My 9-year-old needs braces soon, and we're kinda stuck between metal and ceramic. Metal's cheaper and durable, I know, but ceramic seems less noticeable which might help her confidence at school. But then again, I've heard ceramic can stain or chip easier...dunno if that's true or just internet talk. Anyone have experience with either type for younger kids? Curious what worked better for your family.
We went through something similar last year with our 10-year-old, and honestly, I think the staining/chipping concerns about ceramic braces might be a bit overstated online. Our orthodontist explained that modern ceramic brackets are pretty durable and resistant to staining if you follow basic care guidelines—like avoiding certain foods and drinks. That said, we ended up going with metal anyway because our daughter actually liked the idea of picking out colorful bands each month (go figure...). It turned out to be a confidence booster for her at school rather than something embarrassing. So maybe talk to your kiddo first? You might find she's less worried about visibility than you think, or even excited about customizing her braces. Either way, both options seem solid these days, so try not to stress too much—I know easier said than done!
