Compare braces types
Metal or ceramic? Compare looks, comfort, cleaning and care side by side.
A general comparison to help you prepare questions for your consultation.
| — | Metal | Ceramic |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Visible metal brackets; coloured ties are optional | Tooth-coloured brackets, less noticeable |
| Comfort | Some soreness after fitting and adjustments; wax helps with rubbing | Similar to metal braces |
| Cleaning | Needs careful brushing around brackets and interdental brushes | Same care as metal; ties can stain with coffee, tea or smoking |
| Food | Avoid very hard and sticky foods | Avoid very hard and sticky foods; limit staining drinks |
| Visits | Regular adjustment visits | Regular adjustment visits |
| Often suits | A wide range of cases, including complex ones | Patients who want a more discreet look |
| Good to know | Very durable and widely used | Brackets are a little larger and more delicate than metal |
Metal
- Appearance
- Visible metal brackets; coloured ties are optional
- Comfort
- Some soreness after fitting and adjustments; wax helps with rubbing
- Cleaning
- Needs careful brushing around brackets and interdental brushes
- Food
- Avoid very hard and sticky foods
- Visits
- Regular adjustment visits
- Often suits
- A wide range of cases, including complex ones
- Good to know
- Very durable and widely used
Ceramic
- Appearance
- Tooth-coloured brackets, less noticeable
- Comfort
- Similar to metal braces
- Cleaning
- Same care as metal; ties can stain with coffee, tea or smoking
- Food
- Avoid very hard and sticky foods; limit staining drinks
- Visits
- Regular adjustment visits
- Often suits
- Patients who want a more discreet look
- Good to know
- Brackets are a little larger and more delicate than metal
Ask the clinic whether clear aligners are available and suitable for you.
This is an educational illustration, not a medical diagnosis or a guarantee of any result or treatment time. Results differ from patient to patient — please consult a dentist.