Many of us always face orthodontic problems. Teeth play an important role in beautifying our faces therefore a lot of us are worried about orthodontic problems like crowding, over jet, Spacing, crossbite, and Open bite etc. Most of these can be cured by using either Dental Braces or clear aligners. Now the question rises Dental braces vs clear aligners.
Generally, most orthodontic problems including smile designing can be cured through different methods, any one method cannot be called or assumed as the right one. Orthodontic practices of treatment are generally a series of procedures. A thorough Diagnosis helps this treatment to be held in a better way. Once the diagnosis is done, the orthodontist detects the problem and weaves a strong customized correction for their patients.
Orthodontic Appliance
It is a kind of device or an appliance that helps to correct deformities related to teeth. Orthodontic appliances are specialized in changing crooked and misplaced teeth and correcting numerous jaw issues as well. Dental braces and clear aligners are the major two types of Orthodontic treatment methods we come across these days which can change our smile, help us to smile more, and confidently carry ourselves again.
Merits and Demerits of Dental Braces
Orthodontic problems can be solved using braces, even the major problems can be easily cured by these orthodontic braces. These braces have been prescribed to patients for decades, and people trust them as the result is pretty visible. We generally come across several types of braces these days; it includes stainless steel, tooth-colored ceramic dental braces etc.
There are generally two types of braces available in the market namely traditional braces & lingual braces. Orthodontists suggest perfect braces only after they carry out an accurate diagnosis and decide what’s apt for the patient.
Merits of Traditional Braces
- Traditional braces are made of metals. It helps to locate your teeth in the right position.
- It’s for all ages; all the age group can use these traditional braces for their orthodontic problems.
- They work faster than any other braces. This may shorten the time of your treatment and may help you observe a quick result.
- These traditional braces are used in treating more serious problems, they can help you resolve most orthodontic issues for example overcrowding, under or an overbite, etc.
- These braces are economic and pocket friendly.
- These last longer than most of the other orthodontic braces therefore this is durable and budget friendly.
Demerits of Traditional Braces
- Traditional braces are visible.
- Users generally find issues with the removability; through the whole period of treatment these braces remain affixed.
- Consumption of sticky foods becomes difficult and often some foods are prohibited. They are prescribed to avoid hard, sticky, Crunchy foods, consumption of these foods can often cause the breaking of the braces, and carbonated drinks are prohibited during the period of this particular orthodontic treatment. Patients are advised to take normal water rather than any drink that contains sugar or any type of acids, both acids and sugars can affect the braces and the enamel. Taking care of braces is important.
- Patients often find issues regarding comfort. It creates discomfort, but the discomfort is generally faced in the beginning later they generally get used to it.
- Patients who use traditional braces need to be aware of several phenomena and need to be careful about their hygiene. Inflamed gums are often observed in people who use traditional braces due to bacterial growth and plaque. Maintaining good oral hygiene is very important.
Merits Of Lingual Braces
- These are not as visible as the traditional braces, these are virtually invisible. Therefore more esthetic.
- Lingual braces are the best for curing bite problems.
- These braces are more comfortable than traditional braces and can be corrected as per one’s choice
Demerits of Lingual Braces
- Initially these braces cause more discomfort later it is more comfortable than any other braces.
- It’s often observed that patients start having lisp from these braces, but this speech problem is generally temporary.
- These are more expensive and may not be as economical as Traditional braces.
- It takes a longer period to cure the orthodontic problem than Traditional braces.
Clear Aligners
The name only gives a lot of clearer to this orthodontic device, It’s known for its transparent feature. Unlike, braces it’s made up of flexible plastic. It’s exclusively used to adjust the location of teeth. Clear aligners are always undergoing several changes to make them as efficient as possible. It needs less medical guidance, the patients can assign them these clear aligners, these are exclusively available on social shopping platforms where patients scan their teeth and purchase teeth aligners for themselves. This is a home-based system and nowadays is in demand.
Merits
- The most important advantage of clear aligners is its invisible, the existence of the tool will only be known to you, it’s virtually invisible.
- This tool is very comfortable. It is removable, versatile, flexible, and smooth. It doesn’t have any risk of cutting.
- Clear aligners are best for people with great aesthetic concern like actors, public speakers, hospitality professionals etc.
- It’s best for dental health; there is no chance of sticking food or bacterial infection in this clear aligner. It’s the best because it let the patients brush properly and it reduces bacterial growth and any gum infections.
Demerits
- All orthodontic problems cannot be cured by using these clear aligners, severe cases can’t be cured by this tool. Problems like excessive overbite or underbite that is caused by my misaligned jaw can’t be cured by clear aligners.
- The patients must brush too often to stay hygienic. Every time the user eats or drinks they will need to brush to keep their aligner clean.
- Lack of cleanliness can cause gum infections and plaque.
- These are most of the time more expensive and may not be as pocket friendly as metal or ceramic braces.
- Treatment time may prolong if patient is not wearing it regularly.
The Final Thoughts
The tool’s effectiveness is based on individual orthodontic goals and the relevance of the disease. So, both tools cannot be claimed to be better than one other, if the problem is severe, one must go for Braces and if the orthodontic problem is serious and can be cured by the casual use of clear aligners, one should use clear aligners. Both orthodontic devices have their merit and demerits, though we can conclude that Traditional braces are more budget-friendly than Clear aligners and It’s more effective in case of severe orthodontic complications. On the other hand clear aligners are more aesthetic and can be easily removed. The use of Dental braces and aligners simply depends on the goal and appropriate needs of the user’s lifestyle.
Dental braces vs Clear Aligners gives you the overview for treatment modalities for Mal aligned teeth. Before opting for any treatment modality it is best to seek advise from your concerned dentist.
