If you are thinking of getting braces, then you may be interested in getting white braces rather than traditional metal braces. White braces are much less noticeable than other kinds of dental braces, but are they as good? And how do they compare to other options like clear aligners?
These braces are a popular and just as effective alternative to ‘train tracks.' But if you've come across this article, you probably want to know more to help you decide if they are right for you.
So we will discuss white braces in detail, including the following topics:
- What are white braces?
- What are the different types of ceramic braces?
- Pros and cons
- White braces vs clear aligners
Before we get into the finer details, let's find out exactly what white braces are.
In This Article
What are white braces?
If you haven't heard of white braces before, it may be because they are more commonly known as ceramic braces.
They are braces that are made from a ceramic material that makes them blend in with your teeth. So they are much less noticeable than conventional braces and are a good choice for those that are self-conscious about their appearance.
What are white braces made of?
They consist of porcelain, plastic or ceramic brackets as opposed to metal brackets that conventional braces are made from. They are also made up of wire and in some cases rubber ‘o' ties that secure the wire to the brackets.
In recent times the wire is made from a clear, white or tooth coloured material which makes these braces much less visible when worn. However, this isn't always the case: the wire can also be metal, which was more common in the past with these braces. And not all of these braces require rubber bands to secure the wire, depending on the type of brackets.
What are the different types of white braces?
There is not just one type; there are different styles, brackets, materials, and of course different brands. Some of the kinds of white braces that we will discuss in this article include the following:
- Traditional braces
- Self-ligating braces
- Clear braces
- Coloured white braces
- Different brands
Traditional white braces
White braces can be just like the traditional braces in everything but the colour and the materials they are made from. The brackets are not actually white as the name suggests, instead, they are generally tooth-coloured and can be matched with your exact tooth colour in some cases.
Most types of white brackets are made from polycrystalline which helps them to match your tooth colour. In the past plastic was used but with numerous issues. Thankfully ceramic technology has come a long way in more recent years.
These braces work the same with a system of brackets, wires and rubber bands that get monitored and adjusted by an orthodontist every couple of weeks. And they can treat the same complexity of orthodontic cases.
How do white braces compare to traditional metal braces?
White braces are very similar to metal braces in the treatment method and end results, and many dentists will offer the choice between them. However, there are some minor differences including cost, durability and treatment time.
They do tend to cost more because of the material and the fact that they may have a slightly longer treatment time, and therefore more dental appointments. They are also slightly less durable than metal braces which may account for the longer treatment times.
The brackets can also be a little less uncomfortable than metal brackets as they have a polished finish and are in most cases smaller.
Self-ligating white braces
Clear or ceramic self-ligating braces are a popular option, but also a much more expensive option. They are the same as metal self-ligating braces, but less visible due to the colour. And they don't require rubber bands that are prone to staining as the brackets have spring-loaded clips to secure the archwires.
Self-ligating braces also generally have heat-activated wires which mean that they have a shorter treatment time as the wires never get loose like conventional braces. Self-ligating braces also require fewer dental appointments and are a little bit more comfortable to wear for this reason.
While self-ligating braces may cost more, the fact that these braces hurt less than regular braces and may have a shorter treatment time can make it worth the extra cost.
Clear braces
Clear braces are made up of translucent brackets, are less visible than train tracks, and blend into the teeth underneath. The brackets are made from ceramic material or sapphire. The clear brackets are much stronger than polycarbonate and more stain-resistant.
However, you still need rubber bands with traditional fixed clear braces, and they aren't resistant to staining. So if you decide these braces are right for you, be mindful to avoid consuming highly pigmented food and drink.
Coloured white braces
White braces are generally worn by people that want their braces to appear less obvious. However, if you get the more traditional style of fixed braces that require rubber bands to secure the archwires you can still opt for colourful bands.
So if you're not concerned with being discreet, but still want to get these braces, you can jazz them up with different colours of your choice!
Different white braces brands on the market
There are a few different brands to choose from when it comes to ceramic braces, some higher priced than others. Some of these brands include the following:
- Radiance Plus
- Damon
- Clarity
- InVu
Pros and cons of white braces
Now that we have discussed all of the different types on the market, let's discuss the pros and cons of white braces.
Pros
- Less noticeable than metal braces
- Can treat a range of orthodontic cases
- Suitable for teenagers and adults
- Stain-resistant brackets
- Brackets can cause slightly less irritation to gums and cheeks
Cons
- Less durable than metal braces
- Longer treatment time
- More expensive
Alternative orthodontic treatments
If you are interested in white braces because of their aesthetic appearance, there are some alternatives that you can consider before deciding which is right for you. Some of these alternatives include invisible braces, clear aligners and lingual braces.
Lingual braces are a type of fixed brace that sits inside of your teeth so they are not visible unless your mouth is wide open.
Clear aligners are different to fixed braces; for starters, they are removable. But they also look quite different as well. They are custom made clear plastic trays that fit snugly to your teeth to apply pressure and guide your teeth into position.
Not all clear aligners are equal though, and only invisible braces like Invisalign can treat more complex orthodontic cases. So it is worth checking with your dentist before you decide dental issues are too complex for this orthodontic treatment.
White braces vs clear aligners
As we have already discussed, braces are quite different from clear aligners in both function and design. However, depending on the type of clear aligners that you choose the end results are very much the same.
Clear aligners are generally for milder orthodontic cases, but it is better to discuss this with your dentist or orthodontist before dismissing them. Invisalign can treat up to 90% of orthodontic cases, so you may be eligible.
If you are on a budget there are cheaper treatment options available, such as Straight My Teeth. But if you have more complex orthodontic issues and you are conscious about wearing metal braces, you may find that white braces and Invisalign are similar in cost.
Conclusion
If you want to straighten your teeth without having a mouth full of metal, then white braces may be the solution for you.
White braces, otherwise known as ceramic braces, consist of clear or tooth-coloured brackets secured by a similar coloured or metal wire. There are different types including traditional and self-ligating as well as different brands and different materials.
The pros seem to outweigh the cons with these braces, but a major con is that they are more expensive but slightly less durable than metal braces.
And while they are not completely invisible like alternative treatment options such as clear aligners, they are still good for those that are concerned about their appearance.