Clear Aligners vs Braces – What’s The Best Option?

If you find yourself unhappy and discouraged with the appearance of your smile, you’re not alone. Millions of Australians admit they could benefit from orthodontic treatment, and it’s not just teens who are improving their bite and their smile. Patients considering undergoing orthodontic treatment have options when it comes to the teeth straightening system they choose.

At Dentistry On Solent, we proudly offer our patients a choice between clear aligners and traditional braces.

Many of our teenage and adult patients are unaware there is an alternative to conventional braces. Clear aligners, like Invisalign, offer many benefits and are an effective alternative to a bracket and wire system, especially for adolescents and adults who want to achieve the smile of their dreams discreetly.

Here are some great reasons why clear aligners win the clear aligners vs braces debate for busy adolescents and professionals.

Impressionless scanning

Impressionless scanning is becoming widely used in dental clinics and is one benefit of clear aligners. The iTero digital scanning system creates a 3D digital image of your teeth comfortably, quickly and accurately, so there is no need for mouth extenders and messy putty moulds.

Ability to view outcome before treatment starts

Once digital impressions have been taken, you can view your treatment plan and the outcome using CAD/CAM technology and special software, so you will know what your smile will look like at each stage of your treatment.

Customised aligners

Your digital images are sent to a lab to fabricate your custom-made series of aligners that are unique to your smile. You simply slip your customised clear aligners over your teeth and switch them out every two weeks for the next set in the series.

Each set of aligners gradually guides your teeth into the desired position over 18-24 months. The process sometimes occurs faster depending on your smile and the orthodontic issue you are correcting.

Your dentist monitors your progress every 6-8 weeks. These check-ups occur significantly less frequently with clear aligners vs braces which require monthly visits to your orthodontist.

Clear aligners are discrete

One of the primary reasons patients choose clear aligners is that they are barely visible when worn. This helps conceal the fact that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, which can be embarrassing for some adults in professional or social situations.

The aligners are made from a transparent BPA-free thermoplastic and resemble a mouthguard. This enables them to mask existing gaps in your smile while undergoing orthodontic treatment for an added aesthetic benefit.

Clear aligners are removable and convenient

When it comes to choosing clear aligners vs braces, convenience is a major consideration. Another fantastic benefit of clear aligners is their removability. The mouth trays can be removed when you are eating and drinking as well as to brush and floss your teeth. You don’t have to modify your diet or use special dental tools to clean around brackets.

To achieve the best outcome; you must wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day.

Clear aligners are low maintenance

The easiest way to clean your clear aligners is by using the Invisalign cleaning crystals to remove bacteria, plaque and food debris. Retainer cleaners also work well, especially to remove the mineral build-up that can appear, making the aligners less transparent. After soaking your aligners, brush them gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and rinse with lukewarm water before placing them back in your mouth.

Avoid brushing with toothpaste because it can be abrasive and scratch the aligners. Also, avoid using mouthwash to clean your aligners because they contain artificial colours that can cause stains.

If you can’t brush your teeth after each meal, rinse your mouth before inserting your aligners to prevent them from yellowing.

Clear aligners are an effective orthodontic treatment

Clear aligners, like Invisalign, can treat many of the same orthodontic issues as conventional braces, such as gaps, overcrowding, overbites, underbites, crossbite and open bites.

You may not be a good candidate for clear aligners if you lack the discipline to wear them for the required period each day. You may also require an alternative teeth straightening device if you have teeth that need to be moved vertically, bridgework, or canines or premolars that need to be rotated more than 20°.

You snack less often

The simple act of removing aligners to eat and brushing before inserting them back in your mouth can make you think twice before snacking.

Traditional braces are more susceptible to damage from hard foods than clear aligners, so you may need to modify your diet for the duration of your teeth straightening treatment.

Patient satisfaction

According to research published in the Biomed Central Journal, patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with clear aligners were more satisfied with their treatment than patients who wore braces. They were also found to have better gum health.

Clear aligners deliver excellent results for a healthier, straighter smile. Straighter teeth are easier to clean and less susceptible to chronic conditions like headaches and TMD that can result from crooked teeth.

Clear aligners transform your smile and give you a confidence boost, so you will love the way you look.

Clear aligners vs braces: every smile is unique!

Depending on your lifestyle and your goals, you may be a better candidate for clear aligners vs braces.

To determine the best orthodontic treatment for your smile, please contact us on (02) 5943 7435 to arrange your consultation. We will evaluate your smile and discuss whether clear aligners or braces are the best teeth straightening solution to correct your orthodontic issues.