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Teeth straightening not only improve smile but also prevents oral issues like a spike in cavities because of complexity in cleaning overlapping teeth, temporomandibular joint problems, difficulty in chewing food properly, etc.
Getting braces is one of the most preferred orthodontic treatments for crowded or spaced teeth, a misaligned bite, crooked teeth, etc.
Thanks to advancements in dental technology, there is a variety of teeth straightening braces available today.
Traditional braces have been the preferred choice over the past years because they are sturdy and long-lasting.
However, now there are more advanced options available for teeth straightening such as clear aligners. They are fast gaining popularity among teens and adults. So let’s understand which option is better – conventional braces or clear aligners.
Aesthetic Value
One of the biggest benefits of clear aligners over traditional braces is that they are almost invisible.
They are basically clear trays that are customized to correct misaligned teeth. They even help in hiding existing gaps between teeth.
Safety
Conventional braces comprise wires. This increases the risk of the insides of your mouth and even gums getting scratched if you aren’t careful.
Clear aligners, on the contrary, don’t comprise any metal wires, have a smooth surface and their design is extremely safe.
Convenience and Hygiene
The traditional braces cannot be removed at will. They can only be removed professionally. Clear aligners, on the other hand, are removable.
The patient can remove them for brief periods of time, say before eating for instance. Though, this should be done only after consulting your orthodontist.
Also, when it comes to maintaining oral hygiene, traditional braces can pose a challenge. The chances of food debris getting stuck in between the brackets of traditional braces are more.
This can further increase the risk of teeth decay and other dental issues. Clear aligners, on the other hand, can be removed which allows the patient to thoroughly clean the teeth.
Sophisticated Technology
In the case of traditional braces, the patient has to bite down on a mold so that the dentist can get measurements.
However, with clear aligners, a more precise and sophisticated technology is used to get the required measurements.
It is known as 3-D digital scanning which creates highly accurate images in much less time as compared to the mold method.
The scanning not only speeds up but also makes the entire process of getting customized aligners manufactured much more efficient.
Clear Idea of Treatment
With traditional braces, you might not have an exact clear picture of the treatment plan. So it can turn out to be a bit of a trial-and-error situation.
In the case of clear aligners, there are no such surprises since the treatment planning is fully computerized.
The orthodontist creates a virtual model of your teeth with a computer program to show you the various steps involved in the treatment.
So you know exactly what to expect with your orthodontic treatment involving clear aligners.
Clear aligners even though a bit more expensive offer more benefits as compared to the traditional braces.
Hence, they can be considered a worthy investment for a healthy smile. If you too are getting braces, talk to your orthodontist, and find out more about clear aligners.
About The Author:
Sharon William’s day job is to handle digital marketing for Koch Orthodontics in Lawrenceville, GA. With a flair for creating compelling content that clears the clutter and connects with the audience in an instant, she writes about dental topics to educate and help her readers. She truly believes that a genuine smile can win a million hearts and talks to her readers about improving their smiles and overall dental health, as well as enhancing their overall lifestyle. In her free time, she likes to organize small meets in her neighborhood where she brings people together to discuss various topics that she writes about.
