4 Reasons Why Clear Aligners Are Better Than Braces

Metal Braces Vs. Clear Aligners

Straight teeth are healthy teeth, no matter if we’re comparing traditional metal braces with Invisalign, or any other clear aligner system.

Whether you choose the more traditional method of straightening out your smile with metal braces or a more modern discreet approach – like Invisalign – there are a number of dental health benefits of doing so.

Although there are a number of providers now offering clear aligners – like ClearCorrect – and even at-home teeth straightening systems like Smile Direct Club, we’ll concentrate on Invisalign for the sake of this blog post because we feel it is the most popular clear aligner system.

Both of these orthodontic treatment options have their place, only your dentist – or orthodontist – can work with you to make sure all of your questions are answered so you can decide which option is best for straightening your teeth.

Why Are Crooked Teeth Unhealthy?

When your teeth are not straight it can make keeping your teeth clean and mouth healthy more of a challenge. When it’s difficult to clean between teeth or floss properly, you increase the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.

Aside from breaking down your diligent daily dental hygiene regimen, malocclusion is another big concern. Malocclusion simply means misaligned teeth.

Clinically, it means the abnormal alignment of the upper and lower teeth. The three most common symptoms related to malocclusion are:

1. Misaligned teeth
2. Discomfort or difficulty eating & chewing
3. Jaw pain

Treatments for malocclusion and crooked teeth include:

• Invisalign clear aligners
• Traditional metal braces
• Repair and or reshaping of irregular teeth
• Prosthodontic devices
• Orthognathic surgery
• Maxillomandibular advancement

For generations, traditional metal braces have been the preferred treatment for correcting these issues, due to their reliability & durability.

The times have changed.

With new techniques, new technology, and modern equipment, patients in the 21st century have a lot more options available when considering traditional braces or clear aligners.

Clear aligners like Invisalign are very popular among both teens & adults.

Each custom-fit clear aligner is replaced every 2 weeks to gently, gradually and progressively move your teeth towards the final desired position.

While both clear aligners and traditional braces are designed to treat both minor and more complex smile alignment issues, in recent years clear aligners have gained in popularity.

Of course, it should go without saying, but only your dentist – or orthodontist – can work with you to make sure you are informed enough to decide which option is best for your particular smile situation.

Having said that, let’s identify four reasons why Invisalign – or clear aligners – are better than braces.

4 Reasons Why Patients Choose Clear Aligners Over Braces

1. Discretion

Clear aligners like Invisalign are virtually invisible, certainly so when compared to traditional braces.

No more metal mouth, train track teeth, or brace face.

Unlike traditional fixed braces, Invisalign aligners have no wires or metal brackets. Instead, they control the timing and amount of movement per aligner according to your individual treatment plan.

The invisibility is what makes Invisalign one of the most discreet teeth straightening options for adult (or teen) patients who do not want to draw attention to the fact that they’re having orthodontic work done.

2. Comfort

Did you have braces when you were a kid? How about as an adult?

If so, then you know just exactly how uncomfortable traditional metal braces can be. Traditional braces, with all the metal brackets & wires, can cut, scrape, and irritate the inside of your mouth & gums.

Clear aligners? No such metal wires or brackets, the aligner itself is just like a custom-fit mouthpiece.

3. Convenience

Clear aligners are 100% removable, traditional metal braces are cemented onto your teeth.

Which one would you rather have?

If you’ve ever had braces then you know how you had to watch what foods you ate, because they weren’t so braces-friendly.

While clear aligners can be removed, traditional metal braces can only be removed by a dentist or orthodontist.

Of course, the purpose is to straighten your teeth, and that won’t happen if you don’t wear the actual aligners, but it is convenient to have the option to remove them when you need to – like when you’re eating, or flossing, or brushing your teeth.

That’s another thing that becomes a little bit more of a chore with metal braces – brushing & flossing. With clear aligners, no problem at all!

4. Cost

The cost of clear aligners vs. traditional metal braces is generally comparable. Across the nation Invisalign treatment usually runs between $3,000 to $8,000, but there are situations where costs will vary.

Every smile is different, so that’s why it’s really tough to nail down a hard cost on what Invisalign would cost you without reviewing your health history, examining the alignment of your teeth, and discussing your personal goals.

The cost of your orthodontic treatment – whether with metal braces or clear aligners – depends on:

• The complexity of your case
• How long you’re treatment lasts
• Your orthodontic insurance coverage

There are many dental insurance plans that cover Invisalign treatment, often times the same amount they would with traditional metal braces, sometimes up to $3,500 of your Invisalign treatment cost.

Invisalign In Frisco TX: Manjula Alapati, D.D.S.

Are you considering at-home teeth straightening or Invisalign?

To discuss whether Invisalign is right for you, please call Dr. Alapati in our Frisco TX dental office at (469) 458-2035 to schedule an appointment for your free Invisalign consultation.

Take advantage of our Invisalign smile special!

Dr. Alapati is offering new patients significant savings here in Frisco and the surrounding Denton & Collin County areas.

Call Us Today at (469) 458-2035 to Schedule Your Invisalign Consultation!

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Call Us Today at (469) 458-2035 to Schedule Your Appointment!

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on the dental health blog of Frank V. Maldonado, D.D.S. and has been republished here with permission. It has since been updated for accuracy & comprehensiveness.