To choose the best orthodontic treatment for you, you need to know the main differences between your options. A lot of people who come to our office aren’t sure if clear aligners or traditional braces will work better for them. Both work to straighten teeth and fix bite issues, but they do so differently. We help families in Lake Forest make this decision by explaining how each works and when one is better than the other.
For decades traditional braces have worked for patients. These systems use metal brackets that are bonded to each tooth and wires that slowly move the teeth into place. An orthodontist changes the wires from time to time to keep the pressure in the right direction. Braces stay in your mouth the whole time you’re in treatment and keep trying to move your teeth. This steady force usually works well especially in tough situations when the teeth need to move a lot or rotate a lot.
Clear aligners move teeth in a whole new way. These removable trays fit over your teeth and apply light pressure according to a schedule. You change your aligners every 1-2 weeks. Each pair moves your teeth a little closer to where they’ll end up. Many patients like that aligners can be removed which gives them more freedom in their daily lives. You can take them out for meals, important presentations or special events and then put them back in when it’s convenient. Many treatment decisions are based on how things look. When you smile or talk traditional braces are still visible. However new brackets are thinner and less noticeable than old ones. Some people actually like how visible their braces are, seeing them as a temporary badge of honor for good oral health. Clear aligners on the other hand don’t draw much attention. People don’t usually notice when someone is wearing clear aligners unless they’re looking for them. Adults and teens who care about their looks and want to improve their smile without everyone knowing they’re getting braces will find this privacy very important.
These two ways are not equal in comfort. Braces can hurt your lips and cheeks especially when you first get used to them. The brackets and wires make minor contact areas that can hurt sometimes. Clear aligners have flat surfaces that don’t bother soft tissues. But each new pair of aligners may make your teeth feel pressure for a short time as they start to move. Most patients get used to either kind of treatment fast and say any pain goes away after the first few days.
These two approaches are very different because of the dietary restrictions. If you wear braces you have to stay away from some foods that could break brackets or bend wires. Hard, sticky or chewy foods can be dangerous during treatment. Patients have to alter their dietary habits and sometimes have to forgo favorite foods till the end of treatment. People who wear clear aligners don’t have to worry about these things. Because you take out your aligners before you eat you can eat whatever you want. This freedom is especially appealing to people who don’t want to give up certain foods or who are worried about eating out with braces.
Depending on the treatment you choose keeping your mouth clean can be tough. It takes more time and special gear to brush and floss around braces. Food particles can get stuck around brackets quickly so you have to clean them after every meal. Pediatric Dentistry experts often stress how important it is to have good hygiene during orthodontic treatment to avoid cavities and gum problems. Clear aligners make this process much easier. You take out the trays, brush and floss like you normally would and then put them back in. This simple process helps patients keep their teeth and gums healthy while they’re in treatment. Length of treatment depends on how complex the situation is not which treatment is used. With either braces or aligners simple repairs can be done in a year. No matter what method is used severe misalignment can take two years or more to fix. We give you realistic timeframes on your first visit taking into account your unique dental needs. Some conditions respond better to one kind of treatment than another which can change how long treatment takes.
Patients at Forest Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry are often surprised by how much things cost. Clear aligners and regular braces usually cost about the same. In orthodontics the idea that newer technology always costs more is not true. The approach you choose doesn’t matter as much as how long and complicated the treatment is. We give you detailed pricing information upfront so you can make informed decisions without any financial surprises later.
Compliance is very important for treatment effectiveness especially with clear aligners. Patients must wear aligners for at least twenty to twenty-two hours a day because they can be taken off. Not meeting this requirement will make treatment take longer and could hurt the results. Braces get rid of this variable because they work all the time and don’t need the patient to do anything other than keep their teeth clean and stay away from foods that are not allowed. When we suggest treatment options we look at how mature and healthy each patient is.
Sometimes sports and musical instruments might affect treatment options. People who play contact sports need mouthguards no matter what kind of treatment they are getting. However braces make injuries more likely during impacts. Musicians who play wind instruments might find that clear aligners don’t get in the way of their technique as much because they can take them off as they rehearse and play. When we talk about your options we consider these lifestyle factors.
Neither treatment is always better than the other. What’s best for you depends on your own wants, tastes and orthodontic needs. In some cases traditional braces are the only option because of how the teeth need to move. In other cases either method works just as well so it’s up to the individual to choose. Our job is to fully explain both options to you and then help you choose the best one for your life in Lake Forest, IL. Schedule an appointment with us so we can look at your smile, talk about your goals and suggest the best way to get the results you want. Dr. Derek Bock is a trusted orthodontist in Forest Hill, IL, dedicated to creating confident, healthy smiles through personalized and compassionate care.