Clear Aligner Braces Vs Traditional Braces – Which is Better for You?
Braces are a common solution dentists suggest for teeth and jaw misalignment, gaps, and bite problems. Earlier orthodontic treatment only involved metal braces until recently, when clear or invisible braces became popular among teens and adults. This provides us with two options for any orthodontic treatment: traditional braces and clear braces. However, the choice between them might be confusing. Hence, this blog focuses on helping you select either of these options based on your requirements.
What Are Clear Aligner Braces?
Clear aligner braces are transparent braces, commonly called Invisalign or ClearCorrect, made of medical-grade plastic. They are designed to fit perfectly on the teeth while slowly aligning them to the desired position. With clear aligners, the braces must be custom-made and changed every few weeks to keep up with the procedure’s progress. Clear aligners are preferred over traditional ones because they are almost invisible and offer discreet orthodontic treatment. Also, they are removable, which means more convenience and allows you to maintain your oral hygiene routine without obstacles.
What Are Traditional Braces?
Traditional braces are a combination of metal brackets and wires for orthodontic treatments. The metal brackets are glued to the teeth and connected using rubber wires or bands. These combine to apply pressure to the teeth, moving them into the required positions. The bands are adjusted by a few degrees during the procedure to achieve the desired result. Brackets of the braces can be made of steel, clear plastic, or ceramic, as per preference, and can be applied to either the frontal or lingual side of the teeth. Traditional braces can be used in treatments for slight to severe misalignments.
Aesthetic Appeal
The major difference between clear aligners and traditional ones is their aesthetics. While clear aligners are transparent and almost invisible on teeth, traditional braces are clearly visible. This is a huge concern for image-conscious teens and adults, where maintaining an aesthetically pleasing image is a primary concern. For some people, an image matters more due to their surroundings and lifestyle. However, traditional ceramic and lingual braces are less noticeable than steel ones. Still, the clear aligners are more discreet in visibility.
Comfort and Convenience
Clear aligner braces are much more comfortable than traditional braces, primarily due to the material used. Clear aligners are made of smooth medical plastic, which is gentle on the mouth, whereas metal brackets and wires may cause soft tissue injuries. Clear aligners can also be worn and removed for convenience and requirements like brushing, flossing, or eating. This reduces the restrictions on hygiene and diet, resulting in greater comfort and convenience during the treatment.
Eating and Oral Hygiene
Traditional braces come with many restrictions on food and drinks, as well as on managing oral hygiene. These restrictions can be challenging to manage. On the other hand, clear aligners have no such restrictions due to their removability. They can be removed as needed, allowing for comfortable brushing and mealtimes without hindrance.
Suitability for Different Dental Issues
Clear aligners are suited for specific orthodontic problems, whereas traditional braces are more versatile. Clear aligners are mostly recommended for minor tooth alignment and bite issues. They can address gaps in teeth, overcrowding, and bite problems. These minor issues can be effectively managed with clear aligners. However, more significant issues such as severe overcrowding and malocclusions may require traditional braces, which provide more control over the teeth. Traditional braces are generally more suited to address a wider range of issues than clear aligners.
Cost Comparison
As traditional and clear braces are different, their costs also vary. The cost of traditional braces in India can range from ₹20,000 to ₹45,000 for the complete procedure. On the other hand, clear aligners can cost between ₹40,000 to ₹80,000. This cost range can vary depending on the severity of the issue and the duration of the procedure.
Conclusion
Both clear aligners and traditional braces have properties that suit different individuals. Factors such as aesthetic appeal, comfort, lifestyle, preferences, eating habits, dental issues, budget, and treatment duration all affect the choice between clear aligner braces and traditional braces. To determine which option is best for you, consult your dentist. To get braces treatment in Mulund East, visit our Clinic.