When treating the form and function of your smile, orthodontic patients have more options than ever before. Traditional braces have been making waves with innovative changes (like Damon’s self-ligating braces), while clear aligners have become a popular alternative for appearance and comfort. But when it comes time to start your orthodontic journey, are clear aligners a better option than braces? Will clear aligners offer the care you need?
As Denver’s favorite spot for straightening teeth, we know how important it is for patients to have a clear picture of the possibilities. Today, we’ll explore the differences between clear aligners and braces, highlighting each treatment’s benefits (and which could be better for your lifestyle or needs).
Modern Ortho’s Invisible Smile Solution
Clear aligners offer a groundbreaking way to straighten teeth gradually. Made from transparent, durable plastic, clear aligner trays fit over your teeth and move them into new positions. Unlike braces, which use metal brackets and wires, aligners are virtually invisible, so you can achieve a beautiful smile without drawing attention to your treatment.
With aligner trays, transforming your bite doesn’t have to impact your day-to-day routine or snack of choice! Beyond being transparent, aligner trays are completely removable. Adults and kids alike love the convenience, comfort, and flexibility of invisible aligners.
With new attachments, like Invisalign buttons, clear aligners can also treat a broader range of tooth issues than in past years. And because they’re customized for your unique dentition, trays allow for tooth transformations at any age. However, advanced orthodontic problems require more movement than aligner trays provide, which means they might not be perfect for all patients.
Braces Can Be Discreet, Too!
Braces are usually more visible than clear aligners, like Invisalign, but modern updates have made traditional orthodontics look and feel better than ever. When it comes to appearance, clear and lingual braces are the number one way to brighten your smile with brackets.
While clear/ceramic braces and lingual braces still use wires and brackets, they let patients enjoy low-profile care without aligners. Clear braces have tooth-colored brackets and wires that blend in with your natural tooth color. Lingual braces are completely hidden behind your teeth, making them ideal for those seeking a truly unnoticeable experience.
Since braces are attached to your teeth around the clock, taking care of your smile can be a little more challenging, and some foods will be off-limits during your transformation. However, braces provide the most comprehensive care for advanced bite and jaw issues, making them essential for some patients.
Which is Better – Braces or Aligners?
While we wish we could say which treatment is better, the truth is that every patient is different. Clear aligners provide comfort and convenience for mild to moderate orthodontic journeys; however, traditional braces offer greater control for more complex cases, such as severe jaw misalignments.
Your alignment and bite determine whether braces or clear aligners are better for your treatment plan. Both align form and function for a healthy smile – it just depends on your unique goals and orthodontic needs. Your orthodontist will examine your smile closely to determine how challenging your tooth troubles are!
Get Aligned with Holistic Care from Dr. Vanderstelt
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to move teeth. At aligned. Orthodontics, our practice is committed to providing specialized care to guide our patients toward a happy, healthy, and aligned smile. Through a holistic approach that looks at the whole patient, we create a personalized experience for every newcomer, big or small, in a relaxing and welcoming space. So, go ahead – schedule an appointment with Dr. Vanderstelt to discuss your goals and discover the best treatment plan for you!