Teens wearing metal braces were a common sight in the 90s as people opted to fix their teeth and get them out of their way early on. However, adults who face the problem of misaligned teeth would like to do discreet orthodontic treatment, and conventional braces do not offer that option. In recent years, many brands have come out with orthodontic methods that have the technology to provide you with a beautiful smile discreetly, such as OrthoFX clear aligners. Let’s understand some of the differences between conventional braces and clear aligners. 

Differences between conventional braces and clear aligners

The orthodontic treatments are used not only to straighten your teeth but also for other multiple teeth issues such as malocclusions, crowding, spacing etc. They also help prevent premature erosion of your teeth.

Conventional braces

One of the most popular orthodontic techniques, braces, have undergone tremendous changes in recent years and are becoming more and more discreet over time. Made with stainless steel, braces are affixed to the teeth and cannot be removed until the treatment is completed. The brackets are bonded to the front of the teeth and interconnected by an archwire. The process involves applying gentle yet steady pressure to the teeth thereby moving them to their optimal position. The wire needs to be replaced multiple times with a thicker one for the setup to work properly until you get the desired results. Also, once the braces are installed, you need to visit the dentist to adjust them to maintain the tightness (every 6-8 weeks). This process helps correct the position of the teeth individually as well as simultaneously.

However, there are multiple cons to this type of treatment. Braces are highly visible even from a distance. They require you to stay away from crunchy and hard-to-bite food items so that they don’t break. They are not removable which makes it difficult to effectively brush your teeth and keep oral hygiene intact. You need your orthodontist’s assistance to maintain, clean and monitor the process so a visit to their clinic every once a month is a must. 

Clear aligners 

Clear aligners work the same way as braces do. This modern orthodontic method is used to correct mild-to-moderate orthodontic problems. They are near-invisible and hence, more suitable for those seeking a discreet orthodontic treatment. Another advantage of clear aligners is that they are removable and can be kept aside when you brush, eat or drink. Unlike braces, clear aligners are near-invisible trays made to fit the structure and size of your teeth to make adjustments to your teeth by applying pressure to the teeth according to the plan drawn by the orthodontist. These aligners need to be changed every 7 days to two weeks depending on the brand and the plan suggested by your dentist. 

Clear aligners are an obvious choice for adults as they can go about their day without worrying much about them. As they are removable they help you to keep the oral hygiene intact. Also, it has been proved that clear aligner treatment takes less time than braces. Since there are no brackets, wires or rubber bands, clear aligner therapy does not require frequenting the dentist. However, you need to visit the dentist every few months to understand the progress. Clear aligners are usually recommended to kids as it requires you to lead a disciplined lifestyle. Also, you need to wear the aligner at least for 22 hours to get the optimal results.