Metal, Ceramic, and Lingual Braces: Premium-Grade Materials for Premium-Grade Smiles

Metal braces can be made of many different kinds of metal, combined into a mixture known as an alloy. 

The most effective metal braces are made of titanium alloys, combined with a small amount of nickel and/or chromium. Chromium-nickel-cobalt alloys are also popular and effective. Incognito® lingual braces use a gold alloy for their brackets, which are affixed to the inside of the teeth.

All metal braces alloys should be designed for corrosion resistance and biocompatibility, to ensure they do not cause inflammation or irritation of the mouth, gums, and lips when affixed for treatment. (Some irritation or discomfort is normal at the beginning of treatment, as your mouth adjusts to the new appliance). Ask your orthodontic provider about what kind of metals they use for their braces.

Metal braces need to be made of corrosion-resistant materials because your saliva works hard to break down anything in your mouth – that’s how your body digests food.

No metal is entirely corrosion-proof, but the metal alloys used in metal braces corrode very slowly and will remain in excellent condition throughout the length of your treatment. For that reason, corrosive metals like iron are rarely used in braces, or used in very small quantities.

Rust is the corrosion of iron: since iron starts to corrode fairly quickly, it’s not used in metal braces or used in very small quantities.

The metal used in metal braces are selected for their durability and level of corrosion resistance: usually an alloy of titanium, nickel, and/or chromium, or in some cases, cobalt. These alloys are designed to be resistant to corrosion.

No metal is 100% corrosion-proof – all metals degrade over time. However, these alloys are designed to resist corrosion so effectively that they will stay in excellent condition for as long as your orthodontic treatment lasts. 

You shouldn’t notice any corrosion of the metal for the length of your braces treatments. If you have questions, consult your orthodontic provider.

In very rare cases, patients may be allergic to the metal in braces. This is rare, but when it happens, it is typically because of an allergy to nickel, which is contained in small amounts in the metal alloys used for braces brackets or wires.

The allergic reaction is usually dermatological, creating a rash or itchy skin on the lips or cheeks. If you have a nickel allergy, you can still get metal braces: your orthodontist will simply use a nickel-free metal alloy for your treatment.

You can also consider different orthodontic treatments – look into ceramic braces, which are usually nickel-free, or Invisalign aligners, which are made of clear plastic aligners and don’t contain any metal at all.

If you’re not sure if you have a nickel allergy, you can consult a dermatologist or allergen specialist, who can do an allergy test to determine whether you have a nickel allergy.

Metal braces are the original form of orthodontic treatment, and they are still extremely effective, safe, reliable, and comfortable! Millions of people – kids, teens, and adults – get straight teeth and beautiful smiles using metal braces every year, with long-lasting results.

The technology used in metal braces has continued to evolve, using state-of-the-art metal alloys and precision 3D modeling to achieve outstanding results, every time.

They are also one of the most cost-effective kinds of orthodontic treatment and can straighten even the most complex orthodontic cases.

If you’re interested in getting straight teeth and a beautiful smile, metal braces can be the tool you need to achieve the results you want!

Ceramic braces are designed similarly to metal braces: a bracket is affixed to each tooth and are connected by a wire, to slowly and safely move the teeth into their correct alignment.

Ceramic braces are an innovative variation on metal braces treatment, to make the orthodontia less noticeable and more subtle. Instead of metal brackets, they use a tooth-colored or clear polymer resin to make the brackets, which when affixed on the teeth are very subtle and hard to see.

The archwire is made of thin, light-colored metal, designed to blend in with your smile. The result is an effective, safe, and comfortable treatment, with minimal impact on your appearance.

Ceramic braces use the same basic technology as metal braces and achieve the same results. They are an excellent, reliable alternative to metal braces.

For some patients, metal braces may still be a better choice than ceramic braces, as ceramics are slightly less durable than metal braces and more prone to breakage. Athletes or anyone with an extremely active lifestyle may prefer metal braces. Some studies have found ceramic braces to be twice as likely to break as metal braces.

They are also more prone to staining, since they are clear or light-colored, which requires more careful care and a potentially more restricted diet. The ligatures – or rubber bands that go over the brackets to keep the wire attached – are also clear, so they can stain more easily, although these are changed out every month so this is less of a problem.

Due to a likelier possibility of breakage, treatment times with ceramic braces may be slightly longer than with metal braces. Ask your orthodontist which treatment is best for you.

If you’re looking for an excellent, effective treatment regimen with minimal impact on your appearance, ceramic braces are a great choice.

Typically, lingual braces are made of an alloy containing gold, which is good for straightening teeth with consistent contact with your tongue and saliva.

They are entirely safe for use for kids, teens, and adults of all ages, and made of medical materials that are approved for use in orthodontic appliances by the FDA.

Yes, lingual braces are an effective orthodontic treatment. They are popular for patients who want to straighten their teeth without the appearance of braces.

They tend to be considerably more expensive than traditional metal braces, due to the customization required in creating the treatment, and the fact that fewer orthodontists offer this option.

Their specific design makes them effective for certain types of treatment cases, but some patients may experience better results with metal braces, especially for more complex cases. If you’re wondering whether Incognito braces are right for you, consult with your orthodontist.

In the past, orthodontic treatment was limited to 2-dimensional imaging to create pictures of patients’ teeth. Both cephalometric radiographs (x-rays) and photographs (as well as putty molds) were used to develop an image of the teeth, bones, and underlying dental structures. 

In recent years, digital technology has helped revolutionize the imaging capabilities of orthodontists. 3D imaging now allows doctors to develop a comprehensive image of the entire dental structure, and even create predictive modeling to determine the most effective treatment methods. 

Braces are known to transform smiles using the same tried and true methods that have worked for generations. We have compiled several real Diamond Braces patients who have corrected their smiles using braces.