The most common orthodontic treatment options for misaligned teeth are metal braces and clear aligners. In addition to restoring your beautiful smile, orthodontic services align your teeth, simplify oral hygiene, and lower the risk of gum disease and tooth chipping from grinding. Metal braces have been around for a long time, but clear aligners are a relatively new addition whose popularity is growing daily. Metal braces have helped thousands of people by restoring their smiles and confidence, both young and old. Clear aligners are a more discrete option for dental patients who want to improve their smile discreetly. Many people considering orthodontic services wonder if the two treatment options work the same way or if one is better. That depends on a few factors, including the specific dental issue you and your orthodontist are addressing with your smile.
Understanding How Metal Braces Work
Metal braces are orthodontic solutions for various dental issues, like overcrowding and overbites. They apply constant pressure to the teeth and jawbone to move the teeth to the proper position on the gums and alter your smile. Orthodontists install metal braces by gluing brackets to your teeth, which hold the archwires in place. The archwires apply pressure to your teeth, causing them to shift position. The shift does not happen all at once but rather over time. All your teeth will eventually move into their proper position on the jaws.
Metal braces stimulate the periodontal ligaments, the soft tissues surrounding your teeth and jawbone. They hold your teeth together and can compress or stretch as they move. When braces shift a tooth to the left, the left ligament compresses, causing new bone to form on the right to fill the gap left by the shifting tooth.
Even though metal braces apply constant pressure to your teeth, they do not shift daily. You could experience tooth sensitivity for a few days after the installation or adjustment as your teeth adjust to the new pressure. The braces will hold your teeth in the desired position until your next appointment.
Metal braces take time to produce the desired results. They work slowly to be effective and comfortable. Moving your teeth faster would be painful and risk damaging the roots and surrounding bone. Teeth require time to shift to the proper position on the gum, and the jawbone needs time to form or reabsorb new bone, which occurs depending on the direction your teeth move.
A successful orthodontic treatment with metal braces can level and align misaligned teeth and correct bite problems. You will have perfectly aligned teeth that are easy to clean at the end of your treatment.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Braces
Dentists can effectively fix most orthodontic problems with metal braces. They work exceptionally well in extreme cases of overcrowding or misalignment. Metal braces are generally recommended for minors because they are permanently attached to their teeth. In addition, after installation, you will require fewer dental visits. Other benefits of metal braces include the following:
- Although metal braces are expensive, they are less costly than clear aligners.
- Metal braces are not removable because they are permanently attached to the teeth. You can only have them removed at the end of your treatment. That makes following through with the treatment easy.
The following are some of the drawbacks:
- Metal braces are easily damaged. Breaking the brackets can occur due to sports injuries, when brushing your teeth, or when eating hard substances like ice. If your braces are damaged, you must see an orthodontist right away.
- Metal braces can make brushing and flossing your teeth difficult. That could make it hard for you to maintain good oral hygiene throughout treatment. After removal, braces could leave calcium deposits on your teeth, altering the look and functionality of your teeth.
- Metal braces require a lengthy treatment period of 2 to 2.5 years.
- They are also visible, so everyone knows you have braces; you cannot hide them.
Metal braces are incredibly effective for young children who suffer from severe overcrowding. They are not the best choice for minor orthodontic adjustments. They can be obstructive and make cleaning your teeth more difficult, but they require fewer adjustments and are highly effective.
Understanding How Clear Aligners Work
Clear aligners are a perfect alternative to mental braces. Even though both treatments use different technology, the results are nearly identical.
Orthodontists use thin transparent plastic shells to install clear aligners, which move your teeth to the proper positions in small increments when installed and worn consistently. Unlike metal braces, clear aligners can be removed and replaced. Depending on your progress, you must also change them after one or two weeks.
When you go to an orthodontist for clear aligners, they will make them from virtual models obtained from your teeth. Your orthodontist will design a series of clear aligners for you to wear one after the other, with gradual movements toward adequately aligned teeth. One series' typical number of clear aligners ranges from 10 to 50. You will use one to three series of those aligners to achieve the desired results. The range your orthodontist will design for you will be according to the complexity of your bite, the resistance of your jawbone to movement, and the frequency with which you intend to wear the aligners.
Clear aligners are designed to gradually shift your teeth by applying gentle pressure. The same pressure is applied to the roots of your teeth to achieve a more permanent shift. When you apply pressure to your teeth and roots, the jawbone moves the sockets, and your teeth follow. Changes from one series of aligners to the next are usually minor to make clear aligner treatment comfortable and gentle.
Wearing aligners for at least 22 hours a day is recommended for the best results. That should give you enough time to eat, brush, and floss your teeth.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Clear Aligners
Aligners are your best option if you are an adult who wants to keep your facial appearance while still obtaining the best results for your teeth misalignment. Because they are clear, no one needs to know you have orthodontic treatment unless you tell them.
They are also not permanently fixed, making it easier for patients who want to eat and clean their teeth while undergoing treatment. You do not have to be concerned about stuck food in your aligners because clear aligners are removable. If you eat while wearing them, you can easily remove them for cleaning and replace them. You can also take them out when drinking anything other than water to reduce the possibility of liquids becoming trapped between your teeth and aligners. This reduces your chances of having stained teeth.
Treatment with clear aligners takes about 12 to 16 months, which is way shorter compared to metal braces.
However, you must always wear the aligners to achieve the desired results. A minimum of twenty-two hours per day is recommended. While adults can easily keep up with the routine or remove and replace the aligners almost immediately, children can struggle. When the aligners become uncomfortable, some young patients will quickly remove them and fail to wear them for the recommended time. As a result, aligners are not the best treatment option for children.
Furthermore, because aligners are removable, they are easily broken or lost. This incurs additional costs and necessitates an emergency visit to the orthodontist.
Clear aligners are also quite costly. Because some insurance policies do not cover orthodontic services, you will incur a considerable cost if you pay for them out of pocket.
Choosing Between Traditional Metal Braces and Clear Aligners
When deciding on the best orthodontic treatment for you or a loved one, you must consider several factors, including cost, convenience, and the underlying dental issue you must address. Most orthodontic patients have two options: metal braces or clear aligners. Each treatment option has advantages and disadvantages that you should always consider. Here are the most important factors to consider when deciding on the best treatment option between the two:
How Noticeable You Want Your Treatment To Be
The most distinguishing feature of your two options is noticeability. Metal braces are very visible. Everyone can see it when they look in the mirror, including everyone else around you. Clear aligners are virtually undetectable. No one will know you have anything on your teeth unless you tell them.
People have different preferences regarding the treatment they want for their teeth. Some people prefer to wear visible metal braces, whereas others prefer to keep their treatment journey private until they see the results. What you prefer will influence the treatment you select.
Clear aligners are the best option if you do not mind people seeing and commenting on your braces. Some adults are concerned that wearing metal braces will make them appear childish. Others are concerned about the social stigma associated with wearing braces. Some dental patients have had difficulty dealing with misaligned teeth for a long time. Wearing metal braces for them will draw unwanted attention.
On the other hand, metal braces are tolerated by children, teenagers, and some young adults. They regard a new addition to their look as a means of expressing themselves.
Dental Hygiene
When deciding, consider how easy it will be to keep your mouth clean after the installation. Dental hygiene is critical because it prevents the spread of diseases and dental problems that can have a negative impact on your oral health and overall well-being. For example, food stuck between your teeth can lead to bacteria buildup, which causes dental cavities and severe dental conditions like periodontitis. Brushing your teeth twice a day is recommended, as is flossing between them to remove any stuck food particles.
Unfortunately, if you choose metal braces, this can be difficult. Because they are permanently attached, metal braces could make it difficult to thoroughly clean and floss your teeth. The area where the braces come into contact with your teeth could be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Consuming colored beverages like coffee and tea can also cause tooth discoloration because the drinks can stick to the teeth at the point of contact.
If your primary concern is whether you will maintain good oral hygiene after orthodontic treatment, clear aligners are an option. Their main advantage is that they can be removed while eating and cleaning your teeth. That allows you to reach all parts of your teeth and mouth, avoiding food particles that could cause additional dental problems.
Your Ability to Comply
The effectiveness of your treatment with clear aligners will be determined by your ability to comply with the treatment requirements. People's unwillingness to comply makes it nearly impossible for metal braces to achieve the same results as clear aligners. If you decide to use clear aligners, you must commit to the following:
- Wear your aligners for at least 22 hours per day. You can only remove them for two hours, just enough time to eat and clean your teeth. Aligners must consistently apply pressure to your teeth to work. The treatment will be ineffective if you only wear them for a few hours daily. Failure to meet these requirements can lengthen your treatment time and jeopardize your results.
- You must also follow your orthodontist's recommended changing schedule. For example, if you must wear a specific series for one week, you must visit your orthodontist after that period to switch to the next one.
- You should closely monitor how your aligners fit on your teeth. If you notice any irregularities, you should see your orthodontist right away.
- Be adaptable and open-minded about the number of series required to achieve the desired results. There is no guarantee that you will complete several series. Some people only need to wear three series, while others can wear more, depending on the severity of your misalignment and how well you progress.
- Clear aligners do not always provide perfect teeth alignment. Sometimes the jawbone prevents your teeth from shifting to their correct position. Consider other treatment options, like metal braces or dental veneers, to achieve the desired appearance. Your dentist will guide you in making an informed decision.
Consider metal braces if you are unsure about complying with these and other requirements your orthodontist will give you after aligner installation. With metal braces, you can be sure you will have them for the entire treatment period. Your orthodontists will only remove them if they believe you have achieved the desired appearance.
The Number of Required Dental Visits
Whether you choose metal braces or clear aligners, you must visit your dentist several times. The time you are in the office for each visit is nearly identical for both treatments. However, if you require metal braces, you must only visit your dentist a few times. The number of visits increases if you use clear aligners.
Metal braces require a maximum of two long visits to the dentist and a few short visits in between for adjustments. The braces would be installed during the first visit and removed during the final, long visit. Depending on the treatment plan you developed with your orthodontist, the bonding and debonding processes can take a long time. The brief visits are primarily for adjustments to ensure your braces function correctly. However, if your braces break or you experience an unusual tooth problem, like pain, swelling, or bleeding, you could require an emergency visit between treatments.
Clear aligner dental visits can be numerous and extensive, with lengthy first and last visits. Your orthodontist must change your trays every one or two weeks, necessitating more visits. You could also require an emergency visit if you lose or damage your aligners. That increases your number of visits.
If you are concerned about the number of dental visits, metal braces could be your best option. However, remember that both treatments necessitate multiple dental visits, some of which can be lengthy.
The Comfort you Desire
You must also consider your comfort when deciding between metal braces and clear aligners. Metal braces are generally unsightly. They will be a permanent fixture on your teeth until the end of your treatment, which could take up to two years. Your mouth will be sore for a few days after installation and with each adjustment. Clear aligners are an option if you want the most comfort and results. They are virtually invisible, and the frequent adjustments make them even more comfortable.
Find the Best Dental Care Service Near Me
If you or a loved one has misaligned or crowded teeth and seeks orthodontic services in Tarzana, metal braces or clear aligners can be beneficial. Several factors will influence your choice, including your preferred comfort level, ability to comply, and the preferred number of dental visits. While they achieve the same results, clear aligners and metal braces differ in installation, operation, and treatment duration. Tarzana Dental Care's experienced orthodontists have all the information you need to make the best decision. To learn more about these two treatment options and our services, please contact us at 818-708-3232.