If your teeth or bite are misaligned, you may be thinking about visiting an orthodontist. During your appointment, your orthodontist will assess the positioning of your teeth before they recommend your next steps. You may be offered braces or clear aligners. Which one should you choose? That depends on your personal circumstances. In this blog post, you will learn some important facts about each option.
Effectiveness
First and foremost, you want your orthodontic treatment to be efficient, predictable, and effective. Both clear aligners and braces can correct a range of alignment issues, but they are not equal.Clear aligners are used in mild to moderate cases, whereas braces are more effective for both regular tooth alignment and severe misalignment.
Remember that orthodontic appliances only work when they are on your teeth. Clear aligners are removable, and many patients forget to wear them, or relax the required amount of time each day because they cannot speak, eat, or talk with them in their mouth. In contrast, braces are working 24/7 to get your smile in shape because the force and effectiveness is continuous and not interrupted by lapses in wear.
Appearance
Clear aligners are a clear or opaque plastic appearance, but they are not totally invisible. They may make your teeth appear a bit bigger than usual, and anyone who looks closely will be able to tell that you are wearing them. They must be removed to eat, and they complicate speaking for many patients.
Traditional metal braces are more noticeable but generally accepted.
Lingual Braces
However, there is a type of brace that are totally invisible! Lingual braces are placed behind the teeth on the inside, making them the most discreet orthodontic treatment option. Lingual braces are the best orthodontic treatment method available due to their precision, efficiency, and predictability. They have been used for over 40 years worldwide. Lingual braces are custom made to each patient’s treatment needs and requirements. Patients that have used outside traditional braces in the past and now need retreatment choose lingual braces and often comment that the braces are more comfortable than outside braces.
Treatment Experience
Any type of orthodontic treatment can cause mild soreness as the appliances apply pressure to the teeth and can cause soft tissue irritation of the mouth and gums.
Treatment Timeline
You might have read that the average treatment time with clear aligners is shorter than braces. But there are a few big caveats to keep in mind:
- Braces can actually move teeth faster in some cases! Often, clear aligners have a shorter treatment time simply because they are used for less severe cases of misalignment, which naturally require less time to correct. It has been shown that
treatment time estimates can vary greatly among dentists that offer plastic aligners. Actual treatment times have been shown to vary significantly, up to double or triple the original estimate.
- Every case is unique. Treatment times can vary greatly depending, not just on your misalignment, but also your age, your compliance with treatment guidelines, and more.
- Accelerated orthodontics makes a difference. Dr. Hall’s patients are eligible for accelerated orthodontic methods, which speed up bone remodeling and can cause the teeth to move faster. Ask if this option is possible for your case.
Cost
The cost of both clear aligners and braces depends on the specifics of each case. Usually, their price is in the same general range.
The Bottom Line
So… braces and clear aligners are not equal. Which you choose depends on what your priorities are, though most patients are surprised to learn that braces are actually a wiser choice for them. Talk to a qualified orthodontist to learn more about your treatment goals and braces options.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Tom Hall is a highly experienced orthodontist who offers traditional braces, lingual braces, clear aligners, accelerated orthodontics, and many other treatments. If you have questions about how you can reach your goals for your smile, our Houston team would be pleased to consult with you. Contact our office at 713-862-8223.