Orthodontics is a field of dentistry dealing with the misalignment of teeth. Perhaps the most familiar tool used by orthodontists is braces. However, there are many other options dentists can use to help individuals straighten and prevent misalignment. Alongside dental braces, individuals may be able to use aligner trays. Individuals may wonder how they can know which approach would be best for them. In the debate of clear aligner trays vs. braces for teeth straightening, you are not alone. Each day, your dentist helps other people make their own decisions regarding this choice. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. What’s important to remember is that your Lovett Dental Baytown dentist can explain each approach’s advantages, allowing you to make the most informed decision possible.
Why People Choose Traditional Braces
Traditional braces offer many benefits. That’s why orthodontists have used braces to straighten peoples’ teeth for generations. It is also why you still see many people wearing traditional braces, despite the availability of clear aligner trays. There have also been some significant advances in the technology braces use, making them more comfortable and more cosmetically pleasing. This is part of the reason why braces aren’t just for children or adolescents anymore. Many adults use braces to correct alignment issues.
Some of the benefits of dental braces include:
- Great for bad tooth alignment problems
- You cannot forget to wear them
- Equal pressure on the entire tooth
- Proven effective through centuries of use
In the question of clear aligner trays vs. braces, sometimes you have no choice. If your teeth suffer major alignment issues, braces generally meet your needs best. The same is true if you have rounded bicuspids, which cannot turn in clear aligner trays. Of course, your dentist is your best resource for this information.
Since your dentist or orthodontist places braces on your teeth on a semi-permanent basis, there is no interruption to your realignment. You cannot lose your braces, forget to wear them, or spend long periods of time without them on your teeth. This is why braces often work best for young people, too.
Braces and clear aligner trays move your teeth differently. The clear trays focus most movement on the tooth’s upper region. Braces shift the whole tooth with consistent pressure from root to tip. Of course, with the history of braces proving how effective they truly are, it is hard to argue their value in your question of clear aligner trays vs. braces.
Why Choose Clear Aligner Trays?
Also, in the question of clear aligner trays vs. braces, clear aligner trays offer many benefits that braces do not. These benefits include:
- Almost invisible appearance
- Removable for brushing teeth and eating
- No worries about food getting stuck
- Better comfort than braces
When it comes to aligner trays, their clear appearance is the top-selling point. You can continue feeling confident as you socialize, work and enjoy daily life. Also, with these trays, you take them out to eat. So you can enjoy any foods you want without worry over food getting caught in your braces or sticking to them.
Clear aligner trays are comfortable to wear, particularly when compared to traditional braces. Of course, this comfort comes with a slightly greater price tag than braces.
Talk to Your Dentist for Answers to Clear Aligner Trays vs. Braces
Your specialty dentist is your number one resource for answers and information when it comes to teeth straightening or other smile improvements. Your dentist gets to know your teeth and unique needs. Those needs play a big role in making decisions about teeth straightening methods.
A quality dentist also provides a broad range of other dental services, including:
Lovett Dental Baytown provides the quality dentistry you need when making decisions like clear aligner trays vs. braces. Contact Lovett Dental Baytown now to schedule your first visit at 281-838-8400.