When it comes to orthodontic treatment, the first issue that concerns the minds of many people is choosing the type of bracket. Metal bracket has been known for many years as a classic and reliable option in orthodontics, and due to its high strength and predictable performance, it is still one of the most widely used methods for correcting misaligned teeth.
With the increasing attention of people to the beauty of the smile during treatment, ceramic orthodontics was proposed as a newer option. This type of bracket has a more elegant appearance due to being the same color as the teeth and is especially popular among adults.
However, the choice between metal brackets and ceramic orthodontics is not only limited to appearance. Differences in durability, speed of treatment, cost and even One of the points that should be considered when choosing between metal brackets and ceramic orthodontics is the level of resistance and durability of brackets. The metal bracket is traditionally made of stainless steel, which can withstand severe orthodontic forces due to its high strength. This feature makes the metal bracket the first choice of specialists in complex treatments and cases where the teeth need a lot of movement. Ceramic bracket is also durable, but its resistance is not the same as metal bracket. Ceramic material has a more fragile nature than metal, so if sudden pressure is applied or the patient eats very hard foods, there is a possibility of breaking the ceramic bracket. Of course, the new generations of ceramic brackets have become much more resistant and in many cases have an acceptable performance. Another point is that the rate of wire slippage in a metal bracket is higher than in a ceramic bracket. In other words, the metal bracket creates less friction and this issue can increase the speed of treatment in some patients. On the contrary, the ceramic bracket has more friction, so in some cases the treatment time may be a little longer. To better understand the technical differences, the following table provides a comparison between the strengths of the brackets: This table shows that ceramic orthodontics is at an acceptable level in terms of resistance, but metal brackets are still a safer choice in more severe and complex treatments. Cost is one of the important factors that influence patients' decisions. Ceramic orthodontics usually cost more than metal brackets because the materials used to make ceramic brackets are more expensive. In addition, the process of installing and adjusting ceramic brackets is usually more time-consuming and requires more precision. On the other hand, metal brackets are considered one of the most cost-effective orthodontic methods. Metal materials are less expensive to manufacture, and metal brackets are easier to adjust for a professional. For this reason, metal brackets are usually a more economical option for patients who are on a budget. Another difference is the length of treatment. Metal brackets usually move teeth faster due to less friction and greater force tolerance. This causes some patients to be treated with metal brackets for a shorter period of time. On the other hand, ceramic orthodontics may require more time in some cases. Of course, this increase in time is usually not so much and it mostly depends on the type of dental problem of the patient. If the patient cooperates well and takes the necessary care, the duration of the treatment can be controlled to a large extent. Finally, it should be noted that the cost and time of treatment both directly depend on the individual conditions of the patient and the complexity of the treatment, and the right bracket must be selected with careful consideration. Choosing the right bracket for your conditions. Choosing between ceramic orthodontics and metal brackets is not a general decision, but an individual choice that is completely dependent on the patient's condition. The first factor that should be considered is the importance of beauty for the patient. If the patient tends to not see the brackets when smiling or talking, ceramic orthodontics will be a better choice. This method is very suitable for adults who are present in formal environments or who care more about their appearance. The second factor is the type and complexity of the dental problem. If the teeth require heavy movement, a lot of rotation, or complex movements, metal brackets are usually a better choice. Orthodontists typically recommend metal brackets for more difficult treatments because metal is stronger and responds better to orthodontic forces.Resistance and durability of ceramic brackets
Features Ceramic bracket Metal bracket Impact resistance Medium Very high Probability of breakage Present Very low Wire friction Moderate to high Low Durability in long treatments Fair Very suitable Ability to withstand severe forces Less Much more Difference in cost and duration Treatment
