Clear aligners and metal braces are both effective as orthodontic treatment options, but there are distinct advantages and disadvantages for each one. Braces are fixed to the teeth while aligners are constantly removed and replaced every 7-14 days. So how do they stack up?
CLEAR ALIGNERS
Advantages of Clear Aligners
Aesthetics: The number one reason people select clear aligners is their aesthetic appeal. Clear aligners are translucent, making them a popular choice for adults and teenagers who want a discreet treatment option.
Removability: Aligners can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, allowing for good oral hygiene and no food restrictions like sticky, crunchy or chewy foods.
Comfort: Aligners are smooth and less likely to irritate the cheeks and gums compared to metal brackets and wires.
Shorter Office Visits: Depending on aligner wear behavior, fewer in-office adjustments are needed because there are no wires or brackets to tighten each month.
Predictable Design: Treatment is planned using 3D imaging tools, which can give doctors a visual aid that helps them predict results before starting treatment.
Fewer Emergencies: With no brackets or wires to damage, fewer emergency visits to the doctor are needed.
Disadvantages of Clear Aligners
Discipline Required: This is where successful treatment with aligners is gained or lost. Aligners must be worn 20–22 hours per day to be effective. Non-compliance can delay or compromise results. After several days of not wearing aligners, teeth can move to the point that the aligner no longer fits.
Not Suitable for Complex Cases: Aligners may not be as effective for treating some types of cases like severe crowding, closing large gaps, or cases that require significant jaw alignment.
Risk of Loss or Damage: Just like retainers, aligners are removable and can be accidentally tossed in the garbage, lost while traveling, used as a chew toy, or damaged by heat if not properly handled.
Initial Discomfort: Patients may experience discomfort or find some difficulty when speaking during each new aligners adjustment period.
METAL BRACES
Advantages of Metal Braces
Effective for Most Cases: Metal braces can treat a wider range of orthodontic issues than aligners.
No Compliance Issues: Unlike aligners, braces are fixed to the teeth and don’t rely on the patient’s daily discipline to be effective.
Durability: Metal braces are robust and designed to withstand damage as compared to clear aligners, which can deform or wear out over time.
Colors: Younger patients can choose a wide range of colors to place on their braces for a personalized look.
Disadvantage of Metal Braces
Aesthetic Concerns: Metal braces placed on the front of the teeth are highly visible and may make some patients feel self-conscious.
Food Restrictions: Sticky, hard, or crunchy foods can damage braces and must be avoided.
Oral Hygiene Challenges: Braces can trap food, making brushing and flossing more difficult and can increase the risk of developing white spots on the teeth or cavities.
Discomfort: Brackets and wires can cause irritation for the first few weeks of treatment and after each monthly adjustment.
More Frequent Office Visits: Regularly scheduled adjustments to metal braces are needed during treatment.
Consider Hidden Metal Braces
Hidden braces, or braces behind the teeth, are a popular treatment option for patients who want the aesthetics of clear aligners but don’t want the risks associated with aligners.
Aesthetic Preferences: Patients that prioritize a discreet look during treatment can get the same benefit from hidden braces as metal braces.
Treatment Complexity: Hidden metal braces are better suited for complex cases than aligners.
Lifestyle and Discipline: With braces fixed to the teeth, patients can relax – there are no strict rules to follow like removable aligners and treatment delays due to damage and loss are not an issue.
One popular type of hidden braces is Brava by BRIUS. Not only are Brava braces placed behind the teeth, they are programmed from start to finish using 3D technology that works fast, reduces office visits, and avoids the daily discipline of wearing aligners.
