What Are the Differences Between Traditional Braces vs. Clear Braces?

When considering braces for a well-aligned smile, you may not know which kind is right for you. Choosing between traditional and clear braces requires knowing much about them. You need to know their effects on your appearance, their impact on the budget, and the expected outcome for your alignment issues. Therefore, you need help from a dentist near you.

The Houston dentist will evaluate your smile before recommending either type of braces. In addition, the dentist will discuss your oral health, lifestyle habits, and the desired outcome. The information obtained helps the dentist develop a treatment plan suitable for you. Continue reading to learn more about traditional and clear braces.

What Are Traditional and Clear Braces?

Braces are orthodontic devices worn over teeth to straighten them, enhancing your smile’s beauty. In addition, they correct alignment issues and help prevent oral health problems such as cavities and gum disease. Braces in Houston also correct bad bites and prevent problems caused by misalignment.

The correct speech problems caused by dental misalignment enable you to communicate well. In addition, braces improve the appearance of teeth and oral health improving self-confidence. Adults and teenagers can correct their smiles using braces. The main types of braces are traditional and clear braces.

Differences Between Traditional Braces and Clear Braces

1. Traditional braces are held together with metal wires. This makes them irremovable during the treatment. On the other hand, clear braces are easily removed when the patient wills. Although this is a benefit of clear braces, you must be careful to wear them as instructed. Failure to do so may hinder the treatment.
2. Traditional braces are made from high-quality stainless steel. Their brackets are made of the same materials. Clear braces are almost invisible. They may be made of ceramic or unique thermoplastic material.
3. Undergoing orthodontic treatment using conventional braces requires several visits to the dentist’s office. The Houston dentist requires the patient to see them every 4-8 weeks for adjustments. Treatment using clear braces is not as involving. A standard adjustment is made every 2-3 months.
4. Traditional braces are fantastic for patients with complex cases. They are ideal for issues such as large spacing and deep bites that require major root movements. Clear braces may not effectively correct severe misalignment issues or may take longer.
5. It is much easier to maintain good oral hygiene when using clear braces than traditional braces. With clear braces, you only need to remove them and clean your teeth usually and clean the braces. Patients with conventional braces need help from the orthodontic team to maintain proper oral hygiene.
6. Conventional braces have wires and rubbers that cover the front surface of teeth. As a result, the appearance of the patient’s smile during treatment is not very pleasing. Clear braces are more aesthetically pleasing. They are designed to match the color of natural teeth or be virtually invisible.
7. Treatment using traditional braces involves regular manual adjustments of the wire brackets. The adjustments to help move the teeth may be painful and uncomfortable. The patient must change into a new set of clear braces with clear aligners every few weeks. Each set of braces is designed to shift teeth into their proper positions gradually.
8. You must watch what you eat or drink when using traditional braces. Acidic foods may corrode the metallic material. There are no food restrictions when using clear braces. You can take what you want as long as you remove the braces and clean your teeth afterwards.

Which Type of Braces Is Better?

Once you have decided to pursue orthodontics in 77070, you naturally want the best type of braces. Both traditional and clear braces are effective orthodontic tools. Yet, each has unique advantages. For instance, traditional braces correct even the most severe misalignment issues. In addition, their structure makes them ideal for kids, athletes, or people with busy lifestyles.

A patient who needs to straighten their smile discreetly will choose clear aligners. Similarly, clear braces are ideal if you have a busy schedule that does not allow frequent dental visits. Regardless of the type of braces you pick, the results will be a properly aligned smile.

Schedule a consultation with us at Oasis Modern Dentistry & Orthodontics. Our qualified staff will help you determine the type of braces suitable for you.