Traditional
braces and removable clear aligners, such as Invisalign, both offer
options suitable for patients with a variety of orthodontic problems.
While some patients can achieve their desired outcomes with either
braces or clear aligners, others have issues best suited to one type
of treatment or the other.
Visit
your orthodontist for a thorough diagnosis before you decide which
option is best for you.
Overview
of Treatments
Traditional
metal braces can treat a wide variety of orthodontic problems related
to the position and alignment of the teeth. Orthodontists attach
traditional metal braces, which are made of metal brackets and wires
that are secured with rubber bands, to the teeth with a special
cement that hardens under a light.
The
wires apply pressure to the brackets, which helps slowly shift the
patient's teeth into the desired position. Patients who have
traditional braces wear them for varying lengths of time — usually
between six months and two years, and they're a good option for most
patients, even those who have major orthodontic concerns, such as
severe overcrowding.
Clear
aligners apply pressure to the teeth in the form of a removable tray
molded to fit the patient's teeth. Aligner trays are typically only
about 1 millimeter or less in thickness, and adults typically finish
the entire treatment course in about a year.
Patients
with severe orthodontic issues typically aren't good candidates for
clear aligners since they're not strong enough to correct many
serious issues.
Overview
of Benefits
Both
traditional braces and clear aligners have some benefits of
drawbacks.
Appearance
One
of the biggest differences between traditional braces and clear
aligners is the appearance of the treatment devices. Some
orthodontists offer traditional braces in a variety of colors, and
patients can choose the color of their rubber bands when their
orthodontist changes the bands.
Some
patients are able to get smaller braces that attach to the back of
the teeth to make the metal brackets and wires less noticeable.
Clear
aligners can be virtually invisible on the teeth due to their
thinness and completely transparent material. People who need
orthodontic treatment often prefer to draw as little attention to
their devices as possible.
Comfort
In
terms of comfort, most patients tolerate both traditional braces and
aligners very well. Some patients who have braces experience mild
discomfort when they first get them and for a short time after their
dentist adjusts them, which typically happens every three to ten
weeks.
Patients
who opt for clear aligners use new aligner trays as their treatment
progresses. Most patients change trays about every two weeks, though
some change as frequently as every five to seven days. Patients may
experience some mild discomfort when they start using a new aligner
because it’s tighter on the teeth.
Lifestyle
Accommodation
One
of the biggest points to consider when you choose between traditional
braces and aligner trays is what will best fit your lifestyle. You
can't remove metal braces, so they're a good choice for people who
might have trouble keeping track of their aligner trays.
Hard
or sticky foods aren't recommended for people with braces, and dental
hygiene can be more intensive with braces as well. Patients must
learn to brush and floss thoroughly around the brackets and wires to
keep their teeth and gums healthy until the braces come off.
Young
children can get braces before all of their permanent teeth come in,
which helps correct issues before they get too old.
Clear
aligners allow patients to eat as they please since they must remove
the trays before eating, drinking, and brushing their teeth. The
aligners must be worn for a minimum of 20 hours per day to be
effective, and many orthodontists recommend patients wear them for 22
to 23 hours each day.
Clear
aligners are generally not a good choice for patients who might have
trouble remembering to put them back in immediately after eating or
brushing. Aligners make dental hygiene during treatment easier,
however, since they don't stay in the mouth.
Donald
E. Snyder Orthodontics offers orthodontics in the greater Fresno and
Clovis, California areas. Contact
us today
to schedule a free orthodontic consultation visit if you're
considering braces or aligner trays to improve your smile.
