Will I regret metal braces on the top teeth?

[hidakat]

I've had several ceramic brackets removed and repositioned. Didn't hurt at all.

Well that makes me feel a little better about getting my own off!

[braceystacey]

From other peoples' blogs it looks like ceramics stain more easily, so maybe metal is better?

[hidakat]

It's not the ceramics that stain, it's the rubber ligatures they sometimes put around them. I've had white metal wires instead of rubber for the past 10 months or so with no problems. Red wine, carrot juice and coffee all around!

[Ciara]

It's not the ceramics that stain, it's the rubber ligatures they sometimes put around them. I've had white metal wires instead of rubber for the past 10 months or so with no problems. Red wine, carrot juice and coffee all around!

Exactly! Ceramic brackets do not stain. I love curry and have had zero problems with staining. I also eat or drink things like tomato juice, coffee, tea, foods with saffron, all sorts of berries and have no staining at all. I have metal ties instead of elastics. However, at the moment I have a power chain and that does stain.

[hidakat]

Ooh, yes, I had a power chain last Thanksgiving and I had to be careful not to eat anything fun or else I'd have crazy looking teeth in all the family photos!

[TrustGodAuburn]

I have all metal (top and bottom) and I have had a lot of fun with the colors. It's a personal preference... I have seen lots of adults with full metal brackets, and some with ceramic. I think the metal ones don't look as large on the teeth. Plus - the fun is in the colors

[metalat40]

I have full metal on top and bottom. I was told the metal are a bit stronger, and ceramics are more likely to break vs the metal. Since my orthodontist is a 30 min drive away, I decided to go with metal in hopes of avoiding extra trips to deal with bracket problems. I have no regrets at all. I'm in for 2 years, 40 years old soon, and I could personally care less what others see or don't see in terms of my braces. They'll all be wicked jealous of my gorgeous, healthy teeth. And I'd add that I've encountered nothing but positive support or others wishing they did/could do it, too.

[Sookysunky]

I can't believe your orthodontist said that. Are all his patients so concerned with looks? Is he? If all his adult patients have them, why would that be a reason to get them? I have a few adult friends with metal braces on the tops, and haven't met anyone with the ceramic. I think the metal ones look just fine. I agree that they look like jewels. My daughter when she started orthodontics told me she hoped she could get the silver ones, and thinks its so cool she has them.

[BracesGuy]

Ceramics are less noticeable (especially from a distance) but the brackets are bigger. If you are talking close to someone and smile they are going to see you have braces either way.

[annies]

Why don't you ask if you can have ceramics on just the top 6 front teeth - which are the most noticeable. Do ask whether the ceramic brackets are more bulky - I have them on the lower teeth at the moment (I wasn't given a choice by my dentist!) and whilst they look neat from the outside, they do feel bulky on the inside. I would much rather have had metal, if they are indeed less bulky!