About Paul Supan Expertise Questions regarding Braces, Invisible Braces, & Invisalign. Also issues involving combination Cosmetic Dentistry and Orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics alone sometimes is not enough to achieve that perfect smile. Gingival (gum) recontouring, tooth reshaping, bonding and other services are sometimes needed. I also have substantial experience in the areas of Infection Control and Sterilization in the Dental Environment. My personal website braces.com is non-commercial for information purposes only and may provide you with some background to more precisely frame your question for allexperts.com.
Experience Board Certified Orthodontist (ABO Diplomate) with over 20 years of Private Practice experience. Second Specialty Certificate in Dental Public Health with research experience at NIH, and Epidemiology Training & Research at Harvard, NIH, and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta. Postgraduate Masters degree from the Harvard School of Public Health.
Organizations American Dental Association
American Association of Orthodontists
Academy of General Dentistry
College of Diplomates of the ABO
OSAP - Office Sterilzation & Asepsis Procedures Organization
Others
Publications Available upon Request
Education/Credentials BS College of William & Mary, DDS Medical College of Virginia, Masters of Public Health (MPH) Degree Harvard School of Public Health. Dental Public Health Specialty Certificate from NIH. Orthodontic Specialty Certificate from University of Rochester Eastman Dental Center. USPHS clinical research experience at NIH, and Epidemiology Training & Research at Harvard, NIH, and the Centers for Disease Control. Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD), and Fully Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.
Awards and Honors Available upon Request
Please see my personal web page www.braces.com for further personal background
Question Hey, I have a quick question. I have to make up my mind regarding Ceramic Braces or Metal Braces, I'd prefer Ceramic because you barely see them and seeing as my teeth have an overbite and after a few months I'm getting a "hurst" I think it's called that, Metal braces are an option but not what I would like. But on the other hand My freind had her ceramic braces on for a year and a half and her teeth have not moved one bit, or there are still gaps inbetween. I don't mind having the ceramics on longer, but if they do not work, then it's a waste of my money and I'd get the metal ones. I have gaps but they are not huge, I just need advise as to which ones would do a better job. I don't know if my dentist is cheating me because ceramic braces are more money, so I need a second opinion. I'm getting them on in 3 weeks, so as soon as you can reply to this that would be great.
Thanks
Nabeela
Answer
Hi Nabeela,
What I write here are only my opinions based on very limited information. My comments should not be viewed as a definitive diagnosis or any form of treatment recommendation. Indeed, in the ultimate analysis all final decisions, particularly clinical ones, should only be made by qualified doctors who have had a chance to see you in person and who have had an opportunity to take and analyze proper diagnostic records.
Okay, having said that, your questions focused on ceramic vs. metal braces in conjunction with orthodontic treatment.
I actually have a long discussion of this on my personal web page at www.braces.com . Both types of braces work. At the same time, each can also fail to correct an orthodontic problem as well.
I understand the desire for ceramics. I personally prefer to use metal because it is less complex, the brackets are not as fragile and subject to shattering, and the debonding process when the braces are removed is much simpler.
The new metal braces are very small. I would say there is no "correct" answer for you. You simply need to choose. Ask your Orthodontist to show you pictures or models which demonstrate each type of appliance. Perhaps you can then judge which is best for you.
I happen to have braces on MY very teeth at the moment to correct some relapse and shifting which has occurred. I did NOT choose Invisalign, I did NOT choose ceramics. I chose metal.
In my hands, and in the hands of many orthodontists, traditional classic metal braces are the simplest, quickest, most efficient way to get the teeth corrected. Of course this does not apply to all doctors., but I have yet to meet a doctor who has claimed that he/she could correct a condition quicker or more efficiently with ceramic vs. metal brackets. As they say YMMV .. your mileage may vary.
I hope this has been helpful
Paul Supan, DDS, MPH
Board Certified Orthodontist
www.braces.com
