Clear Aligners vs. Braces – What's Right for You?
At Duong Orthodontics, we provide treatment using traditional and clear braces as well as clear aligners for children, teens and adults who are looking to straighten their teeth. But which option is best?
Ultimately, the right answer to this question depends on you, your orthodontic needs, your lifestyle, and even your personality.
Both braces and clear aligners are highly effective orthodontic treatment options. Neither is inherently better than the other, and each has its own advantages.
Your orthodontist will work with you during your consultation to help you choose the best option tailored to your specific needs. To prepare for making an informed decision, read below to discover what braces and clear aligners can offer you.
Flexible Payment Plans & Insurance Options
We believe that finances should not be a barrier to dental care. We offer flexible payment plans and direct billing to insurance to help you manage treatment costs, whether you get braces or clear aligners.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners aligns teeth by applying gentle, continuous pressure to shift them over time.
Treatment consists of a series of custom-made clear aligners. Each aligner moves the teeth a specific amount and is then replaced with the next one until the desired results are achieved.
Virtually Invisible
Clear aligners are made of a lightweight, transparent material, making them virtually invisible when worn. This makes them a great choice for people who prefer a discreet treatment option.
Braces have a distinctive look, and it's not for everyone. While we provide lower-profile alternatives to traditional braces, such as tooth-colored, ceramic options, we believe that clear aligners are the most discreet orthodontic treatment available.
Convenient & Removable
Another benefit of clear aligners is the convenience of its removable aligners. These clear aligners can be easily removed for brushing and flossing. Maintaining oral hygiene with braces can be time-consuming and challenging; however, with clear aligners, you can brush and floss your teeth as you normally do.
You can also take out the aligners while eating, so you won't have to worry about any food restrictions associated with braces. Plus, you can remove them under special circumstances like taking photos.
Comfortable
Whether you opt for braces or clear aligners, you will likely feel some discomfort at different points in your orthodontic treatment as your teeth move into their new positions.
Clear aligners offer a smooth design that ensures you won’t experience the friction that metal wires and brackets can produce. This contributes to a more comfortable treatment process with clear aligners.
Clear Aligners & Braces Treatment in Manteca
At Duong Orthodontics, we offer treatment with traditional braces and clear aligners for children, adults and teens. Our orthodontist will recommend the ideal treatment option for your specific needs.
Benefits of Braces
Traditional braces use metal brackets, elastic bands, and wires to gradually shift and straighten teeth over time.
However, today's braces aren't the clunky, uncomfortable devices you might remember from decades past. Modern braces are lower profile and more comfortable than ever before.
Versatility
Braces can be used to resolve virtually any misalignment, no matter how complex. This is because of their ability to apply strong, consistent pressure to the teeth.
Braces are often the best mode of treatment for rotating teeth, lengthening them, or paralleling roots in extraction cases.
Efficiency & Cost Effectiveness
Braces can apply greater force for more efficient tooth movements, meaning treatment with braces may be shorter in certain moderate or complex cases.
In addition, the more complex the movement required, the more clear aligners will be required to accomplish it. This may increase the cost of clear aligners if you have a complex misalignment. In these cases, braces may be the more affordable choice.
Ease of Compliance
Removable aligners offer numerous lifestyle benefits, but it's crucial to consider how consistently you'll wear them as recommended. It's surprisingly easy to forget to put them back in or to take more 'breaks' than may be advisable when you're feeling sore.
If you think you may have trouble staying compliant with your treatment plan, fixed dental braces may be the better choice. They'll keep you honest and get you through treatment on time.