The process of straightening and aligning teeth to improve the appearance and function of a person’s smile is known as orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners and metal braces are the two basic types of orthodontic treatment. Both methods offer advantages and downsides. Therefore, consumers must grasp the differences between the two before deciding which treatment is best for them.
Being obsessed with perfect teeth in society is understandable. Unfortunately, people with misaligned teeth are not only self-conscious about their appearance, but they may also suffer from various health problems. Traditional braces have been the most popular method of tooth straightening for decades. They are the most recognized and reliable treatment for misaligned teeth. However, as time passed, new inventions in the sector emerged.
Clear aligners are one such product that has grown in popularity in recent years, owing to their ability to be almost invisible to human eyes. And while they are becoming more popular among teenagers, dentists should assess if they can replace traditional braces.
Cleaning and maintenance:
Caring for and maintaining hygiene is essential whether you have braces or clear aligners! Brushing and flossing your teeth is necessary for cleaning braces. However, in addition to your regular dental hygiene, you must clean the aligner trays when cleaning clear aligners. So, after each meal, you’ll have to brush and floss your teeth and clean the trays.
Remember that you can’t just clean aligners any old way. You must clean them with warm water, a brush, and a specific, clear aligner cleaning solution. You must ensure that the water is not too hot, as this will damage the shape of your aligner. Also, because remaining food particles can create bacteria buildup, you must clean all the trays’ corners.
More convenient and comfortable:
Of course, both methods involve the discomfort of teeth shifting and the ongoing use of pressure. However, clear aligners win when it comes to comfort because braces have sharp edges that can cut the inner lip and tongue. Furthermore, they provide more pressure than aligners. Finally, remember you cannot eat sticky or hard foods when wearing braces. On the other hand, clear aligners allow you to eat and drink whatever you want because you must remove them to eat anyhow. It would help to wash your teeth after every meal to avoid staining your aligners.
After treatment look:
Braces and clear aligners both require post-treatment check-ups with your orthodontist. For braces, this is once a month; for clear aligners, it is every five to six weeks. There is also extra after-care for braces. For example, following your dental treatment, you must wear retainers. This is required to guarantee that your teeth remain in the same position after treatment.
Cost:
Clear aligners and braces are roughly the same prices. But it’s sometimes different. For example, clear aligners are more expensive when the total cost of treatment, including follow-up consultations and post-care, is calculated. This is because their price is determined by the number of trays required and the frequency with which they must be replaced. As a result, clear aligners are a little more expensive than traditional braces for situations where trays must be changed often.
Which is the best option for you?
Your needs and choices will dictate whether you choose braces or invisible aligners. For example, traditional braces may be the best solution for severe orthodontic difficulties or a complex bite condition.
Clear aligners may be the way to go if you want a more discrete treatment option and are willing to spend more. To decide which treatment option is best for you, visit Clearpath certified dentist or call the head office of ClearPath Orthodontics. Depending on your condition, they can assess your teeth and bite and make specialized recommendations.
Traditional braces and invisible aligners can help you straighten your teeth and improve the appearance of your smile. To make a knowledgeable choice on which treatment option is best for you, carefully analyze the benefits and drawbacks of each treatment option and talk with an orthodontist.
