With people having a better understanding of the benefits of a straight smile, more adults than ever are taking the plunge and undergoing orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth. There are many types of braces available but often, the choice comes down to clear braces vs metal braces. So, which is best for you?
Clear Braces vs Metal Braces – What’s the Difference?
There’s little point in discussing the variations between clear braces and metal braces if you’re not sure how each orthodontic device works.
The term ‘clear braces’ is extensively used nowadays to describe clear aligners such as Invisalign. They are worn over the teeth a little like a mouthguard and because they’re made from clear plastic, other people are unlikely to spot that you’re wearing them.
Most people are familiar with traditional metal braces – and may recall wearing them in their childhood years. They consist of visible metal brackets glued to each tooth with a thin wire threaded between the brackets.
Both options can effectively treat crooked teeth by applying pressure to move them to their correct positions, but the obvious difference is their appearance.
That said, if you are a suitable candidate for both teeth straightening treatments, which one should you choose?
We believe the majority of adults would opt for clear braces in this instance and here’s why…
Treatment Time
While each individual is different, the average treatment time for clear aligners is 12 months. That said, many people successfully complete their treatment within 6 months. If you are concerned with the alignment of a single tooth, for example, or you want a small gap closed between your teeth, then clear braces are an ideal choice.
Eat What you Want
Wearing metal braces restricts the type of food you can eat. It’s best to keep from foods that are hard or sticky since these can damage or dislodge your brackets or get twisted around your wires – nightmare!
Unlike a fixed brace, clear aligners are removed whenever you eat or drink food so there are no food restrictions. You can eat all your favourite foods without worrying that you may need emergency dental treatment to fix your broken brace.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Not only do metal braces trap food particles around the wires but brushing and flossing with a metal brace in place is extremely challenging. Without removing trapped food, bacteria can mix with plaque and eat away at your tooth enamel causing damage to the structural integrity of your teeth. Since clear aligners are removed to brush and floss the teeth, maintaining oral hygiene is a breeze.
As you can see, in the clear braces vs metal braces debate, the former is a real winner for people only needing mild to moderate orthodontic treatment. That said, you must be prepared to commit to wearing your aligners for 22 hours a day or you may not get the results you hope for.
Here at Boutique Dental Care in Chatswood, we offer clear aligners as well as metal and contemporary ceramic braces options. Why not book an orthodontic consultation with our experienced team to discuss your best treatment options.