La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – Traditional bracket and wire braces have been used over the years and are still used today because they are efficient and effective. But, if you’re looking for a more discreet way to improve your smile, clear aligners such as Spark and Invisalign offer a lot of advantages.

But when are clear aligners the clear choice over metal braces?

Dr. Robert Gire of Gire Orthodontics explains.

1. Aesthetics. One of the primary reasons patients opt for clear aligners over traditional braces is for aesthetic purposes, says Dr. Gire. Clear aligners are virtually invisible. This means patients can undergo orthodontic treatment without the noticeable metal brackets and wires associated with braces. Teenagers and adults especially love the discreteness of clear aligners.
2. Comfort and Convenience. Clear aligners are custom-made for each individual, which minimizes discomfort. Unlike braces, clear aligners have no sharp wires or protruding brackets that can cause irritation to the cheeks, lips, or tongue. Clear aligners are also removable, allowing patients to easily take them out for eating, brushing, and flossing. If you opt for traditional braces, you’ll have to avoid certain foods to ensure the brackets and wires aren’t damaged. But since clear aligners are removable, you don’t have to make any adjustments to your diet.
3. Improved Oral Hygiene. It can be hard to brush and floss properly while in braces, as the brackets and wires create additional surfaces for plaque and food particles to accumulate. That’s not the case with clear aligners, however, since they are removed prior to brushing and flossing. This means you can care for your teeth as usual and keep cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues at bay throughout your treatment.
4. Treatment timeline. Clear aligner treatment is paired with some of the most cutting-edge orthodontic technology. Advanced 3D imaging technology allows orthodontists to plan and visualize the entire treatment process. It can even provide you with an image of what your smile will look like when treatment is finished. As long as you follow your orthodontist’s treatment plan, your treatment will be predictable and effective.
5. Minimal impact on lifestyle. Traditional braces may require more frequent office visits for adjustments. Clear aligners are designed to gradually shift teeth into place without the need for frequent in-office adjustments. This means fewer disruptions to your daily routine. And because the aligners are clear, you can still smile big throughout all of life’s big occasions, even while in orthodontic treatment.

“Traditional braces have long been a reliable solution for straightening teeth,” says Dr. Gire. “But Spark and Invisalign have emerged as appealing and versatile alternatives. These options are discrete, convenient, and more comfortable. Patients love them because they offer fewer disruptions to daily life, and they provide an effective way to achieve the smiles of their dreams.”

But, as with anything related to your healthcare, the decision about which treatment may be best for you should be made between you and your orthodontist. While clear aligner treatment has seen great advances in its technology and the types of cases it can treat, there may still be some instances where traditional metal braces are simply the better option. To determine if Spark or Invisalign clear aligners is the right choice for you, call Gire Orthodontics today at 562-690-1199 (La Habra) or 909-393-9911 (Chino Hills).