29, getting braces in a week - cant decide metal or ceramic?

[kgstar]

I have an appointment to get my braces put on at the beginning of January. So far I am scheduled to have clear on top and metal on bottom. I havent seen anyone who has clear braces. The receptionist told me she had clear but her second time got metal because she thought those look better!! ??? So now I am confused. Is the bulkiness really that significant? The staining they told me wouldnt be a problem because of new bands that are resistant to stains. I have a huge smile and pretty big teeth, I really dont want metal but I keep getting people that tell me to get metal and or dont have anything convincing to say about ceramic. I would love to see pictures of real people with clear and metal braces so I can get a better idea. Please help.

[bbsadmin]

It's not the brackets that get stained. It's the elastic ligatures. And while they may be "resistant" to stains, they still do stain. So if you think that the clear elastics will stay that way if you eat curry or drink black coffee (for example), they won't. Take that into consideration!

[blackapple]

I have clear braces on top and metal silver on the bottom. Yes the ceramic are bulky but I don't notice it now that I have been in braces for a few months. Choosing ceramic up top was the best decision for me because it is barely noticeable I have braces especially when I smile in pictures and talk. Yes the ligatures which in my case were powerchains did get stained a bit but they were changed out at each appointment so it wasn't a big deal for me.

[Ellebraced]

Hi

There is lots of picture in the braces story section of this website. Just click on my link viewtopic.php?f=9&t=37941

I just got ceramic on top, metal on the bottom. I must say I was surprised how noticeable my ceramic really are, because they do not have those elastics around each one and they do have some metal. Good news I can eat any food I want and they will not stain.

Check out my story and some others, lot's of pictures.

I don't think I would ever have gone all metal but that's just me. Wish they were a bit less noticeable though but many people have very very clear looking ceramics, it depends on the type

Good luck, let us know what you get!!

Elle

[kaylaa]

I got all metal. I figured that they were going to be there and people would see them, so I might as well have a bit of fun with them.

[kgstar]

Here is a current picture of my teeth. You might not see the defects but i will post pictures of those later on.

[Lynette]

I have had both metal and ceramic braces in my lifetime and I have to say if you have the chance to get ceramic, definitely get them!

I have ceramics at the moment. The ceramics are a little larger, but after a couple of days you get use to them. Also with the staining, you learn what stains them and what doesn't and now I just avoid foods that stain or have them close to my lig change date.

I have pics at my blog if you want to check them out

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[sadface]

I find this question hard to answer.

I have ceramic on my top teeth and metal on my bottom.



Now, my top teeth 90% of the time look yellow and horrible whereas my bottom teeth in the metal braces look white. Much whiter than my top teeth.

The top look slightly better after my monthly appointments and have new ligs/mods on.

but after about a week or so of watching what I eat, quitting smoking, drinking everything through a straw they still end up stained and gross.


Half of the problem is maybe the fact that theres excess glue over my teeth which I have tried to get fixed numerous times but with little success.


So I pretty much spend most my time keeping my mouth shut, smiling as little as possible and counting down the days to getting this crap off my teeth.


I'm not even bothered about people noticing thr actual braces, but this yellow look cos of all the glue is pretty annoying.

(Theres a little excess glue on the bottom, but it's transparent still and teeth look white so it has to be something to do with ceramic braces)


This all could possibly be just my personal experience and your experience could be a lot different, I don't know.
I'm also English, and our Ortho treatment is probably not upto par with yours. (Assuming you're American!)

[plugnickel69]

Do you know what type of brackets you have?

[sadface]

Moi? I believe they're Radiance(?) brackets.

[littleviolet]

I love my ceramics! I only have them on the top, but you can't usually see my bottom teeth when I smile so it's okay. Mine dont stain at all because I have self ligating braces, so they dont use any rubber (which is the bit that stains on clear braces).

They are a bit bigger then my metals but im used to them now and they don't bother me. I haven't even had to use any wax since getting them on 2 weeks ago.

They are a lot less noticible then full metal braces. In photos you can't even see them unless it's a close up of your mouth!

Im glad I payed the extra money to have ceramics.

[kgstar]

I love my ceramics! I only have them on the top, but you can't usually see my bottom teeth when I smile so it's okay. Mine dont stain at all because I have self ligating braces, so they dont use any rubber (which is the bit that stains on clear braces).

They are a bit bigger then my metals but im used to them now and they don't bother me. I haven't even had to use any wax since getting them on 2 weeks ago.

They are a lot less noticible then full metal braces. In photos you can't even see them unless it's a close up of your mouth!

Im glad I payed the extra money to have ceramics.

I am glad to hear of someone that is happy with their ceramics! Although I wont be getting the self ligating ones
I think I am still leaning towards them anyhow. I will have to cut back on most of the foods I eat and things i drink but I am sure it will be worth it

[poppy123]

i have ceramics with ligs. there are no metal on mine and the wire is teflon coated (white). Im very happy with them. there are pics on my story...dont know how to paste a link, sorry. Mine do stain though but i dont regret getting ceramics over metal ones.

[SilverGirl]

I have ceramics on top and metal on bottom - the ceramics are bulkier, but I'm really glad I went with them. They are noticeable in person, but not really in photos. Here is a close-up of them now (taken with my webcam, so not the best quality - sorry!)

[kgstar]

Thank you all! Thats exactly what I needed real stories and real pictures that would help me see what it really looks like! I think I have made up my mind! Thanks