When you think about a beautiful smile, straight, pearly white teeth probably come to mind. But a nice smile offers more than just aesthetic appeal—it also brings several health benefits. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean and maintain, decreasing the risk of developing cavities or gum disease. They also improve chewing efficiency (which aids digestion) and can even enhance speech clarity. Misaligned teeth, on the other hand, can place excess strain on the jaw, potentially causing pain in your head or neck. Straightening your teeth helps prevent these issues and promotes better oral health. If you’re considering alignment options, you might assume metal braces are your only choice, but there are effective braces alternatives worth exploring!
Exploring Braces Alternatives
Aligning crooked teeth means wearing braces, right? Well, not exactly. While you might first envision traditional metal braces when you think about teeth straightening, modern alternatives offer more discreet options.
If you or your child is ready to start your journey to straight teeth, you’ll want to learn about your options. Thanks to orthodontic advancements, there is no shortage of treatment pathways. At Orthodontists Associates of Western New York, we offer two popular braces alternatives: clear braces and Invisalign® clear aligners.
The Difference Between Clear Braces and Traditional Braces
The major difference between clear braces and conventional braces is their appearance. Manufacturers design clear braces, also known as invisible braces, to match the shade of your natural teeth. These braces draw less attention to the mouth and consist of ceramic brackets and frosted wire, making them less noticeable. Traditional braces are made of stainless steel and have metal wires, also known as metal archways. They tend to be more noticeable, which can sometimes affect self-esteem. On the other hand, clear braces allow you to choose between clear ceramic or metal archwires, and can help you feel confident showing off your smile.
Aesthetics aside, clear braces serve the same purpose as conventional braces. Both options will align your teeth and help straighten your smile. Like traditional braces, clear braces are affixed to the your teeth. You are required to follow up with us every 4-6 weeks for adjustments. Typically, you will wear your clear braces for 1-3 years. Afterward, you will wear a retainer to keep your teeth where they should be.
The Difference Between Invisalign and Traditional Braces
Aside from clear braces, another option for discreet realignment is Invisalign® aligners.
Invisalign aligners are clear and removable plastic trays that gradually straighten your teeth. They’re well known for being more aesthetically pleasing and comfortable than metal brackets and wires.
One big difference between Invisalign and traditional braces is diet restrictions—with metal braces, you usually have to forgo enjoying coffee, hard or sticky foods, and even crunchy fruits and vegetables. With Invisalign clear aligners, you can still enjoy your favorite foods and beverages. Simply take out your aligners while eating. Once you’ve finished eating, clean your teeth and put your clear aligners back in. We recommend avoiding chewing gum, however, because it will stick to your aligners.
There are a couple of important considerations with clear aligners: you must wear them nearly all day—at least 20 hours and up to 22 hours daily. Additionally, you’ll need to replace the tray for your aligner at regular intervals according to your treatment plan. If you’re concerned about meeting these requirements, clear braces might be a better option.
The Difference Between Clear Braces and Invisalign
Clear braces and Invisalign® will both straighten your teeth in a more discreet way than traditional metal braces. The biggest difference is clear braces stay in your mouth while Invisalign aligners come out. However, you should only remove your aligners when eating, brushing your teeth, or flossing. Aligners can also be removed temporarily for special occasions.
Another difference is oral hygiene maintenance—clear braces have a different cleaning process than Invisalign. Similar to traditional braces, you need to use a soft-bristled toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and floss regularly. For clear aligners, you will have to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning system. The manufacturers have a specialized system to minimize the buildup of bacteria in your mouth.
Additionally, clear aligners may require attachments on your teeth. Attachments will help keep your aligners in place—think of them as little ridges that match the color of your teeth.
There is also a cost difference between the two braces alternatives and traditional braces. Clear braces and clear aligners are both a bit more expensive than conventional braces. With clear aligners, the cleaning system is also at an added expense. However, for many people, the benefits of these discreet orthodontic solutions make the extra costs worth it. When you visit for your free consultation, we’ll help you make an informed decision that aligns with your needs, goals, and budget.
Considering Braces Alternatives? We Can Help!
Clear braces or Invisalign can be great options for a discreet way to align your teeth. If you’re considering braces alternatives, the best way to know which option suits you is by visiting our team of experts. At Orthodontists Associates of Western New York, we take pride in the care we provide for our patients. Connect with us today to schedule your free consultation and get on the right path to better and straighter teeth.
