Comparing Clear Aligners and Braces

Clear Aligners and Braces: Which is Better?

Up until 1999, braces were the only option for most patients wanting to get straight teeth. Then, clear aligners were introduced. Over the years, this sleek option for orthodontic treatment has become more popular, offering lots of advantages for many patients. However, braces are still a great option for people wanting to improve their smile. So, how do these two treatment options compare?

How Braces Work

While most people know what braces look like, not everyone knows how they work. Traditional braces are made of metal brackets attached to each tooth and are connected by a series of wires. Small rubber bands, called ligatures, connect the wires to the brackets and provide the pressure that moves your teeth.

This system of orthodontic treatment has been around for a long time and is still the most effective way to move teeth. Historically, braces have been bulky, very visible, and uncomfortable. However, modern braces are sleeker than ever and aren’t nearly as obtrusive as they used to be.

That being said, they still are easy to spot when someone smiles, and most patients need some time to get used to the feeling of having braces. Having braces also still means patients need to adhere to food restrictions since chewy or crunchy foods can damage the brackets and wires. Braces can treat a very wide range of cases, including severe crookedness and significant malocclusions.

The Benefits of Clear Aligners

The Candid Clear Aligner System is a great alternative to braces for many patients. This orthodontic treatment option works very differently than conventional braces. The aligners are made of medical-grade plastic, which is formed around a mold of your teeth. But rather than fitting your teeth perfectly, the trays are made just slightly off in order to move your teeth to their desired positions. During each phase of movement, you will get a new set of trays.

Unlike braces, aligners are nearly invisible, making it harder for others to notice you’re in treatment. Additionally, the trays are removable, meaning you can take them out for meals or any time you consume anything other than cold water. The lack of visible braces and food restrictions makes this option very convenient for patients. If there’s any downside to clear aligners, it’s that patients need to make sure they don’t lose their trays, and they have to be diligent about wearing them enough hours each day for the treatment to be effective.

While aligners can’t quite treat the full range of cases that braces can, the treatment has advanced quite a bit over the years. One such advancement is the fact that you can have your Candid treatment monitored completely from home. Using the CandidMonitoring system, you will send scans of your teeth to a licensed orthodontist for review every few weeks to ensure your treatment is on track without having to go to the office.

When you visit The Smile Store for your free consultation, we’ll assess your smile and give you recommendations for treatments that are right for you. Contact us today to learn more and to schedule your free initial exam.