How to Choose the Right Braces: Traditional Braces vs. Clear Aligners

How to Choose the Right Braces: Traditional Braces vs. Clear Aligners
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If you’re considering teeth straightening options and aren’t sure how to decide, we can help! Currently, approximately 4 million people wear braces in America, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. What’s even better is that advancements in cosmetic dentistry have given us more options to choose from. Braces or clear aligners: here’s how to choose the right braces.

Before we compare the two, let’s just admit that there’s no clear winner here. The best option is the one that suits you and gives you the desired results. Now, let’s compare the two on the basis of some important factors.

Braces vs. Clear Aligners

Braces have been the solution for almost every orthodontic problem for many years. Today, braces are available in a variety of materials and colors. On the other hand, clear aligners are the new talk of the town. They are made up of transparent plastic and align the teeth without being too obvious. How can you choose the right braces?

Appearance

Braces are more visible than the aligners because of the rubber bands, wires, and metallic brackets. The color of the rubber bands can be chosen to customize your look. If you want something that’s not too obvious, clear aligners would probably be best for you. Aligners are transparent and very thin plastic trays that are worn over the teeth.

Flexibility

Braces are fixed to the teeth, hence they cannot be removed. This is important for its functionality, and can impact how you choose the right braces. In comparison, aligners allow you to remove them while eating or brushing. However, this might be the reason why they are easily lost and damaged.

Ease of Use

Traditional braces need to be fixed and readjusted which can cause unease. The metal components can cause discomfort and mouth sores initially, but those issues are easily resolved. The initial discomfort exists with clear aligners as well since they are meant to tighten and straighten the teeth.

Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is a matter of equal significance for those wearing traditional braces or aligners. Remnants of food can easily get stuck in traditional braces causing tooth decay and gum diseases. Thus, regular brushing and flossing are mandatory. For clear aligner users, it’s important to avoid eating or drinking while wearing aligners; otherwise, food and liquid can accumulate inside the aligners. When aligners are worn over teeth that have not been brushed, they can stain the teeth or cause decay. Aligners must be worn over clean teeth only. The ability to work this into your lifestyle can have a huge impact on how you will choose the right braces.

Prohibitions

When wearing clear aligners, you are prohibited from having acidic or sugary food or drinking flavored or soft drinks. Whereas, wearing braces means you are not allowed to eat anything sticky, chewy or hard. The precaution regarding carbonated and energy drinks applies to the ones wearing braces as well.

Hopefully, that helps you choose the right braces and which option is best for you. Call or stop by your local to make an appointment, and we’d be glad to help you!