Which type of appliance to use to correct their orthodontic problem – braces vs clear aligners?

Orthodontics aims to correct poorly positioned teeth to optimize the bite and improve both function and appearance.

Interceptive orthodontics can serve to create necessary space and facilitate the eruption of permanent teeth in a child’s life. Now adults undergo orthodontic treatment to realign their teeth permanently. Since the primary process of tooth movement is the same in children and adults alike, orthodontic treatment can be done at any age.

Some the reasons for undergoing orthodontic treatment:

·         Correct an overbite or teeth that are too high

·         Realign teeth

·        Correct a space between teeth or dental overlap

·         Prevent premature erosion

There are mainly 2 types of orthodontic treatments: conventional braces and clear aligners.

1.      Conventional braces

Braces are definitely the best-known orthodontic technique. It is important to know that braces have changed a great deal in recent years and are now more discreet.

Small metal or porcelain brackets are bonded to the anterior of the teeth and linked by an arch wire, the tightness of which may vary, to gradually shift the teeth according to a predetermined plan. This setup applies very slight but constant pressure on the teeth to move them into their optimal position. The wire will need to be replaced certain times with a thicker wire to continue shifting the teeth until the desired results are obtained.

2.      Clear aligners

Clear aligners are a key for patients seeking a more discreet orthodontic treatment than conventional braces, as they do not use brackets or wires.

Clear aligners are a modern and near-invisible method for correcting mild to moderate orthodontic problems. They align teeth just as braces do, but employing a transparent, removable aligner.

Clear aligners are changed every two weeks on average, where as Conventional braces are changed in every 6-8 weeks. Each aligner regulates your teeth by applying the required level of pressure.

Clear aligners are faster than with traditional braces in Orthodontic treatment. Treatment with clear aligners associates creating a virtual model of your teeth with a computer program to show you all of the steps involved, from the initial position of the teeth up to the final desired result.

Lastly, oral hygiene is most easy and important in both cases as you can simply remove the aligner to brush your teeth and floss.