Clear Braces Vs. Traditional Braces: Which is Better for You?

We all want that Hollywood smile, but unfortunately almost none of us are born with a straight set of gleaming pearly whites.  Luckily, modern dentistry has solutions so that we too can enjoy a beaming, perfect smile to wow the world with.

We’ve all heard, or even dealt with the hassles of traditional braces.  What with the metal wires poking into the vulnerable flesh of your mouth, the unsightly metal brackets, seemingly constant visits to the dentist for adjustments and the extreme hassle of keeping them clean.  Of course, these annoyances are worth it in the long run because a straight smile not only looks better, it also helps improve oral and overall physical health, but there must be a better way.

Good thing there are treatment options available, and straight teeth are well within your grasp.  Even better, now you don’t have to deal with the hassles listed above because of Invisalign style clear braces from Clear Correct that get rid of much of the headache involved with traditional braces. 

Interested to know more?  Let’s take a look at all things braces so that next time you visit your dentist, you’ll be informed and ready to take action against an unsightly, crooked smile.

What are Traditional Braces?

Traditional braces are great at straightening teeth but what they lack is a certain element of creature comfort.  They consist of a metal brackets that are attached (glued) to your teeth, with a metal wire running between.  The wire is adjusted (tightened) periodically to gradually move your teeth into their correct positions.  The metal brackets and wires are often very uncomfortable, causing cuts, infections and more inside your mouth.  Not only that but traditional braces require multiple adjustment appointments with your dentist.

What Are Invisalign Style Clear Braces?

Clear braces as a treatment option are similar to the more famous Invisalign but come packaged under a whole host of differing brands.  They provide a modern method to straighten teeth and involve only a fraction of the annoyance and discomfort of regular metal braces.  Clear braces feature a series of clear aligner trays, that you will wear 24 hours everyday, removing them only to eat and complete your oral cleaning routine.  The process involves a set of clear aligner trays that are custom fitted to your teeth.  As you outgrow one set, you simply begin to wear the next as each new set of trays will act to move your teeth further and further into their correct positions.  Clear braces are also virtually invisible and do away with the ugly metal brackets that temporarily ruin your smile.

Uses of Traditional Braces

Typical uses for regular braces include treating:

• Crooked teeth
• Teeth crowding
• Gaps or irregular spacing
• Alignment problems
• Protruding teeth

Uses of Clear Braces

Typical uses for clear braces include treating:

• Crooked Teeth
• Teeth crowding
• Crossbites
• Overbites
• Alignment Issues
• Gaps or Irregular Spacing
• Simple teeth position irregularities
• Alignment maintenance

Pros of Clear Braces

Clear braces can be used for a wide variety and varying degrees of tooth alignment irregularities. Clear braces are advantageous because they are nearly invisible, won’t cut your mouth, do not stain or discolour your teeth and require much fewer visits to the dentist.  Clear braces are also removeable while you eat or when it’s time to clean your teeth.  This is a major advantage and promotes a healthy mouth.  Clear brace are also often used as maintenance tools to keep your smile looking great for years down the road.

Cons of Clear Braces

Unfortunately, clear braces cannot be used to treat all forms of alignment irregularities.  They work great for mild to moderate adjustments but if a drastic reshaping is necessary, an initial treatment period with traditional braces may still be required.

At the end of the day, what’s important is that your teeth are properly aligned. This is necessary for the health of your teeth, the alignment of your jaw, how you chew and how your smile looks to others.  Clear braces offer the perfect treatment option to alleviate all these conditions.  If you have been thinking about, or have had your dentist recommend straightening your smile, clear braces could be the perfect treatment option for you.  In order to begin treatment, you will need to consult with your dentist and learn whether they are an option for your specific case.