Braces vs Clear Aligners?

What are traditional Braces?

Braces are typically metal brackets or ceramic brackets glued to your teeth. The brackets hold the metal wire that ultimately moves and aligns the teeth. Most patients think that the brackets align the teeth but in fact, it is the wire that does most of the work.  At each orthodontic visit, the wires are adjusted or “tightened” to move the teeth in a desired way. Typically, adjustment visits are every 6-8 weeks to allow time for the teeth to ‘settle’ into the new position before moving it again. Forcing your teeth to move too fast can actually have detrimental effects to the roots of your teeth causing them to get shorter. 

With traditional braces, because it is semi-fixed to your teeth, most patients feel it is less “esthetic”. However, the benefit of having the braces glued on is that the wire is constantly working and there is no need for compliance other than the occasional rubber bands you might be asked to wear.

What are Clear aligners?

Clear aligners are another popular modality of orthodontic treatment. Currently there are many clear aligners in the market but the most well known are Invisalign and Spark Aligners. At Sincerely, Orthodontics by Yue, Dr Yue offers both options to her patients. In the past 20-30 years, clear aligner technology has evolved tremendously to be able to treat a variety of cases predictably. 

Attachments, or ‘tooth colored’ bumps, are glued to the teeth and they act like handles to move your teeth within the aligners. Essentially, the alginer becomes the wire (if compared to traditional braces). Each alginer is programmed to move your tooth 0.25mm or 0.25 degree until the final tooth position is reached. Typically, adjustment visits are 8-12 weeks as the patients are giving multiple sets of aligners to wear between visits. 

With clear aligner treatment, compliance is key. Because the trays move your teeth, if the trays are not worn properly, your teeth will not move. However, clear aligners have the benefit of enhanced comfort and esthetics. It is also a great option for patients that need extra help keeping their teeth clean because it can be removed to eat and brush.

Braces or Clear Aligners? At Sincerely, Orthodontics by Yue, we have the answer for you!