Clear Aligners vs. Braces – What's Right for You?
At Lo Elliott Orthodontics, we're proud to offer both braces and clear aligner treatment options for teens and adults looking to straighten their teeth and develop a healthier bite. But which option is best for you?
At the end of the day, the answer comes down to you – your orthodontic needs, your lifestyle, and even your personality.
Both braces and clear aligners are highly effective orthodontic treatment options. Your orthodontist will work with you during your consultation to help you determine the best option for your unique case.
To prepare to make an informed choice, check out the information below outlining the benefits of both braces and clear aligners.
Flexible Payment Plans
At Lo Elliott Orthodontics, we believe that finances should never be a barrier to a healthy smile. Our team would be happy to work with you to develop a zero-interest payment plan to fit your budget. Now that's worth smiling about.
Benefits of Braces
Traditional braces use brackets, elastic bands and wires to gradually shift and straighten teeth over time.
But over the years, braces have evolved. Gone are the days of the bulky, clunky, uncomfortable braces that you might be picturing from decades ago. Today's braces are more streamlined, more comfortable, and (dare we say?) cooler than ever before.
Versatility
Braces can be used to resolve virtually any misalignment, no matter how complex. This is because of their ability to apply strong, consistent pressure to the teeth.
Aligners are unable to create the force required for certain complex tooth movements, like rotating teeth, lengthening them, or paralleling roots in extraction cases. When these types of movements are necessary, braces are typically the best mode of treatment.
Efficiency & Cost Effectiveness
Braces can apply greater force than clear aligners for more efficient tooth movements, meaning treatment with braces may be shorter in certain moderate or complex cases.
In addition, the more complex the movement required, the greater the number of aligners required to accomplish it. This can significantly increase the cost of clear aligner treatment if you have a complex misalignment. In these cases, braces may be the more affordable choice.
Ease of Compliance
There are lots of lifestyle benefits to removable aligners, but it's important to consider how likely it is that you'll diligently wear them as prescribed. It's easy to forget to put them back in, or to give yourself more 'breaks' than might be wise when you're feeling sore.
If you think you may have trouble staying compliant with your treatment plan, fixed dental braces may be the better choice. They'll keep you honest, and keep your treatment on track.
Clear Aligner & Braces Treatment
At Lo Elliott Orthodontics, we offer treatment with traditional braces and clear aligners for adults and teens. Our orthodontist will help you choose which treatment option is right for you.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Aligners straighten teeth by applying gentle, consistent pressure to the teeth over a period of time.
Treatment comes in the form of a series of custom-made clear aligners. Each aligner plays its specific role and is then switched out for the next one until the desired results are achieved.
Virtually Invisible
Aligners are made of a lightweight, transparent material, making them virtually invisible when worn. This makes them a great choice for people who dislike the look of braces.
Braces definitely have a distinctive look, and it's not for everyone. And while we offer more streamlined alternatives to traditional braces, including clear ceramic options, we find that clear aligners are definitely the most subtle orthodontic treatment option.
Convenient & Removable
Another benefit of aligners is that they are removable. Oral hygiene with braces can be time-consuming and tricky. But with clear aligners, you simply remove them when it's time to clean your teeth, then brush and floss as usual.
You can also take the aligners out to eat, which means you don't have to deal with any of the food restrictions that braces come with, and you can take them out for pictures, for date night, and more.
Comfortable
Whether you choose braces or clear aligners, you are bound to experience some discomfort at various points of your orthodontic treatment, resulting from your teeth moving toward their corrected positions.
But thanks to the smooth construction of clear aligners, you won't have to deal with the friction that metal wires and brackets can cause. This can help make treatment with aligners more comfortable.