There are several options that your dentist can recommend to help you straighten your teeth and boost your smile while socializing. Clear aligners and traditional braces are the common teeth straightening options. If you consider straightening your teeth, be sure to visit us today.
Once you visit us, we will help you select the best option depending on your teeth’ condition. Both braces and aligners have their benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice for you usually depends on the desired outcomes. The following article will help you understand the two options based on some essential factors.
Clear Aligners vs. Braces
Typically, traditional braces have been of great help to many patients to improve their teeth condition for many years. Traditional braces are available in several colors and materials.
Clear aligners are another effective option for straightening teeth in the modern world. They are usually invisible as they are typically crafted from transparent materials. You might need to consider the following factors when looking for the best option between clear aligners vs braces.
Cost
The cost of straightening your teeth via traditional braces is usually affordable as they cost around $2,500 to $8,000. On the other hand, clear aligners treatment costs typically vary depending on the number of trays needed. Aligners usually cost around $3,500 to $8,000.
Be sure to visit your dentist and discuss the cost of the two options before making your decision. We will also help you know whether your insurance can help you cater for your treatment cost.
Flexibility
Clear aligners have one benefit that makes them flexible teeth straightening options: they are easily removable. You can remove your aligners while eating, brushing, or as you sleep. However, this poses a risk of aligner damage or loss.
In contrast with clear aligners, you cannot remove the traditional braces as they are usually attached to your teeth. The connection of conventional braces is crucial to their functionality and might affect the patient’s choice.
Appearance
If you are looking for a less visible treatment option, clear aligners might be your option. Generally, aligners are tiny, transparent plastic trays that help straighten your teeth with fewer people noticing them.
While you can personalize your brace’s rubber band’s color, their appearance is usually apparent. Also, the metallic brackets and wires used to connect conventional braces are generally visible.
Oral Hygiene
Dental hygiene is a concern for patients who consider clear aligners vs braces to straighten their teeth. With traditional braces, regular flossing and brushing are crucial. That is because food remains that get stuck in your braces and cause gum issues and teeth decay.
For patients who choose to use a clear aligner, we recommend removing them during their meals. That is because food particles can accumulate inside your aligners, thus damaging them. Additionally, patients with clear aligners should always wear them over clean teeth. Be sure to consider your ability to maintain oral hygiene between the two options before making your final decision.
Ease of Use
Another factor to consider when choosing a method to align your teeth is the easiness of the treatment option. Typically, traditional braces require readjustments which usually cause discomfort.
Additionally, the metal brackets and connection wires can cause unease and mouth sores during the first few days. You can experience some mouth discomfort initially with the clear aligners as they help straighten your teeth by tightening them.
Prohibitions
Patients who choose clear aligners treatment should avoid taking soft drinks, sugary or acidic foods to prevent damaging the aligners. For traditional braces, you are to avoid having hard or sticky food and energy and carbonated drinks.
Post-Treatment and Follow-Up
When choosing the right option between aligners and braces, it is essential to note that both require regular dentist appointments. For clear aligners, this means every four to six weeks and every month for the traditional braces.
On ending traditional braces treatment, patients usually wear retainers for some time. This helps maintain your teeth in the attained position.
Otherwise, your teeth can move back to their original look. Clear aligner patients also need to use trays during the night on ending the treatment.
Conclusion
Deciding which option to select between braces and aligners is a personal choice. And with the above information, you can make an informed decision for the right treatment option.
In addition, consulting your dentist is vital as they will help you determine other factors before starting your treatment plan. For more information about orthodontic tips, be sure to visit us today. Additionally, you can call us and book an appointment.