Clear Vs. Metal Braces
Traditionally, when people wanted to straighten, close spaces or make any changes to their teeth, braces were the only option. Recently, another option has emerged. Clear strong plastic mouth trays, which resemble retainers, can do the same work as the metal, ceramic or lingual braces. Although the thought of treating your teeth without anyone knowing may sound great, it may not be the best plan for you. The following are significant points to help you choose your option.
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Options
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Removable aligners, or clear plastic trays, are used in patients' treatments. If you choose the clear aligners, you will have a set number of trays to use during your treatment. Every two weeks you will have to change the numbered aligners according to your treatment plan.
Braces offer an array of different options, like stainless steel, ceramic and lingual appliances. The three options require metal brackets and thin arched wires. Lingual braces are attached to the inside of a patient's teeth and can't be seen.
Clear Alternatives
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Of course, this treatment is invisible so people won't know you're straightening or improving your teeth. Ideal candidates for this treatment are people with spaces between their teeth, under or overbites and crossbites. Patients who choose this treatment don't suffer the gum irritations that patients with braces sometimes have. The aligners or plastic trays won't stain. Also, they are easier to clean than braces.
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Clear Disadvantages
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This treatment takes longer than traditional braces. In cases where patients have more complex issues like under or overbites combined with other problems, orthodontists may advise against using this treatment. Aligners will take up to six weeks to arrive from the factory where they are produced. Even with the aligners patients may have to wear traditional braces for two months after treatment ends. Furthermore, patients with aligners will still have pain during treatment. The pain is the result of your teeth moving into the correct positions.
Braces Alternatives
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Stainless steel braces are cheaper and offer an array of styled brackets, such as stars and hearts. For patients who'd prefer something other than stainless steel, gold braces are an option.
Ceramic braces offer patients who must wear braces a clearer alternative. These braces have brackets made of two types of alumina: polycrystalline and monocrystalline. Polycrystalline alumina produces clear-colored brackets; monocrystalline alumina produces enamel-colored brackets.
Braces Disadvantages
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Patients with metal braces can endure up to two years of treatment. Although ceramic braces are clear, the metal wires that fit inside the brackets are stainless steel. Thus, they are not invisible like the other clear option. Lingual braces can hurt patients' tongues and can make it difficult to speak when they're first applied.
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