7 Things to Ask Yourself When Choosing Between Traditional Braces or Clear Aligners

Nowadays, orthodontic patients have the chance to choose between braces and clear aligners, a choice patients did not have 20 years ago. Back then, if you needed to correct crooked teeth, you could only pick braces. Now, with multiple options available, patients ask their orthodontist questions about the pros and cons in order to make their final decision.

Questions you should ask yourself before choosing between braces and clear aligners

How well do you want to be discreet?

Clear aligners have the advantage of being less conspicuous than traditional braces. Braces are made from wires and brackets that stay on the teeth and can be unsightly. Aligners can only be seen when people move up close and are usually unnoticeable in pictures. If you want to be discreet with the orthodontic treatment, then you should opt for clear aligners.

Do you want a removable or non-removable device?

Many patients opt for clear aligners because they have the freedom of removing them. Although they still have to wear the aligners for most of the day, some people like the flexibility that comes with the treatment. Braces, on the other hand, cannot be removed, except by the dentist. On the other hand, other people prefer braces because they do not have to worry about taking their trays out before munching on their favorite snack.

How good is your oral hygiene routine?

If you opt for braces, you need to improve the frequency and quality of your oral health routine. Otherwise, at the end of the treatment, you may notice white spots on your teeth. Clear aligners are more complacent, and you may get away without much consequence, but tooth decay may set in. Excellent oral hygiene is important during orthodontic treatment.

How fast do you want to complete treatment?

If you want fast treatment, braces can shift the teeth into their correct position faster than Invisalign. The dentist has to swap out the Invisalign trays every few weeks, and the difference is not always significant. Braces close wide gaps faster and align the teeth better.

How crooked is your smile?

Orthodontic treatment is typically chosen based on the condition of the teeth. Clear aligners are great for a patient with mild to moderate crookedness or crowding, but in more complex situations, the braces mechanic does a better job of rotating and shifting the teeth into the correct position.

What are your diet options?

With traditional braces, the diet options are limited. You have to stay away from sticky and chewy food because they can damage the braces. They could also get stuck between the wires and brackets. Clear aligners allow you to eat whatever you want since the trays are removable.

How busy is your schedule?

You will need to visit the dentist every six to eight weeks for a progress report and to change your aligner trays, while for braces, you need to visit every four to six weeks to have the braces adjusted.

In conclusion

The orthodontist will review both braces and clear aligners and help you make an educated choice. It is up to you to decide which suits your lifestyle more.

Request an appointment here: http://nelaortho.com or call NELA Orthodontics at (323) 203-0721 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Clear Aligners in Los Angeles, CA.