Decide between your orthodontics options by learning the facts.

Whether guiding your child’s healthy development or correcting a crooked smile later in life, orthodontics encompasses a large field that provides solutions for patients of all ages, ensuring a stunning smile and lasting oral health. 

Today, some of the most widely used orthodontic treatment options include traditional braces and clear aligners. Below is everything you should know about the two to help you select the right solution for your smile.

Traditional Braces

Braces have been a long-standing go-to option to deal with several different types of orthodontic issues. They rely on metal archwires attached to brackets, which are then affixed to a patient’s teeth to guide them into the proper position over time. 

Benefits of Traditional Braces

While many people are turning to clear aligners instead, braces are still a fundamental part of modern orthodontics. One of the reasons why they enjoy such ubiquity in the field is they work in an extensive range of cases, from complex malocclusion to bite alignment issues. And even in cases when other options are available, traditional braces can provide a faster resolution to severe circumstances.

Traditional braces are also more commonly covered by insurance providers. Newer options, such as clear aligners, may not be considered to be essential treatment by all insurers, which can make traditional braces a much more cost-effective solution in specific cases.

Considerations for Traditional Braces

The appearance of traditional braces is arguably one of the biggest factors against them. Braces are highly visible throughout treatment. Even ceramic braces, which are closer to the color of teeth, are still somewhat visible due to their protrusion from the surface of teeth. It’s for these reasons that braces for adults are often overlooked, despite their unmistakable oral health benefits.

Braces are more difficult to take care of, and they require significant adjustments to your lifestyle. There are certain foods you won’t be able to eat because they are too hard or sticky. You’ll also have to adjust your oral hygiene routine, potentially taking longer to brush your teeth to ensure proper cleaning.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, provide a potential alternative for many cases that would otherwise call for traditional braces. A custom series of aligners is prepared for your smile, with each being a slightly different shape than the last. As you progress through treatment, the differing shapes will guide your teeth into their proper positions by applying steady pressure.

Benefits of Clear Aligners

Clear aligners for adults are very popular because they can go practically unnoticed. They’re virtually invisible outside of close inspection, and they also hug the contours of your smile instead of protruding like the brackets of traditional braces. 

Additionally, during your time with clear aligners, you’ll be able to (and should) remove them when eating and cleaning your teeth. That means you won’t face any dietary restrictions, and keeping your teeth clean will be much easier; you’ll be able to brush and floss without trying to work around bulky protrusions.

Considerations of Clear Aligners

Despite their advantages, clear aligners aren’t suitable for all cases. While they can handle many cases that would typically call for braces, there are complex malocclusion and other factors they simply aren’t right for.

Removing your clear aligners might seem like a great convenience, but it comes with a hidden downside. Your treatment only works if you wear the aligners for 22 hours each day. The temptation to take them off for longer periods, such as in social situations, can stall, and thus prolong, your treatment.

Making the right choice for your smile.

There are many potential factors to consider when choosing between traditional braces and clear aligners. The complexity of your case, cost of treatment, comfort and maintenance, treatment timelines, and other aspects all play a role and can quickly make the decision overwhelming.

To find out for sure, you’ll need to speak with your dentist. An examination and consultation will let them assess your teeth and jaws, while also informing them of your lifestyle and personal goals. Based on that information, they’ll be able to provide you with a treatment plan that best suits your unique circumstances.

When it comes to braces for kids, seeking out treatment sooner rather than later is the best course of action. Consider an early orthodontic evaluation to identify issues as soon as possible. In some cases, you can avoid the need for either braces or clear aligners altogether with early enough intervention.

Getting Your Orthodontic Treatment Started

Both traditional braces and clear aligners provide effective orthodontic treatment options for a wide range of cases. Determining which is right for you depends on a wide range of factors, including your unique case and individual preferences. But thankfully, a trusted family dentist near Terrell, Texas, can help you make the right choice. Schedule an evaluation with Texas Dentistry and Braces to discover treatment options for patients of all ages.