Ceramic vs. metal braces.

Before getting my braces, I spent a lot of time exploring my options.  I figured that if I had to have these things for three years, I wanted what would give me the best result, what I would be happy "wearing" for that long, and what I could actually afford.

I searched on the Internet a lot, and "decided" that I wanted the Damon brackets, because they sounded like they would be the best.  What I didn't realize at first is that my options would be pretty much limited to what my orthodontist offered.  I wasn't about to switch orthodontists just to get the bracket I wanted.  The orthodontist I have works regularly with my OS and preps about 70 surgery cases a year.  My OS says he's the best in the area.

So....then my choices basically came down to metal or clear.  I actually spent some time considering this.  I really wanted the clear for aesthetic reasons, but they were A LOT more expensive (like $1500 more expensive and all my OD work has to be out of pocket).  Also, I wasn't sure if they were the best kind for surgery cases, or if they would stain, all sorts of questions.

I talked with one of the OD's assistants who also had braces as an adult.  She said that for the assistants, the metal ones are easier for them to work with.  The metal brackets are smaller and can be somewhat more comfortable against the lips.  Also, the clear brackets themselves don't actually stain.  Clear ligatures (if you have them) can stain, and the bonding can stain from coffee and pop.  She personally went with clear on the top, though, because they looked better.

That is what I decided doing, and I don't really regret it.  Sure, there are times when I wish I had gone all clear, but braces are braces.  People do notice them.  But, whatever.  I'm doing this for me.

My ortho uses In-Ovation brackets.  They are a self-ligating bracket very similar to the Damon bracket.  They don't require rubber or metal ties (ligatures) because they have a little door that closes over the archwire to hold it in.  This system is supposed to work a little bit faster than traditional brackets.  Also, my appointments for adjustments are about 6-8 weeks apart.  Changing the wires goes very quickly because there are no ligatures to take off or put on.

You can see from the pictures I've posted that the metal brackets are a bit smaller.  I don't find the slightly larger ceramic brackets to be all that uncomfortable, though.  I'm very happy with the look.  They're not completely clear, as you can slightly see the "door" and the archwire itself is not clear, but they're not immediately noticeable.  I think that's what I like best about them.  I just feel a little more confident in professional situations having the clear.  I have to be honest, though: it's not like people don't notice them at all.  When I smile, I can tell people look at me a bit like, "something's different about that smile, but I'm not sure what," and then they see BRACES, and it's okay after that. :-)

I've only had the ceramic brackets for a week now.  There are eight clear brackets on top, four metal brackets on top (on the teeth you can't see so much), and two metal bands on top.  So far, so good.  No staining issues so far (I <3 coffee).