The Pros and Cons of Clear Aligners vs Traditional Braces

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There are a lot of things to consider when looking for the best orthodontic treatment for your teeth. Let’s take a look at two of the most popular options and see how they stack up. Traditional braces have been around for years, but clear aligners are now becoming a more popular choice because of their convenience and appearance. 

Braces are a conventional orthodontic treatment for correcting misaligned teeth. Traditional braces are made of metal and require periodic adjustments to move your teeth to the desired position. On the other hand, clear aligners are a newer option made of thin, transparent plastic that can be put on with no pain or discomfort. The clear aligners work by slowly moving your teeth into alignment as you wear them.

This blog post will explore the benefits and drawbacks of each, so you can decide what’s best for your lifestyle.

Pros & Cons of Clear Aligners 

how do clear aligner straighten teeth

Almost Invisible & Looks Better

One of the best parts about clear aligners is that they are virtually invisible. Adults love this because their colleagues and clients can’t see they’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, so you will be able to maintain a professional appearance throughout your treatments. You won’t be self-conscious in photos because all they will see are photos of a smile progressively getting better.

You Can Take Them Out.

Clear aligners are an excellent alternative to traditional braces because they are removable. Aligners have to be worn for 20 to 22 hours each day. That means it’s okay if they take them out when eating, but make sure not to eat anything too stiff or sticky because it could cause problems with your teeth alignment and mouth comfort. Thus, people who wear clear aligners have the freedom to eat anything and anytime without worrying about getting food in their teeth or getting stuck on brackets. 

It is Easier to Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene

As well as when eating and drinking, you’ll also remove your clear aligners to brush your teeth. People can continue with the same oral hygiene routine they’ve always had with no obstructions to their teeth.

Comfortable to Wear

Some people wonder if clear aligners are more or less painful than traditional braces. Moving teeth around with clear aligners can indeed be uncomfortable and even a little bit sore, just like those who wear regular braces. Still, there are also fewer mouth and gum problems to worry about. With the use of a special plastic for retainers explicitly fitted to each person’s mouth instead of brackets, there are no cuts on your cheeks from wearing them all day long.


Learn more: Advantages and Disadvantages of Clear Aligners


Cons Of Invisible Aligners

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Cons Of Invisible Aligners

I need to wear them for 22 hours.

It’s both a pro and a con to having removable aligners. Not being disciplined about putting them back in the mouth after eating or brushing teeth, you may not wear them for 22 hours per day as they need to be worn. This lack of compliance with wearing the aligners will significantly inhibit how well treatment goes, as they aren’t correctly aligned all on their own.

Cost of clear aligners

Dentists are often asked if the cost of clear aligners is cheaper than braces. One factor related to this question that may contribute is advances in 3D scanning technology and flexible materials involved with making aligners, which have resulted in a similar price for both treatments. However, due to the different treatment options available through each service, your orthodontist will work closely with you so they can determine what would be best for your dental concerns and discuss any potential financial implications or consequences associated with those decisions.

can only fix mild to moderate orthodontic issues.

Clear aligners are not always the best solution for orthodontic treatment. They aren’t recommended for more complex cases, such as when teeth have shifted significantly out of alignment or if patients have issues with spacing between their teeth. Before deciding which treatment to use, ask your specialist if you can expect a similar result with all the methods available. An experienced and ethical dental professional will offer advice and options, so you know exactly how much work they want their patients to put in when trying different methods.


Learn more: How Do Clear Aligner Straighten Teeth?


Pros and Cons of Braces

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The Pros of Traditional Braces

Effective for All Kinds of Orthodontic Issues

Braces are one of the most tried and true ways to get your teeth straightened. Traditional braces work well for correcting multiple dental problems with ease, including crooked or misaligned teeth as well as protruding ones. With all these benefits, it’s no wonder that we still use them today.

Potentially Better Results than Clear Aligners

For some people, there is no substitute for braces. Braces deliver a more powerful force to move teeth into place than clear aligners do. Unlike braces, you are limited to how much your teeth can be moved at one time when using clear aligners. 

Faster treatment time

In general, the average time for a metal brace treatment is two years. However, this can vary depending on your needs and how quickly you want to be done with it! If you need to cover gaps between teeth, then maybe only 6-8 months will suffice.


Check Out: Are Clear Aligners As Effective As Traditional Braces?


Cons Of Traditional Braces

cons of traditional braces

I need to visit the dentist more often.

You have to visit your dentist every month for a check-up. The dentist needs to tighten the wires or change them if they become loose, so that you can make significant progress in straightening those teeth.

Restriction on food and drinks 

When you have metal braces, you’re not allowed to eat anything sticky or hard to crush because these types of food could damage the wires and brackets. You also have to give up sugary delights such as cookies and candy, which lead to cavities.

Brushing and Flossing Can Be Challenging

It’s hard to maintain perfect oral hygiene when you have braces. It makes brushing and flossing difficult, and this can lead to lots of dental problems since wires trap food particles, which lead to cavities. Not only that, but it also makes teeth more susceptible to discolouration.

It Can Be Uncomfortable

Patients with braces are often unhappy and complain about discomfort. With the wires, brackets, and sometimes metal pieces all poking at their sensitive gums constantly, it is no wonder that they become sore or irritated from time to time. Patients may also not like how their teeth appear during this period, so many will isolate themselves socially for as long as possible until things settle down again after getting them removed.


Learn more: What Are Dental Braces: Treatments, What To Expect, Types & Cost


Final Thoughts

There are many options out there when it comes to orthodontic treatments. As you can see from our blog post, both clear aligners and traditional braces have pros and cons that are worth considering before deciding which treatment is suitable for your needs. 

If you want to find out more information about the two types of orthodontic treatments, our team of professionals would be happy to answer any questions or concerns about either option, so don’t hesitate to reach out. Book an appointment today by calling us at 08 9532 0247

Please explore these orthodontic options further with one of our specialists.

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