Braces or Clear Aligners: Which is The Right Choice for Your Smile?
Smiling is one of the most natural ways of expressing our emotions. It shows how happy and excited we really are. But having crooked teeth can make expressing these emotions harder. They can make us self-conscious of our appearance and even cause some discomfort.
Straighter teeth can help you feel more confident, so you can worry less. Braces and clear aligners can both be used to help re-align your teeth and strengthen your smile. But, how do you know which method of straightening is right for you?
Here, we’ll outline what each method is, and the benefits and drawbacks of both, so you can make the decision that is right for you.
For personalised advice, contact our team at Boroondara Family Dentist today.
What are Braces?
Braces are sets of metal brackets that attach to your teeth. These brackets are then connected with thin, metal wires that put light pressure on your teeth. This pressure slowly works to adjust the position of your teeth, correcting and straightening them.
Braces cannot be removed without a dentist or orthodontist. Likewise, because they slowly adjust the position of your teeth, they need to be inspected semi-regularly. This is to ensure they maintain the correct position. Most treatments also tend to require wear for at least a year if not several more, depending on the severity of your concerns.
Benefits
One of the many benefits of traditional braces is it’s versatility. They can be attached to people with teeth issues ranging from all levels of severity. This means, if you have more serious teeth problems braces are often a reliable choice.
While they are fairly visible, they are also relatively customisable. You will likely be able to choose options that draw less attention if that is your preference. Likewise, you can choose brighter colours to show off your braces instead.
Drawbacks
There are also several potential drawbacks worth considering. For instance, as you cannot remove them, you will likely have to adjust your diet. This is to protect and maintain your braces, keeping them clean as much as possible.
Furthermore, they generally put more pressure on your teeth than aligners, which can cause more discomfort. Likewise, the metal wires have been known to catch on the gums or inside of the mouth to cause pain and even bleeding.
Finally, braces require more dentist visits for readjustment. This can add up to a much higher overall cost.
Read related article: Can Braces Change Your Face Shape?
What are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are similar to braces, in that they put pressure on the teeth to re-align them. However, the method of doing so is very different. Rather than attached brackets, a clear aligner is closer to a plastic tray or cover that you put over your teeth.
These clear aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth so you don’t have to worry about your aligners falling out. Likewise, they are much easier to remove. You can fit them into place and simply pull them off your teeth when you do not want them. Most aligner treatments only last a year or two until they are complete.
Benefits
There are several key benefits to clear aligners. Because they are made from clear plastic, they are much less noticeable than traditional braces. This can help you feel more confident going about your day, so you can still smile without fear.
Another key benefit is their removability. Because they are simple to remove you can eat what you prefer without having to worry about its impact on your aligners. Likewise, this can make maintaining and keeping your aligners clean easier.
Drawbacks
While clear aligners are incredibly useful, they are better used for those with less severe teeth concerns. If you only need milder corrections these are likely a good choice. However, if you have more complex issues you may require more traditional braces.
Likewise, while they are convenient and easy to remove and put in place, you must wear them for the majority of the time. If you take out your aligners for long stretches, you are not benefiting from their corrections. Most dentists recommend that they be worn for at least 20 hours a day.
Read related article: The Top Ways To Straighten Teeth Without Braces
Making Your Choice
At the end of the day, deciding between your options is personal to you. Do you prefer the less visible choice? Or do you like the option of choosing different colours to accessorise your teeth?
Similarly, are comfort and convenience your priority? Or would you rather have a more consistent approach to your teeth re-alignment? When making your choice it’s important to consider your current lifestyle, preferences and needs.
Embrace Your Stunning Smile
Still not sure which option is right for you? At Boroondara Family Dentist, we work closely with every patient to help them find the right fit and offer complimentary clear aligner consultations to find out if they are suitable for you. With our years of experience, we can help you feel confident choosing the option that will give you the smile you’ve always wanted. Reach out to our friendly staff today and book an appointment.
