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You just came home from a party and are going through your group photos. Suddenly, you notice your crooked teeth and feel self-conscious about your smile. If this sounds like you, then good news!
Orthodontics has come a long way with modern-day dental solutions such as clear aligners and clear braces. But which one to go for? Or are they truly identical? In this blog, we will discover the main differences between clear aligners and clear braces.
What are Clear Braces?
While patients suffering from misaligned or crooked teeth can undergo teeth straightening therapy using traditional braces, the recent advancements in the field of orthodontics allow you more discretion. Clear braces consist of small plastic or metal brackets that are glued to your teeth using metal wires. This in turn gently applies pressure and shifts them towards the desired tooth position.
These are fixed and cannot be removed while requiring regular adjustments from your dentist. The teeth alignment treatment using clear braces might take about 12 to 24 months.
Benefits
Some of the benefits that can be gained when using braces include:
- Best suited for severe dental cases
- Aesthetically appealing with customization options
- Effective alignment treatment
- Ideal for teens and adults who value their aesthetics
Things to Consider Before Choosing
Clear braces are also prone to some limitations as well, which include:
- Can break under pressure
- It is not completely discreet and is still visible
- Requires adjustments from the dentist
- Can cause discomfort to your gums and teeth
- Repairs can be costly
What are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are custom-tailored plastic trays that slowly move your crooked or misaligned teeth toward the desired position.
Clear aligners are crafted from smooth medical-grade materials (EVA), which are also BPA-free. These are made using your dental impressions to ensure a snug fit that does not cause irritation and provides long-term comfort.
According to research from MPDI, clear aligners are effective tools for discreet dental aesthetics and also improve your health when compared to fixed dental appliances.
How Do They Work?
First, you provide your unique dental impression using dental kits delivered to you at home by the suppliers. The impressions are then sent back to the suppliers, which in turn use these impressions to make your custom-fit aligners.
Once your clear aligners are delivered, ensure to wear them according to the suggested time frame. These aligners should be changed every 2 weeks for 4 to 6 months, depending on the severity of your case.
Key Features
Clear aligners have unique features that set them apart compared to other dental devices
- Discreet treatment, which is almost invisible to the naked eye
- Easy removal for enhanced comfort
- Easy maintenance
Benefits
Some of the benefits regarding clear aligners include:
- Offers less irritation and discomfort compared to traditional braces
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Does not require frequent dental visits
- Quick results
- No food and diet restrictions
Things to Consider Before Choosing
Some main limitations of see-through aligners include
- Requires strict wear time and compliance
- Proper oral hygiene required
- Not very durable and can break or chip under pressure
- Requires replacement and care
- Suitable for mild to moderate orthodontic cases
Clear Braces vs Clear Aligners: Main Differences
While clear aligners and clear braces may have some visual similarities, there are certain differences including:
| Feature | Clear Braces | Clear Aligners |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment Style | Fixed | Removable |
| Visibility | Noticeable | Almost Invisible |
| Comfort | Little irritation or discomfort | Comfortable |
| Maintenance | Difficult to clean | Easy to clean |
| Suitability | For complex dental alignment cases | For mild to moderate dental alignment cases |
| Treatment Time | 12 to 24 months | 4 to 6 months |
ALIGNERCO: Your Trusted Partner for Clear Aligners
ALIGNERCO offers you amazing invisible aligners that offer enhanced treatment with best-in-class results. Our user-centric clear aligners are made to ensure your teeth are getting the best treatment possible.
You no longer have to bear the pain and irritation associated with the traditional treatment options for teeth alignment. In today’s age, you can easily maintain your oral health and avail the perfect treatment for your teeth at the same time using clear aligners.
FAQs
Q: Can I use clear braces for all types of teeth alignment cases?
Yes, clear braces can be used to treat mild to severe teeth alignment cases.
Q: Are clear braces more comfortable than clear aligners?
No, clear braces are not more comfortable than clear aligners due to the metal wires.
