What’s the Better Choice: Traditional Braces or Clear Aligners?

Make the choice that’s right for you.
Many factors can impact the look of your smile, from the color of your teeth to how straight they appear. But having straight teeth isn’t only about aesthetics, as your long-term oral health and comfort can be determined by your teeth’s alignment.
When trying to achieve a straighter smile, you have more options available to you now than ever before. Of course, you can always choose traditional braces, or you may be better suited for clear aligners. Many people have a hard time choosing between the two, as they both offer benefits and drawbacks in terms of look, feel, and convenience. Read on to learn more about what both options entail so you can make an informed choice about what’s right for you.
Traditional Braces
Many people are familiar with the look of traditional metal braces, which consist of metal brackets on each tooth connected by parallel wires on the top and bottom rows. The wires are further held in place by bands. In some cases, patients can also choose ceramic braces instead of metal. Regardless of the material used, the entire system is designed to move your teeth into correct alignment.
Braces are highly versatile because they can correct both complex dental issues, like rotations and jaw misalignments, as well as more common problems, like overbites, gaps, and crowding. Best of all, they’re suitable for people of all ages, and they deliver reliable, consistent results.
Traditional braces aren’t without their drawbacks, though. Some patients are concerned about how their smile will look because the metal braces are easy to see. Your chosen Lawton family dentistry practice may be able to use ceramic braces to mitigate this problem, but you still might not be able to achieve 100% transparency.
Additionally, you’ll likely have to make some changes to your diet. For example, sticky foods like gum and candy can get caught inside the brackets and wires, and hard foods, like corn on the cob, can break your braces, leading to irritation and even delays in your treatment. For these reasons, orthodontists often advocate against these favorite foods.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners (sometimes referred to by the brand name Invisalign) rose to popularity in the late 1990s as an alternative option for obtaining a straighter smile. Instead of wearing metal or ceramic across your teeth, you will wear a set of clear plastic aligners that have been molded to the shape of your teeth and mouth. They serve the same purpose as the brackets and wires in traditional braces by applying small amounts of force to move your teeth into their proper positions over time.
Clear aligners are so beloved because they have a number of advantages over traditional braces. First, they’re nearly invisible, making your treatment much more discreet and allowing you to maintain the clean look of your smile throughout the process. Also, clear aligners like Clear Correct don’t typically require the same level of dietary restrictions as traditional braces. The plastic trays can be removed when you eat and placed right back on your teeth after a meal.
However, like traditional metal and ceramic braces, clear aligners have some limitations. For example, the plastic trays may not be appropriate if you have severe misalignment, crowding, and gaps because the treatment doesn’t apply the same force as braces. Additionally, you may experience delays in your treatment if you’re prone to removing your clear aligners too often. It can take a lot of self-discipline to keep them in for the amount of time you need to in order to see the best results.
Factors to Consider
Making the right choice in orthodontics has the potential to change your life, bringing a newfound confidence that comes with having straight, easy-to-maintain teeth. Still, you have a lot to consider regarding your treatment. Some factors you should consider include:
- Severity: You may not be a candidate for clear aligners if you have severe misalignment or other serious orthodontic issues.
- Lifestyle: You need to consider whether you’ll be okay with changing your diet or whether you wish to develop the discipline required to keep your aligners in.
- Age: You may have more severe issues at an older age or need stronger or longer treatment to align your teeth.
- Aesthetics: You should consider whether you’re okay with the visibility of braces or if you want a more discreet option.
Taking the time to think about these issues will put you on the path toward making the best decision for your individual situation.
Consulting with a professional can help you make the most informed choice.
Both traditional braces and clear aligners have their pros and cons. They can impact the look of your smile, lead to possible dietary changes, and require self-discipline. And sometimes, your preferred choice may not be able to correct your specific issues. The best option for you will, therefore, depend on your individual needs and preferences.
However, you should also seek out professional advice before you make a decision. An orthodontist can provide an expert evaluation of your smile and help you understand which treatment options are most suitable for your condition.
Contact Sheppard Family Dental Care today to schedule a consultation with the best dentist in Lawton. We’ll help you make an informed decision based on a tailored treatment plan.