The Internet is full of people asking if metal braces take longer to get off than regular braces, so it’s time we address this question! Let’s begin by taking a look at what materials are used in each kind of brace. In metal braces, the brackets and wires (which connect the brackets to the teeth) are metal, while in traditional clear braces, the brackets are metal but the wires are made from plastic. Because metal braces have always been more visible than clear ones, you may have heard that they take longer to get off, but that’s not really true!
The truth about metal braces
It’s no secret that metal braces are stronger than clear or ceramic braces, but they aren’t necessarily harder to get off. In fact, if you have metal braces your orthodontist might be able to shorten your treatment time by a few months. The key here is getting use to wearing them correctly from day one and doing what you can to minimize any discomfort. If you feel like wearing metal braces is slowing down your smile transformation, talk with your dentist about other options for quick teeth straightening.
What are the advantages of metal braces over other types?
The biggest advantage that metal braces have over other types of braces is how quickly they can straighten your teeth. With traditional metal braces, you may get straight teeth in just one year! For example, a recent study show that teens who got their teeth straight with traditional metal braces were on average 1.2 millimeters straighter than those who opted for lingual orthodontics (braces hidden behind the teeth). Although most orthodontists say it’s impossible to determine which type of braces are best—metal or lingual—before treatment begins, we think there’s plenty of evidence here showing what most people think: getting your teeth fix with metal braces isn’t just quick, it can be extremely effective.
Another big advantage of metal braces is that they don’t have wires and brackets like Invisalign and invisible braces do. Invisalign and invisible braces can take longer because each adjustment requires adjusting all of your brackets; meanwhile, when you’re wearing metal braces, only your bands need to move from visit to visit. There’s less pressure involved as well—teeth tend to stick better when held by wire than by bracket alone. By comparison, tooth movement with Invisalign usually takes three times as long as it does with metals-backed dental aligners , so if you want faster results for quicker comfort, go for standard metals braces!
What are the disadvantages of metal braces?
The main disadvantage of metals braces is that they are more expensive than ceramic braces. But, because they are stronger and last longer, they may be worth it in the long run if you’re a hard-to-fit case. Also, metals braces require more care when you eat and brush them. Dentists usually tell patients with metals braces not to floss their teeth or to use special interdental brushes for getting food particles out from between their teeth. Still, many patients say that switching to metals braces was one of the best decisions they ever make.
The biggest difference between ceramic and metals braces is aesthetic; most people think plastic fits better in an attractive smile. If you want your treatment period over as quickly as possible and don’t mind spending some extra money on your orthodontic treatment, then choosing metal over plastic might make sense for you. It all comes down to what kind of patient you are—do a little research on different types of braces before deciding which type might be right for you!
Do metals braces really take longer than clear ones?
It’s a myth that braces are slower than traditional metals or ceramic ones. It can be true that some braces have slightly more hooks in them and may take slightly longer to put on, but most of the time it doesn’t take much longer. The average length of treatment for metals braces is two years, while clear brackets are an average of two years and five months. Every case is different, so follow your orthodontist’s instructions on how long your treatment should last. If you feel like you’re ready for your new smile before schedule, talk with your orthodontist about getting off early! You just might be able to save some money by getting a refund on part of what you owe.
