Everything To Know About Clear Aligners vs. Metal Braces

Getting braces as an adult is becoming increasingly popular these days, especially among people who didn’t get them as adolescents or whose teeth have shifted out of place over time. There are other options for those who prefer not to have metal braces in their mouths. One of the most popular is invisible aligners. The Clear aligners can straighten a crooked smile without using metal braces.

How do Metal Braces Work?

A wide variety of options emerge for straightening teeth solutions. Traditional metal braces may be the most well-known option. Brackets are the part of metal braces that attach to your teeth. Using the slots in the brackets, wires are routed to their respective locations and are secured. They use stainless steel brackets and rubber bands to hold the wires. The wires exert a constant but gentle pressure on your teeth to achieve the desired alignment.

How Do Clear Aligners Work?

Clear aligners are custom-made trays that straighten your teeth by moving them into place without wires. In comparison to metal braces, aligners can be removed. To insert and remove them, you can do so on your own. To move the teeth in the same way as braces, patients wear a series of aligners that apply gentle, constant pressure to each tooth.

Clear Aligners

Why Patients Choose Clear Aligners

Aligners have some advantages over metal braces that metal braces don’t offer. For example, aligners make brushing and flossing easier because they can be removed for cleaning. And unlike metal brackets, food will not get stuck in between your aligners since you can remove them before eating. This will make proper dental hygiene easier for the patient.

By far, the most significant advantage of clear aligners is that they are practically invisible. You won’t have to worry about anyone noticing you are wearing them. Also, there are fewer fixes and less need for visits to the orthodontist if you choose clear aligners. This is due to the absence of brackets and wires used in metal braces that can loosen and need tightening and frequent adjustments only done by your orthodontist.

Metal Braces vs. Clear Aligners

Some believe that metal braces are more effective when teeth are badly crowded than clear braces for realigning them. You won’t have to worry about losing or misplacing them because they’re attached to your teeth. They are also less expensive.

However, aligners have a shorter average treatment time compared to conventional braces. That is why many patients prefer this option despite its higher cost. Choosing between metal braces and clear aligners will all come down to your personal preference and budget. Whichever option you choose, they are both effective in straightening your teeth.