Are Clear Aligners Better Than Braces? Escondido, CA
Clear aligners are a relatively new technology compared to braces. Traditional braces and Invisalign are undoubtedly two common orthodontic treatments dentists use to straighten improperly aligned teeth. Clear aligners are often called invisible braces and have recently gained more popularity. Both of these devices are FDA-approved and effective. So, the question that comes to mind is whether clear aligners are better than braces.
At Robert J. Malone DDS, Dr. Robert Malone offers both treatment plans. We can assess your teeth and consider your preference before providing you with a treatment plan that suits your teeth.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are medical-grade transparent plastic trays that are custom-made. You wear them on the upper and lower teeth to fix their alignment. When these aligners are worn, they apply mild to moderate pressure on the teeth, moving them into place. While many clear aligner brands are on the market, the name synonymous with them is Invisalign. They are a discreet alternative to traditional braces.
When Are Clear Aligners Used?
Clear aligners fix mild crowding, mild spacing, deep overbites, singular or two intruding teeth, narrow arches that require expansion, and severe crowding with lower front teeth extraction. However, they are not the ideal treatment for severe spacing, rotation, and skeletal malocclusion issues. In such cases, traditional braces work best.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Here are some benefits of using clear aligners:
• |
Clear aligners are not visible like traditional braces; they fit your teeth neatly and are invisible from a distance, making them discreet.
|
• |
Since clear aligners fit flush against the teeth, they are significantly more comfortable than braces.
|
• |
These aligners make brushing and flossing easy as you can remove them while practicing your dental hygiene routine.
|
• |
When you wear braces, you should avoid chewy and hard foods as they might damage the braces. However, when wearing Invisalign, you can remove your clear aligners before eating.
|
• |
In some cases, people do not need to visit the orthodontist as often as they would if they wore braces. However, we would advise you to check with our dentists, Dr. Robert Malone or Dr. Malone, before thinking of skipping your checkup. |
Do You Need to Wear a Retainer after Clear Aligners?
You will need to wear a retainer after your clear aligner treatment. Ideally, you should wear a retainer for at least 22 hours for the first three to six months post-treatment. After a thorough assessment, we might require you to wear them for up to nine to 12 months. However, you can wear the aligners at bedtime after that period to keep your teeth from shifting back.
Are Clear Aligners Better Than Braces?
Traditional braces are affixed to your teeth and offer more durability, allowing them to exert a stronger force to align your teeth. It is why they work best to fix severe cases of teeth alignment. Moreover, the price of clear aligners is a tad bit more than braces and will depend on the complexity of your case and other factors.
Even though these aligners are more aesthetically appealing and easier to use, they require more discipline since you will have to take care of them while removing them to eat and keep them in for at least 20-22 hours a day.
Moreover, they only work effectively for mild to moderate cases. So, when you visit Robert J. Malone DDS, our dentists will examine your teeth and guide you toward the treatment that will work best for you.
If you are unsure about which treatment to choose, call us at (760) 546-5557 to schedule an appointment with our qualified orthodontists who can help you decide. |