Traditional Braces vs Clear Aligners | How to Choose?

You’ve done it. You have finally made the big decision to straighten your teeth. But with all the options, how do you know which is best for you? The two most obvious options are clear aligners, which straighten the teeth using bolding plastic trays, and traditional metal braces using brackets and wires. Each option has its pros and cons. But, to decide which is best for you, you need to weigh them yourself. It is essential to know which is better or faster, and which orthodontic treatments will suit you best.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of braces vs. clear aligners.

What are the Advantages of Clear Aligners?

The advantages of clear aligner therapy are apparent. Aligners are removable and practically invisible- the number one reason people choose them as the best cosmetic option for teeth straightening.

You can remove the set of aligners for special events like weddings, family photos, or speeches. You can remove them to clean the teeth. Hence, patients that choose aligners typically have better oral hygiene than those wearing traditional braces.

What are the Disadvantages of Clear Aligners?

Because you can remove clear aligners, they only work when they are on the teeth. This means that most of the responsibility for your orthodontic success rests on the patient. Putting it bluntly, if you don’t wear them, they won’t work. Clear aligners are not available for young children and must be worn at least 22 hours a day.

Another disadvantage is that there are some limitations in the types of tooth movement it can accomplish. Complex or severe cases achieve better success with traditional metal braces.

What are the Advantages of Traditional Braces?

Traditional braces use rubber bands, brackets, and wires to move the teeth into the desired position. Because the brackets are cemented to the teeth, treatment success depends mainly on the dentist, not the patient. Patients who struggle with consistency in wearing their aligners would have better success with traditional braces.

Braces can accomplish more complicated tooth movements than aligners. In many cases, braces also work faster than aligners and are available for children, teens, and adults. You don’t have to settle for metal; you can choose other types of orthodontics like, tooth-colored ceramic braces.

What are the Disadvantages of Traditional Braces?

Many orthodontic patients in their teens and adulthood find the idea of wearing all that metal in their mouths embarrassing.

The attachments on the brackets make brushing and flossing difficult, so many people suffer from excessive plaque buildup and teeth staining during treatment. Plaque buildup causes bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.

The brackets and wires of metal braces can cause discomfort by rubbing or cutting the inside of the cheeks, lips, and tongue.

Braces vs. Clear Aligners | What’s Best for You?

Call William A. Raineri, DDS, your place for orthodontics in Baldwinsville, New York, to schedule a consultation with our friendly staff. We can answer any questions about your orthodontic treatment options and help you decide and tailor an orthodontic plan best for your unique teeth.