Aug 29, 2022 | Clear Aligners
Dental braces, more specifically invisible braces, continue to develop especially in recent decade. The barely noticeable braces with comparable success rates to traditional metal braces allow people of all ages who are conscious about their teeth and want to achieve a beautiful smile. Invisible braces, which are also called clear aligners, help to correct misalignment, gaps, and other dental imperfections just like metal braces do.
There are key differences between metal braces and invisible braces despite both systems being used to correct the same issues. In this guide, we’ll look at several criteria and compare the two types of treatments.
Before the development of clear or invisible braces, metal braces are the only treatment option if you want to align crowded, crooked, or gapped teeth. As technology evolves and more methods are developed, we’re now at a time when invisible braces are starting to become part of the norm. Let’s look at several factors to help you evaluate these treatment methods and determine which is best for your situation.
• More than 6mm gap or space between teeth
• Complicated misalignment case requiring an advanced degree of rotation and movement
• Unable to take off clear aligners on their own
• Have trouble with wearing clear aligners for 22 hours
• Relatively minor dental problems requiring moderate realignment or teeth rotation
• Less than 6mm gap between teeth
• Anyone who can form a discipline by wearing clear aligners for the prescribed hours
The most obvious difference between traditional braces and invisible braces is how they look. Traditional braces use brackets that are silver or white depending on whether they are made from stainless steel or ceramic. Invisible braces, meanwhile, are made of clear plastic which helps them become discreet and almost invisible.
Metal braces that are silver in color are often the default option for dental patients. However, patients can also choose ceramic braces if they want something less noticeable. The color of ceramic braces can blend with the natural color of the teeth to help make them more discreet.
Meanwhile, clear aligners are almost invisible since these are produced using clear, transparent plastic. Some clear aligner brands may have the option for ceramic coating on the plastic trays to match the color of the patient’s teeth. If someone doesn’t focus on your teeth, it is very likely they will not notice the plastic trays.
Pushing and pulling forces are applied to the teeth to move them toward the preferred alignment. Clear aligners and traditional braces use a controlled amount of force to realign the teeth in a set length of time. The difference between the two types of treatment is how force is used to achieve the desired alignment.
In traditional metal braces, a pull force is exerted to bring the teeth slowly into alignment. It is an effective method to align the teeth in a short time. You might feel tenderness, soreness, and pain in your teeth and gums every time your dentist fixes the tightness of the braces.
For invisible braces, a push force is applied to move the teeth to proper alignment. The push force applied by invisible braces is much gentler on the teeth compared to the pull force from traditional braces. There’s less pain, tenderness, and discomfort in the teeth and gums. This is also another factor that contributes to the increasing popularity of clear aligners.
Traditional braces are applied to the surface of teeth using a special adhesive. This means that once it is on, you cannot remove it until the end of the treatment. You will have to adjust to the feel and appearance of having metal brackets on your teeth.
For some, wearing braces all the time may not be an issue at all. However, this can be a drawback, especially for people who often attend events and get photographed and do not want their braces permanently recorded in photos. Many also associate getting braces with teenage years and awkward puberty phases which adds to their self-consciousness. This is why clear aligners have become a popular option for adults as well.
Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners can be removed but it does not diminish their effectiveness. You can remove the aligners during mealtimes or when brushing your teeth. It’s also easier to maintain oral hygiene with flossing since there are no wires and brackets that you need to go around. One quick reminder, you can’t remove clear aligners just because you want to. It is recommended to wear them for a minimum of 22 hours every day. Constantly taking off clear aligners will cause a delay in the treatment.
Dentists will recommend to their patients to avoid certain types of food and drinks that may damage the braces and their teeth. There are more restrictions on people wearing traditional braces compared to those who have clear aligners. During the treatment period, it is best to minimize or avoid these types of food:
• Gum
• Chewy candies
• Crackers
• Pretzels
• Cookies or anything with hard consistency
• Tortilla shells and corn chips
• Popcorns
• Hard chocolate
• Nuts
• Ice
Some would even recommend chopping certain types of food into smaller pieces such as raw vegetables cooked meat, corn cob, croutons, raw vegetables, and hard fruits. This reduces the risk of damaging the material of your braces.
Every patient will vary in terms of the length of their treatment. This depends on the complexity of the case and the type of braces used. In some minor cases, invisible braces have provided faster results than traditional braces.
Traditional braces require an average of 1 to 2 years of treatment. Clear aligners, meanwhile, can provide results in 6 to 18 months. The specific duration of treatment will depend on follow-up visits and the complexity of the case. For patients with traditional braces, it is recommended to follow up with their dentist once a month to monitor progress and make adjustments.
With invisible aligners, the treatment can be conducted with fewer visits to the dentist’s office. This is perfect for people who have difficulty scheduling a dentist appointment for various reasons. You just need to make sure that you switch out your customized trays according to the treatment plan. Although you don’t need a follow-up every month, your treatment plan will still require you to check-in with your dentist.
The total cost of your treatment will depend on the duration of the treatment, the average cost in your location, and the type of braces used. A 2019 report detailed that the average cost of traditional braces is between $1,800 and $5,000. The average cost of invisible braces is around $5,000.
Depending on the brand and provider, invisible braces might be a more expensive option than traditional braces. People who are not concerned with aesthetics can always choose the more budget-friendly but effective option. However, if you want your treatment to be more discreet or have fewer food restrictions, invisible braces are a great investment.
