Clear aligner treatment is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear, plastic aligners to straighten teeth gradually. These aligners are virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for adults and teens who want to improve their smile without drawing attention to their orthodontic treatment.
Clear aligner treatment typically consists of custom-made aligners worn for 20-22 hours daily. As you wear each aligner, your teeth gradually shift into their desired positions.
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment to improve your smile, you may wonder if clear aligners are the right option. Here are some of the advantages of clear aligner treatment:
- Clear aligners are made from smooth, flexible plastic that is much more comfortable than metal braces. They also don’t require any tightening, which can sometimes be painful.
- Clear aligners can be removed for eating and brushing, so it’s easier to keep your teeth clean than with traditional braces. This can help reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Because they are virtually invisible, clear aligners won’t affect your appearance during treatment the way metal braces would. You’ll be able to smile confidently, knowing that your teeth are gradually being aligned into their ideal position.
- Clear aligners require fewer clinic visits and are ideal for busy teens and adults.
While clear aligner treatment can effectively improve your smile, there are some potential disadvantages to be aware of.
- When you start using clear aligners, you might encounter speech problems and trouble pronouncing certain words. However, this issue will eventually subside with time.
- The aligners must be worn for at least 20-22 hours daily to be effective. This can be challenging for busy adults who may need more time or patience to keep them in place.
- The aligners are less effective at correcting more severe orthodontic issues than traditional braces.
- Clear aligners can be more expensive than traditional braces, particularly if insurance does not cover the cost of treatment.
Braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that is used to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. They consist of metal brackets attached to the teeth and connected by wires. The wires put pressure on the teeth, gradually moving them into the correct position. Treatment with braces usually takes 1-2 years. However, the treatment time can prolong in severe cases.
Braces are one of the oldest orthodontic treatments used to correct alignment and bite problems. The advantages of braces are listed below:
- Braces can give you a boost of confidence and self-esteem by improving your smile.
- Braces can effectively correct a wide range of dental and jaw problems. This includes anything from simple crowding of the teeth to more complex issues such as incorrect bite alignment. Braces are often considered the most effective way to achieve straight, evenly-spaced teeth.
- Braces are not removable. This means they can provide a more stable, longer-lasting treatment for orthodontic conditions.
- The initial cost of braces may seem high, but they are a very good investment in your long-term oral health and are a cheaper alternative to clear aligners.
There are a few disadvantages to braces that are worth mentioning.
- Oral hygiene can be compromised when wearing braces. It is difficult to floss and brush properly when you have metal brackets and wires in your mouth, so plaque and tartar can build up more easily. This can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
- Braces can be uncomfortable and painful, especially when they first go on or when they are tightened.
- Braces can be a bit of a hassle. You must be careful about what you eat and how you clean your teeth.
- Braces require more clinical visits than clear aligner treatment. They also call for emergency visits when wire pokes the cheeks or brackets come off.
Both clear aligners and braces are effective ways to straighten teeth, and both have advantages and disadvantages. Clear aligners are less visible than braces, but they require more discipline on the part of the patient to wear them for the prescribed number of hours each day. Braces are more visible but can be worn for a prolonged time because they are fixed in place.
There is no simple answer to the question of which is better – clear aligners or braces. The best way to find out is to come to Orthodontic Experts for a consultation so that we can take a look at your case and make a recommendation. Contact us today to schedule a no-cost appointment!
