Not sure how to choose between clear aligners and traditional braces? Our Sydney dentists offer some factors to think about, including cosmetic considerations.
Choosing Between Clear Aligners & Braces
Braces vs. transparent aligners like Invisalign: a difficult decision! Fortunately, we can assist you. Here are some details about each choice to think about as you decide which one will help you smile straight.
Clear Aligners
Invisalign transparent clear aligners are custom-made to fit your smile. Clear plastic is used to make these removable orthodontic appliances. They lack the brackets and wires that come with braces and thus have a lower profile.
To help you achieve your smile goals, a treatment plan that is uniquely created for you will be provided. Since you might not need as many checkups or appointments with your dentist during treatment because your clear aligners don't need to be adjusted as frequently as braces do, you will typically spend less time there. Every 4 to 6 weeks, your dentist will make quick appointments with you. During these visits, they will review your progress and overall oral health, address any questions you may have, and adjust your treatment as necessary.
Depending on your specific treatment plan, they may be comparable to or slightly more expensive than braces. A casual observer would be hard-pressed to notice them on your teeth, and you will have no restrictions on the foods and beverages you can consume.
Clear aligners must be removed when drinking or eating anything other than water and must be worn for 22 hours every day. commitment to the program, self-discipline, and planning meals to fit within the daily allowed 2-hour meal window.
Braces
Traditional Metal Braces
These are the most widely used braces. Metal braces, which are entirely made of metal and supported by elastics, have undergone numerous upgrades in recent decades as orthodontic technology has advanced.
Your teeth will gradually move into their new, corrected positions as a result of the constant pressure applied to them over time by braces. The bone alters shape to accommodate the teeth's new positions as this pressure is applied and the teeth move.
Brackets today are more streamlined than in the past. Because brackets have gotten smaller and more comfortable, you'll be less likely to get irritation on the inside of your cheeks or lips from them. However, because of their appearance, some people are still hesitant to wear metal braces.
In this case, clear braces may be a viable alternative.
Clear Braces
Many patients choose clear braces as they are better able to blend in with their smiles. They are not actually transparent; the brackets are constructed from tooth-coloured ceramic.
There is a catch with clear braces: despite looking like a cross between clear aligners and metal braces from the outside, they are actually more brittle and larger than the conventional metal braces you may have seen.
They also tend to be more costly. Therefore, they are commonly used only on the upper front (your most visible) teeth to save on costs.
Keep in mind that your gums may feel sensitive with these, as the larger ceramic brackets can make cleaning around the brackets more difficult, leading to receding or swollen gums if your toothbrush does not reach the gum line and enamel.