How to Pick the Right Orthodontic Treatment

If you’ve been considering straightening your teeth, today’s available treatments give you essentially two options: orthodontics with see-through, molded-plastic aligner trays, or metal braces (including variations, such as braces with tooth-colored brackets).

When deciding which is the right orthodontic treatment for you, consider the following:

The Commitment to Clear Braces

Many people look at clear braces, or clear aligner therapy, as the best possible choice for their orthodontic care. While clear braces are able to deliver beautiful results and are nearly invisible, there is a commitment involved in treatment that is different than metal braces. Clear braces are not bonded to teeth, which is a big part of their allure, but that means that the patient plays a significant role in their finished treatment – if you are not dedicated to wearing your aligner trays for the minimum 22 hours a day, you may not see the results you’d been hoping for.

Taking the aligner trays out for other reasons beyond eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth,  risks the success of the investment you’ve made in your oral health.  Patients who have no problem keeping to a routine of wearing their aligner all day and night get the most out of this modern orthodontic therapy.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Metal Braces

Because the brackets of metal braces are bonded to teeth, dentists are better able to predict the outcome for your treatment plan – there’s no opportunity for the patient to adversely affect their care by removing the orthodontic appliance. Metal braces are also able to correct more severe orthodontic issues, such as jaw alignment problems and severe cases of crowding.  There are actually different options for metal braces that make them more discreet, such as lingual braces (brackets and wires on the backs of teeth) or tooth-colored brackets and wires.

However, metal braces do not always achieve the invisibility of clear aligner therapy and require the use of special tools, like floss threaders or water picks, to keep teeth clean.

So, Which Orthodontic Treatment is Right for Me?

Only you, and your oral health professional, can select the treatment that will allow you to achieve your goals. But, generally speaking, clear aligner therapy is effective at correcting mild to moderate alignment problems and is perfect for patients who can wear the trays for as long as necessary. If you have more severe alignment issues and feel like a bonded appliance would better help your meet your goals, metal braces are your best choice.

Smileneeds Dental provides ClearCorrect clear braces, as well as traditional braces to help patients get beautiful new smiles. If you have questions about getting orthodontic care, contact our office for your consultation.