Aligners vs braces, which one of them is more effective? Many orthodontic treatment options are available already. However, how would you know which one is best for you? We will discuss two of the standard treatment options to straighten or move teeth. We’ll go with aligners first.

Aligners

Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are plastic and custom-made replicas of your teeth. It will help move each teeth step by step towards their correct positions.

Dentists are also applying small portions of composite resin. As a result, the aligner will have a grip on the tooth and can move correctly.

Advantages

Here are some of the advantages of using clear aligners:

1. In terms of appearance, clear aligners are less noticeable. Some patients are not comfortable having something on their teeth that is easily noticeable to other people.
2. Clear aligners are removable, especially when you are going to eat. For this reason, you will still be able to eat the food as usual.
3. Additionally, using clear aligners, nothing would change how you brush and floss your teeth since it is removable.
4. Your orthodontist pre-plans the movement of your teeth. For this reason, your actual dental visits are minimal and more uncomplicated.
5. Aligners provide comfort to the users as compared to braces. Aside from that, it offers lesser irritation because of its smooth texture.

Disadvantages

Even though clear aligners have advantages, there are also potential drawbacks to them.

1. First and foremost, you have to wear it at least 22 hours per day to be effective. For this reason, your compliance will determine the final results.
2. When you are in public, you may find it difficult to remove it in front of other people. Chances are you need to go to the bathroom to remove it.
3. Dentists do not recommend aligners for complex teeth conditions.
4. Lastly, aligners can be costly than braces.

Braces

Metal braces seem to be ordinary already nowadays, regardless of age. Some use it to correct teeth, while others are for recreational purposes only.

Braces consist of brackets that the dentist will affix to your teeth. Aside from that, they will thread wires through the brackets’ slots.

Braces use these wires to apply a constant yet gentle force to align the teeth to their correct position.

Advantages

Below are the reasons why dentists typically choose metal braces to correct teeth alignment.

1. Braces apply to all teeth cases.
2. Metal braces can be in various types, with or without color. Another type of braces uses porcelain material which is a more discreet type.
3. Furthermore, since braces are not removable, you will not lose them nor forget to wear them. In effect, you will be consistently wearing it.

Disadvantages

Just like aligners, braces have their disadvantages as well.

1. Cleaning your teeth will be more challenging with braces. If you are not particular and keen on cleaning your teeth, it can lead to oral issues.
2. Moreover, having braces on your teeth will affect your diet as well. It will only mean you have to refrain from eating hard foods or sticky foods.
3. Additionally, braces can rub on your cheeks and lips. As a result, it can cause you discomfort and irritation.
4. Braces are more noticeable. For some patients, braces are not a good treatment option if they are not at ease with this being noticeable.
5. Depending on your teeth condition, braces may take a longer time before you can achieve the final results. Furthermore, it may also require frequent dental visits, especially if the dentist has to make adjustments.

As shown above, braces and aligners both have their advantages and disadvantages that you should put into consideration. A discussion with an orthodontist will allow you to understand these better.

Besides that, you would also know all the consequences you will encounter by choosing any of these two treatment options.

Aligners vs Braces

Overall, we can say that braces are more effective as compared to using aligners. Braces are not removable, making you secured that you are complying with the treatment.

Aside from that, it can cover more oral problems that need fixing. In terms of cost, traditional braces are cheaper than aligners. Furthermore, it fits any age. Traditional braces can accommodate even the children’s teeth, unlike aligners. Typically, they are available for teens and adults only.

Aligners are prone to misplacement. If you don’t find it, you have to reinvest in a new aligner. It will only incur additional expenses. Losing aligners will also mean inconsistency with the treatment.

Overall, you have to consider here where you should benefit more and what can work on your teeth effectively. You and your dentist will decide on this together.

Conclusion

Generally speaking, people have different oral conditions. We cannot decide independently which orthodontic treatment option fits our situation. For this reason, an orthodontist’s opinion is essential.

Clear aligners vs braces have their specific advantages and disadvantages. However, they will still vary based on the necessity of the patient. Either of them may or may not work for an individual. That is why oral evaluations are necessary here.

Your treatment option should always match your oral condition. As a result, you will achieve effective outcomes in the long run. In this case, the price you paid will be worth it in the end.

Remember, you and your dentist are on the same boat and will sail towards the same goal. The goal to a straight and healthy set of teeth.