Braces Vs Clear Aligners: Are Clear Aligners Equally Effective As Metal Braces?
Braces or Aligner? If this question pops into your head every time you are thinking of having a great smile, keep on reading. Let’s consider a few points to better understand which option to choose if you are planning to straighten your misaligned teeth.
Braces and aligners are two very popular options for gradually straightening crooked teeth. In both treatments, the teeth are moved into their desired positions by exerting controlled forces.
Aligners: These are custom-made removable hard plastic trays that fit onto your teeth. The following advantage and drawbacks of aligners before opting for them:
Advantages:
Appearance: Clear aligners are made up of transparent plastic which makes them nearly invisible in the mouth, and if you are someone who wants a great smile but shies away from showing the world your braces, these are a good option for you.
Eating habits: Since these are removable, you can eat any food you like. There are no restrictions on having hard and chewy food which may damage the braces or stick to them.
Comfortness: Clear aligners are more comfortable than metal braces as there is less chance of hurting your cheeks and lips. There is always an initial adjustment time, but you get used to the feeling of wearing aligners.
Fewer orthodontist visits: You will require fewer visits to your dentist. Invisalign treatments usually require a visit every four to six weeks, whereas for braces, you need to visit more often for adjustment.
Effectiveness: If we talk about effectiveness, clear aligners and braces have the same level of effectiveness. Clear aligners can treat almost all cases of crooked teeth. But for more complex situations, you might need braces for treatment.
Disadvantages:
- Since clear aligners must be removed before eating, one might hesitate to remove them when eating in public places. There is also a chance that you might lose the aligners due to removing them several times on several occasions.
- One must remember to wear the aligners for at least 20 hours daily. Removing it for a longer time will affect the treatment.
- Having beverages such as coffee and tea while wearing braces can stain the aligners.
- Aligners might not work for more complex cases.
Braces: Braces are a traditional orthodontic treatment option used to treat misaligned teeth and convert them into a great smile.
Advantage:
Effectiveness: Metal braces can treat all levels of crooked teeth. All complex cases can be easily treated with metal braces.
Treatment time: Since metal braces are fixed and non-removable, the treatment time is not delayed. It is completed in the mentioned time frame as said by your dentist. Whereas, if you forget to wear your aligners for at least 20 hours, your treatment might get delayed.
No restrictions on beverages: Unlike with clear aligners, in braces treatment, there is no fear of damage or stain with any kind of beverage. Thus you can enjoy your every sip without worrying.
Cost: Braces are more cost-effective as compared to clear aligners.
Disadvantages:
Appearance: Patients who are very concerned about their looks might not like to have a visible metal wire in their teeth.
Food limitations: Certain types of food people with braces need to avoid. Hard food might damage the braces, or chewy and sticky food may get stuck in between the braces.
Frequent visits: You need more frequent visits than patients with braces.
If you are considering orthodontic treatment such as braces and aligners, your dentist is the best person to help you choose the best treatment option for you, depending on the condition of your mouth. For expert opinion, visit our orthodontist at Dr Sekhar’s Dental Clinic and Implant Centre in Hyderabad.