Metal
Pros:
-smaller bracket
-ligs are easier to go around which causes a little less pain initially during adjustments
-traditional "look" of braces
-less money in many cases
Cons:
-More visible
Ceramic
Pros:
-less visible
-CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF, THE BRACKETS DO NOT STAIN! (Metal does not either, but I wanted to point this out, as it's a common misconception)
Cons:
-Bulkier
-More costly
-Still visible
-A little harder to get ligs around them (though the discomfort during adjustments is GONE now)
-Ligs can stain*
*Your ortho may be open to using white coated wire ties which resist staining. My uppers have had the SAME wire tires for about 3-4 months now, and I eat curry and tea and coffee and even mustard and THEY DO NOT STAIN!
MY PREFERENCE:
I would do EXACTLY the same as I have now if given the choice again (and I had actualy contemplated putting metal on top when I was de-banded for a month during my wedding/honeymoon, but opted not to go that route). Granted, it wasn't a money issue for me - my ortho offered ceramic at the same price - but I like not having total metal in my mouth. YES you can still see I have braces, but it seems more 'adult' to me. And I'm very happy with my smile for the most part.
All this being said - it doesn't matter how many pros and cons of each there are b/c everyone weighs different things differently. For me, I like the astethics of the ceramic, but for others, it's the cost that's more important. YOU are the only one who can determine what is right for you.
As an aside, if you can get the CLEAR brackets, that'd be even BETTER. I have the regular ceramic (they are white), but there are brackets called "ice" or "sapphire" and they are PERFECTLY clear..and from photos, they look even LESS noticeable. (They are still ceramic, they are just clear)
PS Sorry for any typos. I don't have spell check and I don't feel like proof reading. LOL
