metal vs porcelain braces
Braces may be made of metal (silver-coloured) or porcelain (tooth-coloured).
THE PROS AND CONS OF METAL BRACES (SILVER):
- Metal braces are stronger and less likely to break
- They are smaller than porcelain braces
- Metal braces are a bit more efficient
- Metal braces are less expensive
- With metal braces, different colours can be chosen at each visit
- Metal braces are more visible
THE PROS AND CONS OF PORCELAIN BRACES (TOOTH-COLOURED):
- They are less visible
- Porcelain braces are more expensive than metal braces. They cost about R2500 more for a maximum of 10 upper teeth, and about R1500 more for a maximum of 6 lower teeth
- Coloured elastics should not be used with self-ligating, tooth-coloured braces
