Metal Braces
✅ What They Are
Traditional stainless-steel brackets glued to teeth and connected with a wire. Adjusted regularly by an orthodontist.
Advantages
Very effective for complex cases (severe crowding, bite problems, rotations)
Work continuously (not removable)
Usually lower cost than aligners
No risk of forgetting to wear them
Disadvantages
Highly visible
Can cause mouth irritation
Food restrictions (no sticky/hard foods)
Cleaning takes more effort
Regular tightening appointments
✅ What They Are
Custom-made transparent trays that gradually move teeth. You switch trays every 1–2 weeks.
Advantages
Nearly invisible
Removable (easy eating & brushing)
More comfortable (no wires/brackets)
Fewer emergency visits (no broken wires)
Disadvantages
Must wear 20–22 hours/day (discipline required)
Can be more expensive
Not ideal for very complex cases (though improving)
Easy to lose or forget
