Two common dental options for correcting your smile include clear aligners and braces. But which is right for you? And what are their advantages and disadvantages? Read on to learn which treatment may be best for correcting your smile and other benefits to straightening your teeth.
At Trident General Dentistry, we are pleased to offer cosmetic dentistry services such as clear aligners and braces in our Charleston, SC offices. Book an appointment with us today!
Benefits to Straight Teeth
In addition to obtaining a beautiful smile, there are numerous other benefits to straight teeth, such as:
· Make it easier to chew food.
· Allow you to brush and floss your teeth more effectively.
· Reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.
· Allow you to speak more clearly.
· Provide you with more confidence.
· Reduce your risk of chipping teeth.
· Reduce the possibility of grinding your teeth while sleeping.
· Increase the probability of maintaining your teeth for a lifetime.
Once you decide to take advantage of all the benefits of orthodontically straightening your teeth, you have two options to accomplish this: clear aligners and traditional braces.
What’s The Difference Between Clear Aligners and Traditional Braces?
Here’s the distinction between clear aligners and braces:
· Clear aligners straighten teeth by using a series of thin, clear trays that fit snugly over all your teeth. The aligners place gentle pressure on the teeth to move them into a better position.
· Braces are a traditional form of straightening teeth that use brackets, bands, and wires to move teeth. Your dentist attaches metal brackets to each tooth and threads wire through the brackets. The wires place pressure on the teeth to cause them to move into a place.
Advantages of Braces
Traditional metal braces have changed significantly in recent years, and you can even wear them more discreetly than in the past. Advantages of traditional braces include:
· Cost. Metal braces typically cost less than clear aligners.
· Complex cases. Braces can treat all orthodontic situations, including the most challenging issues.
· Compliance. Braces pose no compliance challenge since your dentist attaches them to your teeth. You cannot remove traditional braces, which makes them the best orthodontic choice for children.
Disadvantages of Braces
The most apparent disadvantage of traditional braces is the noticeable metal when smiling and talking. Other disadvantages include:
· Diet limitations. You need to avoid certain foods that can damage metal braces.
· Difficult oral hygiene. Metal braces can make it more difficult to brush and floss your teeth.
· Dental visits. Traditional braces require more frequent dental visits.
The Advantages of Clear Aligners
The advantages of clear aligners to straighten your teeth include:
· Cosmetic. The most significant benefit of aligners for many people is their clear appearance. The invisible feature of clear aligners benefits teenagers trying to fit in with peers and adults wanting to straighten their teeth discretely.
· Removable. You can remove the aligners and eat your usual diet with no restrictions.
· Comfort. The smooth, flexible clear aligners don’t cause the soreness and cuts that come with traditional braces.
· Oral hygiene. You can remove the aligners to clean them and also brush and floss your teeth normally.
· Time. Clear aligners can often straighten teeth in less time than metal braces. Aligners also require fewer dental visits for orthodontic adjustment.
Disadvantages of Clear Aligners
Some disadvantages of clear aligners include:
· You can lose your aligners.
· The aligners can cause discomfort of teeth and mouth.
· Clear aligners cannot treat extremely complex orthodontic cases.
· For the best results, you need to wear the aligners for about 22 hours each day.
Make an Appointment Today
Orthodontic treatment can enhance your smile, improve your oral health, and boost your confidence. If you have questions about whether clear aligners or braces are right for you, contact Trident General Dentistry today. We look forward to helping you select the most efficient treatment to correct your smile!