Orthodontic treatment can turn around your oral health, from making chewing easier to a more attractive smile; orthodontics help you with it all. Therefore for better oral health, you give your orthodontist a visit. However, you have to face two options at an orthodontist’s office: braces and aligners. Which one should you choose? Which one is better? These questions will surely boggle your mind. Nonetheless, in the end, it all boils down to personal preferences. Therefore, to help you with your decision, we have compiled a comparison of braces vs. aligners.
Braces V.S Aligners:
How They Work:
Braces comprise brackets and wires. These accessories work together and apply a gentle force on your teeth, shifting them to a new position. Aligners also do that but with a different approach. Aligners are plastic trays fabricated to fit your teeth layout. This tray moves the teeth slightly, and by wearing multiple aligners throughout the treatment course, you will achieve the desired result.
Effectiveness:
Both braces and aligners can be used to deal with several dental alignment problems. However, there is no option for some complex cases but to go for braces. Regardless, you will have both choices open for you in most cases.
Appearance:
Aligners are a viable option for those concerned about their appearance during the treatment. These plastic trays are transparent, so no one would know you are wearing one. On the other hand, braces are not as discrete as aligners. You may opt for porcelain brackets whose color matches your tooth, but the wire will still be visible.
Compliance:
Another method for determining whether aligners are an excellent choice for your or your kids is by their dedication to the treatment. As an adult who is getting their treatment, determination is easy to come by. However, a child may despise the procedure. So how does compliance relate to braces and aligners? You need to remove aligners while eating and brushing but have to wear them soon afterward. This routine is more comfortable, but one needs to stick to the routine religiously for the aligner to work. On the other hand, braces are attached to you till the end of your treatment. Hence, braces are an excellent option for kids with compliance issues.
Comfort:
You get a break for lunch and to brush your teeth, and these make aligners comfortable. With aligners, you should expect less soreness and tenderness. However, braces have metal parts and wires, irritating your mouth, but orthodontic wax can abate its side effect.
Cost:
Braces are generally less expensive than aligners, but the price gap is not very massive, making aligners affordable also.
Verdict:
Aligners are best for adults and teens concerned about their appearance yet determined enough to complete the treatment. Braces require lower compliance which makes them best suited for kids. Still, figuring out what’s best for you and your child? Briar Forest Dental Group can help you out with your queries. Ring us at 713-784-4430 to learn more about how we can help.