Considering orthodontic treatment to create the beautiful smile you always dreamed of? It is a big decision and one that requires research if you are considering clear aligners as an alternative to traditional braces. Both will lead to your new smile, but the roads traveled are quite different.
Everyone is familiar with braces that are available in both metal and clear ceramic brackets so let’s just discuss clear aligners. One of the primary reasons people choose clear aligners is that they are self-conscious about wearing braces and the aligners are nearly undetectable when worn. Most people won’t even notice you are wearing them. And, contrary to belief or despite what you have heard, your speech sounds fine to others in a very short period of time once you get used to wearing the clear aligners aligner.
Most patients have the option of choosing braces or clear aligners, but clear aligners doesn’t always work for everyone and Dr. Chadwell can help you decide if clear aligners is a good choice for your or your teen.
Points to Consider when choosing braces vs clear aligners
- Are you or your child self-disciplined? Since clear aligners is removable, following instructions, wearing your aligners except when eating and brushing your teeth, and keeping track of them when out of the mouth is important for success. When wearing braces, we don’t have to depend so much on the patient to get the job done.
- Patients are required to wear the aligners 20 – 22 hours per day and when switching to their next set of aligners every two weeks, understand the new aligners are snug in order to continue the tooth movement process. Some short term discomfort should be expected and the aligners cannot be removed to eliminate the issue. We suggest you put your new aligner in right before bed with Tylenol. By morning your teeth will most likely already adapted to the new fit.
- Is clear aligners the best option for you? An orthodontist is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. All orthodontists are dentists, but only about six percent of dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists with their specialized training are more qualified to determine what orthodontic treatment option is best for you or your child over a lifetime of smiles based on a fully educated decision.
Treatment time with clear aligners varies, depending upon the severity of the problem and is usually for a minimum of 12 months. If you are not sure that you or your child is a good candidate for clear aligners, the team at Chadwell Orthodontics will address your treatment concerns during a complimentary smile exam to determine whether braces or clear aligners is best for you.
