sticky or hard foods.

Metal braces vs Ceramic braces

Ceramic braces also follow the same mechanism used in metal braces; the only difference is the material. Ceramic braces use ceramic material and can be transparent or tooth colored. A person may prefer the choice of ceramic braces over metal braces, as they are less visible.

Pros of traditional braces

Versatility: Traditional braces provide orthodontists with more control over the teeth movement and can be used for most orthodontic problems including crowded, gapped teeth or to correct misaligned bites.

Durability: The material used in traditional braces is metal that makes it more durable over other materials. 

Cons of traditional braces

Appearance: The biggest disadvantage of traditional braces is that they are not discreet unlike the modern advancements like Invisalign and clear aligners.

Oral hygiene challenges: It is difficult to clean around the brackets and wires in case of traditional braces. If not taken proper care, it can lead to plaque buildup.

Longer treatment period:  Traditional braces may require a longer treatment period in comparison to alternative orthodontic treatments.

The Bottom Line

The final decision will depend on the assessment of your orthodontic treatments and your personal choice. To get the best guidance visit our specialist orthodontist who will be able to guide you on deciding the best treatment based on your problem and personal preferences.