La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – Clear aligners took the orthodontic world by storm when they were first introduced and the technology has only improved since then. But, are traditional braces still the better orthodontic treatment solution?

“Quite frankly that depends on a few things,” says Dr. Robert Gire of Gire Orthodontics. “Traditional metal braces, with or without ties, are incredibly reliable, strong, and provide beautiful results. But for the right patient, clear aligners can also provide excellent results.”

To determine which option might be the best for you, let’s look at the pros and cons of both options.

Traditional metal braces

Metal braces are typically what people conjure up in their minds when they think of orthodontic treatment. Today’s metal braces are more high tech than ever before. They are made of high-grade alloys and the brackets are smaller and sleeker than they’ve ever been. Heat-activated archwires utilize the body’s temperature to move teeth quicker and more comfortably.

Metal braces are the most cost-efficient orthodontic treatment option. They work for every malocclusion type from the minor to the most severe.

However, with all the advantages to these braces, the main drawback is their visibility. Many people don’t like the idea of having a mouth full of metal. And while the brackets used today are smaller, they will still be noticeable.

For patients who may already struggle with oral hygiene, the brackets and wires create additional areas for food debris to get caught. Patients must be diligent about brushing after every meal to avoid tooth decay. Patients must also avoid eating certain foods that could damage the brackets or wires, such as anything too hard, sticky, or chewy.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners are an option for many orthodontic patients and they offer a host of advantages over traditional braces. First, these aligners are made of a smooth, clear plastic making them almost invisible while worn. This is a huge plus for patients who are looking for a more discreet way to straighten their teeth.

Clear aligners are also removable. That means you don’t have to adjust your diet – you can eat and drink anything you want because there are no brackets or wires to worry about. This also makes caring for your teeth a breeze. Simply remove the aligners and brush and floss as normal.

Patients love the idea of having a removable orthodontic treatment option but for some patients this can also be a drawback. Because they are removable, it makes it easy to forget to put them back in. It can be easy to lose an aligner as well, especially if one wraps them in a napkin at their favorite restaurant. In order to effectively move teeth in the timeframe indicated by your orthodontist, the aligners should be worn a minimum of 22 hours a day. Failing to do so can extend the overall treatment time.

Clear aligners aren’t truly as invisible as patients might hope. For patients with moderate malocclusions, the addition of buttons and attachments may be required. These will allow for more advanced tooth movements that can’t be achieved with the aligners alone.

Clear aligners work best for patients with minor to moderate malocclusions. Patients with serious issues may not be able to achieve the results they would with metal braces.

“When it comes to orthodontic treatment today, there are a host of options available to you,” says Dr. Gire. “It is important that you take the time to learn about the pros and cons of each treatment type and then make the decision that is best for you, in conjunction with the advice of your orthodontist. We work hard each day to ensure our patients are empowered with the knowledge they need to choose the treatment option that will fit best into their lifestyle and budget.”

So, are metal braces better than clear aligners? It’s not a clear-cut answer because it depends on what you are looking for in your orthodontic treatment. To learn more about these options and others that may be available to help with your particular smile and bite, call Gire Orthodontics today at 562-690-1199 (La Habra) or 909-393-9911 (Chino Hills).