When it comes to straightening your teeth and enhancing your smile, there are more choices than ever. Whether you’re a teenager, or a grown up considering orthodontic treatment, knowing vs. braces what the difference is makes all the difference in order to choose which one works best for you. If you’re in the market for an Orthodontic Practice Central Phoenix, chances are you have seen both treatments mentioned quite a bit. Although both braces and aligners do the same thing, straighten teeth, there are many ways they differ.

Orthodontics isn’t just about looks, it's also about fixing bite and long-term oral health. Crooked teeth can lead to problems with chewing, jaw discomfort and uneven wear of tooth enamel. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) reports that one in four orthodontic patients is an adult, prompting a different sort of referent for middle-age norms to a now-acknowledged la-la land of anti-invisibility: The quest for straight teeth. When deciding between traditional braces and clear aligners, it pays to know how each method makes your teeth move and the kind of cases for which they are best suited.

With the former, metal or ceramic brackets are placed directly on your teeth with wires and elastic ties connecting them all together. These components are periodically adjusted by the orthodontist to help meet that goal. This technique has been in use since many years and is one of the most perfect techniques to address complex dental malocclusions. Metal braces are highly successful especially in the cases of extreme crowding, overbites, underbites and cross-bite as it brings continued pressure on teeth.Helping prevent tooth degradation.

Aligners, however, are a relative newcomer to orthodontic treatment options. These are customized, removable plastic trays which securely fit over teeth. Each pair of aligners is a bit different from the last, gradually guiding your teeth into place. Patients generally wear and change each aligner every one to two weeks. The most well-known, Invisalign, brought the idea of clear aligners to the market in the late 1990s; although this kind of orthodontic appliance has improved and become more accurate, it remains similar. Most patients accept that aligners are almost invisible, which means they can keep on looking like themselves during treatment.

At an Orthodontic Practice Central Phoenix, we are regularly asked which is better, braces or aligners? “Conventional braces' are generally more appropriate when there is a bite issue to correct or teeth that have to be rotated, whereas “Clear Aligner" systems work best for mild to moderate alignment problems. For example, a study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics has found that braces can achieve some complex movements — such as vertical movements and substantial root corrections — more effectively than aligners. But aligners can provide added convenience, as they are removed while eating, brushing and flossing to keep up good oral hygiene.

One of the key contrasts between braces and aligners is upkeep. Clean your braces thoroughly to avoid buildup of plaque around the brackets. Patient should refrain from sticky such as toffee fudge or hard food which may break the appliance. Aligners, meanwhile, require a degree of discipline in wearing them — typically 20 to 22 hours each day — if they are going to work. It can slow things down if you forget to put them on. But because they’re removable, patients can more easily brush and floss like normal — all of which is better for gums, cleaner teeth and an improvement in gum bleeding when wearing braces.

But comfort is also a consideration. Braces may also rub against the inner cheeks or lips, particularly soon after they are first put in place or following an adjustment. Orthodontic wax will assist in reducing this, but the sensation of metal in the mouth can also be distracting for a while. Aligners are typically smoother (and more comfortable), but they can still cause some mild soreness as teeth start to shift. This discomfort is brief but often goes away as the patient gets used to a new set of trays.

Length of treatment depends on the complexity of the case and the compliance. The average length of braces treatment is 18 to 24 months and aligner treatment can vary from six to 18 months for mild cases. But consistency is a big factor — patients who don’t wear their aligners as directed are likely to end up with a treatment that takes just as long as traditional braces. Research has demonstrated that, as long as they’re used right, both braces and aligners offer similar long-term outcomes with an understanding patient who follows their orthodontist’s guidance.

Plan cost can also be a deciding factor for many patients. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the cost of braces in varies, with average out-of-pocket prices for Americans ranging from$4,000 to $7,500 depending on the type of materials used and how long treatment lasts. Pretty much the same price or so with clear aligners - though the ‘devil’s in the details’ as with any marketing/advertising context - final clear-aligner pricing depends on how many trays you shell out for and how well you comply. Most orthodontists now provide no-interest financing or low down payments to help make competing on price an option for families and adults.

Technologically speaking, there is a lot going on in present day orthodontics. Thanks to a new technology at our disposal, we can use braces and alignment appliances with advanced imaging and digital scanning. by CoryTM on November 12, 2018 This digital technology enables your orthodontist to generate a detailed digital model of your teeth which assists with better treatment planning and predictable results. These technological advances in a digital sense, eliminate the use for gooey impressions and offer patients to visualize an approximate outcome before they even start any treatment—this can be especially exciting for those who prefer to see things more visually.

Home factors also contribute to the choice. Braces are in place all the time, so they’re always working to straighten teeth and correct bite issues.Braces remain fixed in the mouth.Short on commitment — Braces stay on no matter what, a good option if your little one is likely to forget to wear invisible aligners regularly. Adults who have professional or social commitments, however, very often prefer the more subtle appearance of clear aligners. Having the option to take them off for special events, business meetings, or pictures can be a big plus. Yet aligner patients need to consistently follow up with daily wear, cleaning, and check-ins.

Which is better: braces or aligners? The decision of braces vs aligners will depend on your personal requirements and preferences, as well as your lifestyle. A skilled orthodontist can evaluate your bite, review what you want to accomplish, and give you a recommendation on what procedure will be the most beneficial and have the longest lasting impact. Either option can lead to a great happy face and healthy patient if handled well and the patient cooperates.

So overall, orthodontic treatment gives a better service with more personal and comfortable solutions than before. Whether you opt for traditional braces or clear aligners, the most important factor is choosing a reliable Orthodontic Practice Central Phoenix that emphasizes accuracy, patient understanding, and sustainable oral health. With the help of Dr. Lake & our experienced team, you can look forward to a healthier, straighter smile that not only boosts your confidence but also improves your overall health!