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Are you ready to dive into the world of orthodontic treatment, but you’re not sure which method is right for you? We take a close look at the differences between clear aligners and braces here to help you make an informed decision.
Clear aligners and braces are both FDA-approved methods for straightening teeth and aligning bites, and it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Many factors can go into making this decision, including your age, lifestyle, and how much smile correction you need.
Orthodontic treatment is a time commitment and financial investment, so Farid Hanachi, DDS, PA, and the rest of our team at Hanachi Orthodontics in Gastonia and Mooresville, North Carolina, want to make sure you’re able to make an informed decision when choosing between clear aligners and traditional braces.
This month’s blog explores the differences between clear aligners and braces and when to choose one treatment over the other.
What you need to know about clear aligners
Clear aligners use a series of custom-made mouthpieces to slowly shift your teeth to their desired positions. These trays can shift your teeth in small increments by applying consistent pressure.
The aligners are made of a medical-grade, flexible plastic and are a much more discreet alternative to traditional metal braces, which is why they’re often chosen over braces.
Clear aligners have a lot of benefits to offer. They’re removable, which means you can easily eat a variety of foods and brush your teeth thoroughly. They’re also less likely to break and have issues, which means you don’t need nearly as many office visits.
There are a few drawbacks to clear aligners, however. You do need to be diligent about wearing your aligners for at least 22 hours a day. If you forget to put them back after eating or brushing your teeth, you run the risk of losing the trays or distorting your treatment plan.
What you need to know about metal braces
Braces have been used for decades to correct smiles, and for good reason. They’re incredibly dependable and get the job done by using brackets and wires to apply constant pressure to your teeth in order to encourage them to move.
Metal braces can treat any orthodontic issue, which often isn’t the case for clear aligners. The aligner trays can treat more minor issues, but braces can treat anything. You also don’t need to worry about taking them out to eat or brush your teeth, taking some of the treatment responsibility off your plate.
There are several cons when it comes to braces, though. They are very bulky, which can not only be an aesthetic problem, but the brackets and wires can also cut your teeth and gums. You also need to be careful with what you eat when you have braces since food can get stuck in your braces and lead to tooth decay later on.
How to choose between clear aligners and braces
As long as you don’t have any major overcrowding or bite issues, clear aligners are a great choice for orthodontic treatment. They’re discreet and a very effective method for straightening teeth and correcting bad bites.
However, if you don’t think you’ll remember to wear your aligners consistently or you have severe orthodontic issues, braces may be a better option.
If you’re still not sure which treatment method is best for you, our team would be happy to sit down with you and weigh your options together. Schedule an orthodontic consultation by calling your nearest office location or booking online. We proudly serve the Gastonia and Mooresville, North Carolina, areas.