Metal braces aid the alignment of crowded or crooked teeth. Read on for the benefits and drawbacks of this type of brace, as well as the alternative treatments.

While metal braces have silver brackets and wires and can have an array of colorful elastic bands, ceramic braces are the same color as a person’s teeth.

Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces in terms of structure, but they’re less noticeable because they use clear or tooth-colored brackets rather than gray or metallic-colored components.