Aligners vs. Braces If you or a family member has misaligned teeth, then you may be considering some form of orthodontic treatment to correct them. Aside from the cosmetic issues of misaligned teeth, this problem can cause damage to your dental health. This is especially true for children, where the teeth are still developing and problems in the teeth are at a higher risk of causing future problems in dental health and facial development.You might be weighing the options of getting clear aligners or traditional braces. At Dr. Jeffrey Kashner Orthodontics, our team of specialists will provide customized dental care to each patient and help guide you to determining whether aligners or braces are the right choice for you. Continue reading to get a head start in learning the pros and cons in each so you can pick the option that best suits your needs. What Are Clear Aligners?Aligners are clear, plastic trays that fit over the bottom and/or top arch of your mouth. They do not have the metal arch and brackets that traditional braces have and are much simpler to install. One of the biggest advantages of clear aligners is that they are far less noticeable than traditional braces. Because they are made of clear materials, most other people will not be able to see them unless they examine your teeth closely. This makes aligners a good option for adults, or children who do not want to have visible braces. Another advantage of aligners is that they are removable. This means you can take them out when eating to avoid getting them dirty, and you can remove them for tooth cleaning. It will be easier to maintain your teeth since you do not have to work around the hardware that comes with traditional braces. One of the cons of aligners is that they are usually more expensive. More insurers may only cover traditional braces for this reason as they do not want to cover the full cost of aligners. Another con of aligners is that they apply more gentle pressure on the teeth, which may mean that you will have to wear them for a longer amount of time to get its full effects. Traditional Dental BracesAlmost everyone knows what traditional braces look like. They have the metal arch that connects to the brackets that are attached to the teeth. Here, we will examine the pros and cons of classic braces. Traditional braces are typically less expensive than aligners, which make it a more affordable option for many patients. Because of this, most children will get braces because it is a more practical solution. It is common to see children and adolescents with braces too, so they are usually less self-conscious about wearing them. Another pro to traditional braces is that they are more effective. Because braces can apply more pressure to the teeth, they can reach results more quickly. Although braces apply more pressure for quicker results, this can lead to discomfort resulting from the pressure. Discomfort may be felt after initial installation, or after each tightening. Another downside to wearing braces is that they are non-removable and make oral hygiene more difficult. Food can get caught in the metal framing and can be harder to clean around. ConclusionAligners and braces are both effective options for realigning teeth, but there are advantages and disadvantages to each that might make one choice better for some patients than the other. Aligners are inconspicuous but not as effective, while braces are noticeable and act more quickly. If you are still unsure as to which option would best fill your needs, call Dr. Jeffrey Kashner Orthodontics at 253-630-3331 to set up an appointment today and begin the journey to achieving that perfect smile. |
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