Your Richmond Hill Invisalign® Provider
It's worth knowing that there are various types of braces available that can cater to your specific needs and style choices. Our dentists in Richmond Hill have compared traditional braces, clear braces, and clear aligners to help you make an informed decision.
Clear Braces vs. Traditional Braces vs. Clear Aligners
When you're looking into teeth straightening options, you'll come across two main choices: traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners. But there's also another option you should think about: clear braces. They offer a middle ground between the other two options.
In this article, we'll compare traditional braces, clear aligners, and clear braces to help you make a decision. Each option has its pros and cons, and your dentist can guide you and help you choose the best option for you.
Traditional Braces
When it comes to braces, traditional metal ones are the most common and well-known option. However, due to advancements in orthodontic technology, the wires and brackets have become smaller in size, making them less noticeable when worn. These braces are the best choice for people with complicated orthodontic problems and can be customized with colored elastic bands or tooth-colored ones for a more subtle appearance.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, like Invisalign, are a type of orthodontic device that can straighten your teeth effectively. They work similarly to braces but without the use of metal and wires. These aligners are made of a transparent plastic material, which makes them nearly invisible when worn, making them less noticeable to others.
One advantage of clear aligners is that you can remove them, allowing you to continue enjoying your favorite foods without any dietary restrictions. On the other hand, braces are fixed in place and require you to be careful with certain foods. With braces, you need to avoid crunchy or sticky foods like popcorn, hard fruits and vegetables, gum, and snacks that can easily get stuck in the braces.
When using clear aligners, it's important to remember that you should only drink water while wearing them. For any other beverages or when eating, you should take them out. Remember to brush and floss before putting the aligners back in your mouth to prevent bacteria and food particles from getting trapped between your teeth and the aligners. Clear aligners can be soaked in cleaning solutions or rinsed with warm water, while braces need regular brushing and flossing.
It's worth noting that not everyone is suitable for clear aligners. In such cases, clear braces can be a good alternative.
Clear Braces
Clear braces are a type of ceramic braces that effectively straighten teeth similar to traditional metal braces. Unlike traditional metal braces that have been used for decades, clear braces are less noticeable. They use wires and brackets to move teeth into their new positions gradually. The ceramic brackets are designed to match the colour of your tooth enamel, making them blend in more naturally than traditional metal brackets. In some cases, wires can also be applied to match the colour of your teeth, further enhancing the natural appearance of your clear braces.
How should I care for clear braces and metal braces?
Maintaining excellent dental hygiene is crucial during orthodontic treatment, whether you opt for metal braces or clear braces. Since food particles and plaque can easily accumulate around the wires and brackets, it becomes even more essential to prioritize brushing and flossing to prevent cavities and gingivitis.
Which foods should I avoid?
When you have braces, whether clear or traditional metal, it's important to avoid consuming sticky foods like candy, popcorn, caramel, and apples. These types of foods can cause damage to the braces and lead to them becoming displaced.
Do clear braces stain?
If you choose clear braces, you’ll want to be careful with which foods and drink you consume, as the brackets on clear braces can become more easily stained than on metal braces. Avoid dark-coloured foods and drinks like cola and blueberries.
What about the cost?
As previously stated, clear braces may be a good option for patients who cannot use clear aligners. In terms of cost, ceramic braces are priced in the middle range between traditional metal braces and clear aligners. Metal braces are typically the most affordable, while clear aligners tend to be slightly more expensive than the average braces. However, the best option for you will depend on the specific nature and severity of your orthodontic problem.
How long will I have to wear braces?
The fact that braces can't be removed can be seen as a benefit for people who worry about being able to wear clear aligners that can be taken out consistently. Both metal braces and clear braces usually require treatment for 1 to 3 years, depending on the specific dental problems being treated.