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Braces or Clear Aligners? The Choice Involves More than Appearance
Blende Dental Group
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For many teens and adults, orthodontics offers a clear path toward straighter teeth and a more confident smile. Misaligned teeth are common and don’t generally pose oral health risks. So the decision to see an orthodontist is, more often than not, based on a person’s desire to achieve a cosmetically favorable result. But until recently, the only options available were braces, which not everyone found aesthetically pleasing. Clear aligners and “invisible braces” have since become incredibly popular, although differences exist between braces and products such as Invisalign – and those disparities go beyond appearances. Let’s explore the benefits of both and how to choose the approach that’s best for you.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are mouthpieces fashioned from medical-grade plastic. They’re custom-fitted to the patient’s mouth and work by applying gentle pressure to teeth, directing them toward the desired position.
The Pros
Esthetics
Clear aligners are a discreet alternative to traditional braces because they’re harder to notice. While they offer cosmetic benefits, they also come with tradeoffs.
Comfort
Because aligners are made of plastic, they reduce the risk of the small cuts and irritation that braces can cause. Some discomfort is still expected during tooth movement, similar to braces.
Eat What You Like
People with braces are cautioned against chewy or hard foods that can damage orthodontics and cause irritation (e.g., popcorn, gum, taffy, nuts). Clear aligners are removable, so you can eat those foods. Brushing and flossing are also easier since the aligner can be taken out.
Fewer Dental Visits
Treatment check-ins typically occur every four to six weeks with clear aligners, and some direct-to-consumer companies offer products with no required in-person visits. Braces require routine adjustments. The convenience of aligners is a bonus for some patients, but they may not be the best option for everyone.
The Cons
Designed for Simple Corrections
Clear aligners are best suited to minor adjustments and treatment duration may be longer. They’re not ideal for more complex issues—such as significant overbite, crossbite, jaw abnormalities, and other malocclusions—where traditional orthodontics usually perform better.
Must Be Removed
Aligners must be removed while eating or drinking anything other than water to prevent damage or staining. Some people may find this inconvenient.
Discipline and More Frequent Care
Aligners should be worn 20–22 hours per day. Because they’re removed for eating and drinking, consistent compliance is critical. Aligners may also contribute to halitosis or a higher cavity risk with poor oral hygiene, so more frequent brushing and flossing can be necessary—especially during the day.
Braces
Braces have been—and remain—the gold standard in orthodontics. While they’re perceived as less aesthetic and sometimes uncomfortable, they offer a wealth of proven benefits.
The Pros
Simple Solution for Complex Cases
Braces can treat even complex cases. Because brackets attach to each tooth, orthodontists can make precise adjustments that often deliver faster, more predictable results.
Options
Modern braces include more discreet choices, such as lingual braces (behind the teeth) or ceramic braces that blend with tooth color for reduced visibility.
No Need to Remove
Braces stay in place. Patients can drink what they like and eat most foods without removing a device. This avoids the compliance and maintenance requirements that come with removable aligners (though some food limitations still apply; see Cons).
The Cons
Discomfort
Metal braces may cause minor cuts or irritation. Orthodontic wax can help, and patients typically become accustomed to wearing them.
Appearance
Aligners are generally less noticeable than braces. Even lingual or ceramic systems are typically more visible than clear aligners.
Food Limitations and Frequent Treatments
Patients with braces should avoid certain hard or sticky foods. Regular in-office adjustments are also required.
Pricing
Costs vary by case, location, and insurance. As a general range for a two-year plan, traditional braces often run about $2,000–$6,000, while clear aligners commonly range from $3,000–$7,000.
Other Considerations
Braces endure as a go-to recommendation because they can treat virtually any condition. Crooked teeth can result from genetics, jaw size, oral habits (e.g., thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, mouth breathing), malocclusion, nutrition, injuries, and more. While misalignment doesn’t always create health risks, it can in some cases. As Healthline notes, crooked teeth may contribute to:
- Periodontal disease. Difficulty cleaning between crooked teeth can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease can progress to periodontitis, which can damage bone and teeth.
- Chewing and digestion. Misalignment can interfere with proper chewing, potentially affecting digestion.
- Excess wear. Malocclusion can cause excess wear on teeth, gums, and jaw muscles, potentially contributing to cracked teeth, jaw strain, temporomandibular joint issues, and headaches.
- Speech difficulties. Misaligned teeth can affect articulation and speech.
Our Advice
Always consult your dentist to determine the best option and obtain a referral to an orthodontist. For minor corrections, clear aligners may be sufficient. Overall, braces remain a time-tested, effective, and often more affordable option that can address a wider range of cases.
Photos by Diana Polekhina and Rainier Ridao on Unsplash.
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