Many patients who need orthodontic care want to know whether clear aligners or metal braces will work best in their situation. Each orthodontic system can correct many tooth alignment issues, and each has advantages and disadvantages.
This blog will explain how clear aligners and metal braces work. It will help you compare the two orthodontic systems to make an informed decision about your care.
About Clear Aligners
Clear aligners work by custom-making a series of trays that gradually move teeth into new positions. Each tray gently moves your teeth over time, leading to stunning results.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
- Discreet: With clear aligners, no one has to know you are receiving orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners attract attention to only your beautiful smile.
- Comfortable: Since clear aligners are smooth, medical-grade plastic, they are comfortable to wear. They have no brackets and wires that could irritate delicate oral tissues.
- Fast-Acting: Clear aligners usually work faster than braces, though the treatment time depends on the complexity of your orthodontic correction.
Best Candidates for Clear Aligners
- Adults or older teens who have all their permanent teeth (no missing teeth)
- Patients who can comply with directions and wear their aligners 22 hours daily
- Patients with less complex orthodontic issues
About Traditional Braces
Braces are durable and versatile. This orthodontic system can help patients of all ages overcome their tooth alignment issues.
Benefits of Braces
- Flexible: Braces work on various orthodontic issues, from misaligned teeth to missing and impacted teeth. Most restrictions surrounding the use of clear aligners do not apply to braces.
- Effective: As long as the patient wears their retainer after treatment, braces produce beautiful, permanent results.
- Available for All Ages: Braces work for the majority of patients who have most of their permanent teeth from age ten through adulthood.
Conditions Best Treated With Braces
- Severe orthodontic bite issues like overbite, underbite, and crossbite: Orthodontists can usually correct minor issues with clear aligners.
- Exposure of impacted teeth: The orthodontist can attach brackets to exposed teeth, drawing them down to align with their neighbors.
- Jaw formation issues: If the jaw is too narrow or asymmetrical, braces can help to correct it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Care
How early can kids get braces?
Children can receive braces as early as ten or eleven. Braces treatment can begin once the child has a critical mass of permanent teeth.
Can you eat with clear aligners?
You must remove your clear aligners every time you eat or drink. Eating with your aligners in can cause damage. Brush your teeth and thoroughly clean your aligners before replacing them in your mouth.
Call Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry
Ask your orthodontist for guidance if you're trying to decide between braces and clear aligners. Orthodontists can treat most conditions using either system, but some conditions only respond to braces. Please call our Attleboro, MA office at 508-409-6160 for more information or to schedule a consultation.