What is better, braces or clear aligners?

Finding out you may benefit from orthodontic treatment can bring with it many questions. What kind of treatments are available? Which is more affordable? Which is most effective?

The good thing about orthodontic dental treatments that use Braces or Clear Aligners is that they do more than just straighten the teeth. These are also valuable in correcting bite issues that often require special diagnosis and treatment.

What is better, braces or clear aligners?

Orthodontic Treatment in Kanata

Our goal at Kanata Highlands Dental is to find the orthodontic treatment that will work best for you and your smile, and that means exploring all the options. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of both traditional braces and the Clear Aligners aligner system in order to help you decide which would be a better fit for you!

Both Braces and Clear Aligners were designed to straighten teeth while improving your smile and oral health. Braces have been around for quite a while and they consist of metal brackets that are attached to your teeth and tied together by wires. You cannot remove them and they are very visible on your teeth. Clear Aligners on the other hand are virtually invisible aligners that can be taken off any time.

Braces and Dental Hygiene

Braces usually present a challenge when it comes to dental hygiene as food tends to get stuck in the wires and braackets. It can take some time to get used to eating and drinking with metal braces on. There are also some foods that you will have to avoid while wearing braces, especially crunchy or very sticky food. The advantage that Clear Aligners has is that it is removable, so you can remove them while eating and brush/rinse off the Clear Aligners trays.

Braces are more effective for complex cases

Some complex orthodontic cases might be fixed faster with traditional braces than Clear Aligners, since braces can be more effective for certain cases. The cost of orthodontic treatment is also a deciding factor when it comes to choosing between braces or Clear Aligners. In some cases, traditional braces might be cheaper than Clear Aligners. But it really depends on the complexity of the problem, for which you will need a consultation with the dentist.

Effectiveness of Clear Aligners depends on the patient

Adults and teens who tend to be self-conscious might find the discrete look of Clear Aligners incredibly appealing, and its removability is also a big draw. However, it’s important to remember that the success of Clear Aligners depends almost entirely on the patient. If you are not disciplined in wearing them as directed, they just won’t work. With regular braces, you don’t really have a choice!

Here is a quick summary of Pros and Cons of Clear Aligners and Braces.

Clear Aligners: Pros and Cons

Clear Aligners Pros

  • Treatment is less noticeable than traditional braces
  • Treatment causes less discomfort
  • Very simple hygiene and cleaning, as trays are removed for eating etc.

Clear Aligners Cons

  • If you don't wear the Clear Aligners trays as directed, treatment can be compromised and can take longer.
  • You can lose or break trays leading to extra costs
  • Might not be effective for certain severe and complex cases
What is better, braces or clear aligners?

Braces: Pros and Cons

Braces Pros

  • Treatment doesnt rely on the patient for results
  • Suitable for all case types and can help almost any severe issue.
  • Can cost less than Clear Aligners treatment

Braces Cons

  • Not ideal if you play contact sports regularly
  • Treatment causes varying degree of discomfort, especially during eating
  • Braces are easily visible on the teeth

It’s important to work with an experienced provider like Kanata Highlands Dental. Our friendly, professional team has a lot of experience working with both braces and Clear Aligners, and we’re dedicated to helping you find the most effective solution to perfect your smile and teeth. Straightening your teeth isn’t just about improving your smile. It also has an impact on your overall oral health, which shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you’re in the Kanata/Ottawa area and need help deciding whether braces or Clear Aligners make more sense for you, get in touch with Kanata Highlands Dental today to schedule a Free orthodontic consultation. We look forward to seeing your smile!

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