Table of contents
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Understanding Clear Aligners
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What are Traditional Braces?
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Benefits of Traditional Braces
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Treatment duration
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Effectiveness
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Oral Hygiene
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Post-treatment Care
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Limitations
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Which is Best for Straight Teeth?
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Frequently Asked Questions
In the quest for a perfect smile, individuals look forward to orthodontic treatments.
People often get confused over which straightening procedure to choose due to the availability of different straightening procedures, clear aligners, and traditional braces. In this blog, we will provide our readers with a complete understanding of traditional braces and clear aligners. Moreover, by the end of this guide, you will be able to choose the best option for yourself.
Understanding Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are the orthodontic devices used to address malocclusions. They are worn on the teeth to provide gentle pressure which later helps them move to a desirable place. A clear aligner treatment has grabbed immense attention from individuals wanting to have a perfect smile. Due to the comfort and features aligners hold, they are becoming a preferred treatment option among individuals seeking teeth straightening.
Benefits
Aesthetic Appearance
Clear aligners are barely visible which makes it easier for individuals to get their teeth straightened without getting noticed. For those who do not want to compromise their appearance while getting their teeth straightened, this is the best option.
Easy to remove
Individuals can easily remove their invisible aligners without the supervision of an expert. Their removability makes it easier for orthodontic patients to continue their regular meals without any discomfort. Moreover, it also helps with the oral hygiene.
Treatment duration
A clear aligner treatment duration varies depending on the severity of the case and the plan you opt for yourself. The average treatment duration ranges between four to six months. With mild cases, it may be less than that. However, complex cases or cases in which individuals do not wear aligners as prescribed may increase the treatment duration.
Effectiveness
Clear aligners are considered an effective treatment for teeth straightening. They are preferred for mild to moderate dental cases. However, your orthodontist can best suggest the type of treatment depending on the case.
Maintenance
Cleaning
Clear aligners are easily removed which means patients need to ensure that aligners are properly cleaned before reinserting them. If you do not maintain your aligners, there is a chance they may get bacteria or plaque buildup.
Proper Storage
Straightening your teeth with invisible aligners is a comfortable process. It is important to handle and store them properly. If you are not wearing your aligners, you should store them in their container. You may damage your aligner if you mishandle it.
Oral Hygiene
Clear aligners can help you maintain your oral hygiene. You can easily remove your aligners and continue your regular brushing and flossing. With other orthodontic treatments, it often gets challenging to ensure good oral hygiene. On the other, clear aligners make it easier for orthodontic patients to have their oral health intact.
Post-treatment Care
Orthodontic treatments require proper post-care. The post-care treatment of a clear aligner treatment includes wearing retainers for the prescribed duration. Different types of retainers can be worn by orthodontic patients. The type can depend on your personal preference along with your case.
Limitations
Experience a comfortable treatment journey with clear aligners. Whereas, they must be worn 20-22 hours per day for optimal results. In case an individual doesn’t wear their aligners for the prescribed time, the treatment duration is likely to extend. Another limitation with clear aligners is they are preferred for mild to moderate cases and not for complex cases.
What are Traditional Braces?
Traditional braces are the longest-known method used for teeth alignment and addressing any of the malocclusions. They are also referred to as metal braces. They include external objects like metallic brackets and wires that are fixed on the surface of the teeth. The purpose of metal braces is to apply pressure on the teeth for desirable tooth alignment.
Benefits of Traditional Braces
Continuous treatment
Unlike clear aligners, metal braces cannot be removed without the supervision of an orthodontist. It means you do not have to ensure a wear time of 20-22 hours with metal braces for optimal results.
Treating severe cases
Metal braces are not limited to mild and moderate cases. Individuals with complex cases can easily get their issues addressed with traditional braces.
Treatment duration
As compared to a clear aligner treatment, the treatment duration for traditional braces is longer. Further, the duration for the orthodontic treatment also varies for every individual depending on the severity of the case.
Effectiveness
Traditional braces are versatile when it comes to treating orthodontic issues. From simple and mild misalignments to severe complex cases, they are effective for all treatments. It includes large teeth gaps and severe bite issues.
Oral Hygiene
Due to the presence of wires and brackets, oral hygiene often becomes a challenge. Orthodontic patients feels it hard to brush their teeth properly around the brackets. Failure to properly clean teeth results in bacteria and more plaque buildup on the teeth. Frequent dental visits are often recommended for proper cleaning of the teeth, to minimize the presence of bacteria on the teeth.
Post-treatment Care
The post-treatment care of traditional braces include wearing retainers for the said period of time. The duration of wearing retainers varies on the complexity of the case. However, wearing retainers is essential to sustain the new alignment of your teeth.
Limitations
Traditional braces have an impact on the overall lifestyle of an individual. The presence of wires and bracket makes it uncomfortable for individuals. Sometime, it may effect the speech of an individual. Other limitations with traditional braces include challenge in maintaining the oral hygiene and having regular eating patterns.
Which is Best for Straight Teeth?
To conclude, individuals seeking teeth straightening can decide on the orthodontic treatment after consulting with their orthodontist. The following table depicts the key features of both types of treatments; clear aligners and traditional braces to help you gather complete information.
| Feature | Clear Aligners | Traditional Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Barely visible | Visible |
| Comfort | Comfortable | Causes discomfort |
| Treatment Duration | Shorter (Usually 6 months) | Longer (Can be more than a year) |
| Treatment Cost | Less Expensive | Expensive |
| Removable | Can be removed easily | Cannot be removed on your own |
| Effectiveness | For mild-moderate cases | Effective for Severe cases |
Lastly, it is essential to consult with your orthodontist to make a decision to get your teeth straightened. After thorough evaluation, your orthodontist will guide you regarding the best treatment option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do clear aligners work?
Clear aligners are worn on the teeth. Like traditional braces, they exert gentle pressure on the teeth to move them to the desirable place.
2. Which treatment is more effective clear aligners or traditional braces?
Both orthodontic treatments are effective. Clear aligners are best known for mild to moderate cases. On the other hand, traditional braces can treat even complex and severe cases.
3. Can clear aligners fill my teeth gap?
Yes, by exerting constant gentle pressure on the teeth, you can get your gaps filled with clear aligners.
4. How to maintain clear aligners?
Clear aligners are easily removed, which makes them prone to catching bacteria and resulting in damage. It is important to clean your aligners every time before reinsertion and store them well while not using them.
5. What are the limitations of clear aligners?
Clear aligners must be worn for at least 22 hours a day depending on the severity of the case. If an individual fails to wear their aligners for the prescribed time, results may be delayed.
