Pros And Cons Of Braces Vs. Clear Aligners

Which type of appliance to use to correct their orthodontic problem – braces or clear aligners? How do they decide? These would be the top questions specialists get from those who are considering orthodontic treatment. Here are some common treatment factors to consider for both braces and clear aligners. You should know before getting your orthodontic treatment.

Well, the first thing you should know is that there is not a single “right way” for orthodontic treatment to be done. For the best result, orthodontists will give you an accurate diagnosis after obtaining orthodontic records (x-rays, photos, and models). Then, they pinpoint the problem before crafting a customized correction.

Some things apply to all patients, such as brushing and flossing teeth daily and wearing retainers post-treatment. However, an individual's correction shall be based on the goals of treatment as well as the patient's lifestyle needs, which doesn't make one appliance better than another. Now, let’s examine some common treatment factors to consider for both braces and clear aligners.

Braces

Using braces can successfully treat most orthodontic problems. Having been used as the traditional form of treatment by orthodontists for decades, today’s streamlined braces come in various models – stainless steel, tooth-colored ceramic, and even gold-colored.

1. Visibility

While there are more inconspicuous options for braces (tooth-colored brackets, braces that go behind the teeth), other elements remain visible (rubber bands, wires, or gold-colored brackets). However, you can choose to alter the colors of your rubber bands.

2. Removability

Braces remain affixed to the teeth throughout the course of treatment for a more stable and functional result. To look on the bright side, you can’t lose them unless you eat hard and sticky foods.

3. Comfort

In the beginning, there might be some discomfort when braces are placed or adjusted, and brackets and wires can temporarily irritate your mouth tissue. But overall, the discomfort is short-term and easily managed. Once you become accustomed to the braces, you may even forget having them on.

4. Hygiene

There is a need to keep teeth, gums, and braces free of plaque and food debris so bacteria can’t attack tooth enamel or cause inflamed gums. Food debris and plaque must be removed by frequent brushing and flossing.

5. Diet

Those with braces must be careful about hard, sticky, crunchy, and chewy foods to avoid breaking a bracket or popping a wire out of the bracket. Instead of carbonated drinks, flavored waters, or sports drinks that contain acids and sugars, and both are bad for tooth enamel, try to opt for water.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are plastic replicas of your teeth. The gentle pressure on the teeth to slightly repositioning them as you wear them. As one of many technological advancements, aligners have made orthodontic treatment less conspicuous. They're also one of the many appliances orthodontists use to move teeth and align jaws.

1. Visibility

With clear, thin, plastic-like trays, aligners are virtually invisible and allowing an individual to achieve a straight smile inconspicuously. To help guide the teeth into place, there will be tooth-colored attachments placed on the teeth. Aligners are designed to minimize the appearance of the appliance to fit any lifestyle better.

2. Removability

Aligners are removable, which makes many patients appreciate them even more. You can take them out to eat, to brush and floss, or for short periods for special occasions. The key is to wear them as prescribed. That typically means a minimum of 22 hours a day and in the correct sequence. But because of their high removability, aligners can be easily lost or damaged.

3. Comfort

There may be some discomfort when you first switch to a new set of aligners, but it's not hard to manage. Aligners are made for looking fabulous and feeling more confident after the treatment, not comfortable while wearing them, so don't remove them due to mild discomfort.

4. Hygiene

It is crucial to avoid drinking soft drinks, flavored waters, or sports drinks of any kind with aligners in. Liquids seep into aligners, and if they contain acid, sugar, or worse, both, it can rapidly lead to staining of the teeth and extensive decay. Make sure your teeth are spotless with aligners placed in the mouth.

What type of appliance is used in orthodontic treatment is far less important than how the skill of the person providing the treatment is. Rely on the skills of your orthodontist, who has the education, experience, and expertise to evaluate diagnostic findings and develop those into a treatment plan that will help you or your child achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.