Does anyone actually have traditional metal braces anymore

[Eternal]

I wasn't offered anything other than metal

[jaytotheme]

I have ceramic on top, metal on bottom. I was told there wouldn't be any difference except cost.

[Kurisu]

I have the traditional metal ones, with smoke colored o-rings and all.

The ceramic ones cost marginally more ($350 difference), but I figured with metal it would last longer and treatment would be faster. I know it's a hot debate, but I trust my ortho and she recommends metal even over invisalign (some dentists out to make a quick buck would ONLY offer invisalign when they ask "have u thought about braces?"). She said that if vanity is a big concern, ceramic is always an option of I change my mind. :]

[Dee17]

My orthodontist does both ceramic and metal (Damon) braces. When I told him that I had decided to opt for the all metal ones he said he thought that was a better choice. He says that he gets better results with the all metal braces because he has more control. So, I am not 100% sure that's true but it helped me feel better about my choice. I decided to get the all metal ones because everything I was reading about the ceramic braces talked about all the "extra bulk" they added to the mouth. I decided that I really did not want to have to deal with that, that having braces would be bad enough. I have not regretted my decision once.

[foysie]

I opted for the clear upper and bottom as I work in retail talking to customers all day and really didn't want a braces look !

My first day at work and hardly anyone even noticed them - that was the staff who knew I was getting them !

I spoke to a friend from another shop for 5 minutes and she never noticed a thing ! I was watching for the 'omg you have braces' but nothing !!

Many have not noticed and those I told said you could hardly see them - yahoo !!

This now has given me a lot more confidence as I felt they were so obvious and not a pretty sight !

One lady I know says ' oh it has filled out your top lip area more' - its like Botox and she wants this look now !!

[Dee17]

You must be joking about the fact that she "wants this look" !! Really? I am just about killing myself here laughing over this.

[debinator]

I have all metal top and bottoms. At least I will when they finally put the bottoms on

I was offered ceramic, but opted for all metal because I have seen people with the ceramics and I knew they had something going on with their teeth just not sure what, at least with all metal every one would know for sure that I had braces and not just something stuck to my teeth. I figure if people are gonna look any way might as well be obvious about it.

[Dee17]

You're absolutely right about that. Once I finally got over my feelings of embarrassment about my braces, I pretty much began to feel that way. I find that most people are just so immersed in their own stuff that they barely have any time or inclination to notice what is going on with other people, let alone what is going on in their mouth. I have not regretted getting all metal braces. But my upper teeth are starting to get very sore so I may be changing that sentiment in the not too distant future!

[Leebie3]

I have full metal.. I wasn't given the option but I'm not complaining seeing as I'm getting them free through James Cook Uni up here in Cairns!

[Dee17]

Hi Leebie3,
I'm just wondering how you were lucky enough to get your braces for free!?

[Leebie3]

Hi Dee17.. James Cook Uni have a dental school that's only just opened. They offered free braces for their first year.. but even though they now charge it's still only $2400 if you don't have a healthcare card or $740 if you do! Very very lucky eh!

[Dee17]

Oh yes, that's a very good deal. Much more reasonable than the $6500 I'm paying. Sheesh!

[Tobilei]

Hi Dee17.. James Cook Uni have a dental school that's only just opened. They offered free braces for their first year.. but even though they now charge it's still only $2400 if you don't have a healthcare card or $740 if you do! Very very lucky eh!

That's amazing! I wish I lived a bit closer to North QLD! I coughed up nearly $7000 for mine (and I've yet to brace my twins!). Congratulations on such an awesome deal! *goes off to google dental schools*

[Leebie3]

Do it! SOOOO much cheaper and the way I see it is you get the very latest, up to date care that is double checked every visit My 17yr old daughter is going to get them soon too. We're both having double sugery as well but her teeth won't take as long as mine to move because of her younger bones. Where are you in Oz?

[Tobilei]

Do it! SOOOO much cheaper and the way I see it is you get the very latest, up to date care that is double checked every visit My 17yr old daughter is going to get them soon too. We're both having double sugery as well but her teeth won't take as long as mine to move because of her younger bones. Where are you in Oz?

NSW, South of Sydney (about 2 hours). I had a look, it seems there aren't any here I'd probably have to travel to Sydney which isn't really an option for now (might be later on, I'll look into it more then).

I love our ortho, he does a fantastic job and is super patient with me. His practice keeps pretty up to date with the latest stuff. We'll probably ask for more of a discount given there'll be 4 of us in braces by the time we're done