Braces vs Aligners: You have probably heard of both braces as two effective way for teeth straightening, which one should you go for? You have probably heard of both braces and aligners as two effective ways to fix your crooked teeth, but which one should you go for? Which is better, braces or aligners? While both of these dental devices aim to correct misaligned teeth, they are used under different circumstances and have their pros and cons. Here’s a detailed comparison between braces vs aligners and which one is better for you.
What are Braces?
Braces, or orthodontic braces, are a method of straightening teeth through the use of metal wires and rubber bands. Braces are the most commonly used method of orthodontic tooth movement. They are often used to correct teeth that are crooked, misshapen, or too widely spaced.
These can be problems from wearing ill-fitting retainers or headgear as a child, genetics, or simply growing into adulthood with poor oral health. Braces are a non-surgical method of tooth movement that uses gentle pressure on teeth and the surrounding gum tissue to slowly shift teeth into the right place.
What are Aligners?
An alignment device is a method of straightening teeth without the use of metal wires or rubber bands. They are often used to correct teeth that are too widely spaced. An alternative to traditional braces and are an attractive solution for people who are not good candidates for traditional orthodontic treatment. They work by using controlled pressure to slowly shift the teeth into the right place. It’s a similar concept to that of braces where gentle pressure is applied to the teeth and the gum tissue around them, but the pressure is applied through your upper or lower palate.
Clear aligners gradually move misaligned teeth just like braces do—except they’re removable and more convenient. Clear dental aligners are also a less noticeable way to straighten teeth in comparison to traditional braces. For this reason, they’ve become an increasingly popular teeth straightening option.
Difference between Braces vs Aligners
Despite the two methods being so similar in function, there are quite a few differences between braces and aligners.
1. Aligners are convenient and hassle-free
As Aligners are a set of upper and lower clear plastic trays, you just have to insert them according to the instructions given by your dentist. Aligners are smooth in the finish which means there is little or no chance of tissue laceration, which is a common problem faced by braces users.
2. Braces require more Dental Visits
There will be no need to book extra appointments with your dentist. You just have to visit your dentist once in 2 months for review. Whereas in braces a small issue in brackets or wire will require you to visit your dentist’s clinic.
3. Aligners Require Less Maintenance than Braces
As regards oral hygiene it is very important for us to maintain good oral hygiene. In braces, it is difficult to maintain oral hygiene as food gets stuck in brackets. Most braces patients overtime develop multiple cavities specially in between their teeth.
4. Braces Require More Time
The first is the speed of correction. It takes about a year to a year and a half for braces to straighten teeth. Aligners, on the other hand, can do it in about 10–14 weeks. Another difference is the duration of treatment. While braces are worn for about a year and a half, aligners are worn for about 18 months.
Which is better: Braces vs Aligners
This is a difficult question. Both braces and aligners have benefits and drawbacks, so the right choice depends on the person wearing them. Here are the most important factors to consider when deciding between braces and aligners:
Age – If you are younger than 12 years old, your orthodontist will likely recommend you go with braces. If you are older than that, you can choose either braces or aligners.
Overall health – If you suffer from certain conditions like TMJ, gum disease, or crowded teeth, an orthodontist will recommend aligners over braces.
Oral hygiene – If your orthodontist detects poor oral hygiene, you will be recommended to go with aligners.
Overall preference – Your overall comfort, preference, and the appearance of your teeth are also important factors influencing the decision.
Kids – If you want to get your braces removed earlier, you can opt for aligners instead.
Is there an alternate to teeth straightening?
Besides being long and excruciating both physically and financially, the final outcome of treatment through Braces or Invisalign is not tangible. So an affirmative answer to which is the better, long term and more aesthetic solution achieving the most perfectly aligned and gorgeous smile, would be Cosmetic Dentistry or a “Smile Makeover”.
A “smile makeover” improves the appearance of your smile through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures. This revolutionary technology practiced at Royal Dental Clinics for over 3 decades makes patients look years younger. Cosmetic treatments include bonding, veneers, laminates, crowning, conturing etc in just One Day.
Conclusion
When it comes to straightening your teeth, you have two options: braces or aligners. Both of these are non-invasive, and each has its strengths and weaknesses. With braces, treatment can last up to two years, but aligners can be completed in about a year. They also tend to be less expensive than braces. That being said, not everyone is a good candidate for either method, you might need to go with a more customized solution. With that in mind, remember that while both of these methods can effectively correct misaligned teeth, they also differ quite a bit from one another. Keep the information in this article in mind, and you will be able to decide which option is best for you.
