Straightening the misaligned teeth is crucial to achieve healthy and beautiful smile. These days, teeth-straightening is very popular and common. People from every age group ranging from children and teenagers to older adults are easily signing up for these treatments. The two most common options in these treatments include conventional braces and clear aligners. These treatments come under the category of orthodontic branch of dentistry and correct varieties of issues including gaps between the teeth, crooked or misaligned teeth, issues related to bite and much more. Some of the leading dentists based in London explain when a patient is aware about his or her options that are available then making an informed decision becomes much easier.
Let us go through some of the key differences of these treatments or rather treatment options across the following sections of this blog post. We firmly believe this effort will prove helpful for one and all to zero in upon the right solution based on individual requirements.
Braces – a brief and clear understanding
Braces happen to be a time tested option to correct orthodontic flaws including teeth straightening. In general people think of the conventional metal braces, says a dentist who offers smile aligners at reasonable prices, but as such orthodontic dentistry has evolved a lot in the recent to offer various options to choose from. Here are introductions of a few such options, namely traditional metal braces, ceramic braces and lingual braces. Let us start with the longest lasting option which is the traditional metal braces.
Traditional metal braces
This range of appliances is used in orthodontic dentistry over the ages. The appliance includes train track metal brackets and wires which expose prominently from the mouth almost every now and then. The combination of train track metal brackets and wires is a tried and tested option to correct the most severe orthodontic issues. In the recent times, the assortment of appliances has become much more comfortable to use compared to the earlier versions.
Ceramic braces
This range of appliances is quite similar to the conventional metal braces although these are much less noticeable. The ceramic brackets that are used along with these braces smoothly blend with your teeth to provide discretion. Therefore ceramic braces are suitable for those who look for a reliable alternative to traditional braces which offers greater inconspicuousness.
Lingual braces
Lingual is a term widely used in dentistry; it means the side of the tongue. This braces are so called because these are designed to be fitted to the rear surface of the teeth or the side of the tongue. Thus the range of appliances remains completely hidden from the line of sight although on the downside the braces could spell substantial discomfort. Even clean the teeth and the mouth could be quite difficult with the range of orthodontic appliances.
Braces are meant to exert steady consistent pressure on the teeth. As a result of the exerted force, the teeth gradually shift from their current positions to ideal ones explains an orthodontist dealing in aligners. On a rough estimate duration of treatment with braces lasts within the range from around 18 months or a year and a half and 36 months or three years.
A brief and clear understanding of orthodontic aligners
Orthodontic aligners are exclusively popular these days. One of most popular examples of aligners that are used in orthodontic dentistry is Invisalign. If the truth be told, aligners are a modern alternative to traditional braces. The appliances that Invisalign uses are made from high grade, smooth, clear, transparent plastic free from BPA. The aligners are custom fitted for every patient’s teeth. at the starting of your treatment you will receive a series of aligner trays, each of which is custom fitted particularly for your teeth and the mouth.
Why people prefer aligners over braces
There are multiple reasons why people prefer aligners over traditional braces. In this section of the post let us discuss only the two most relevant factors.
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Inconspicuousness or discretion – Made from clear transparent plastic, the aligners are designed to remain virtually invisible inside the mouth. In other words it caters perfectly to the expectation of discreetness.
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Easily removable – Unlike the traditional braces, aligners are easily removable. You can take out the aligners from the teeth whenever you want and wear the appliances back again without seeking any third-party help. This is why Invisalign imposes no dietary restriction on its patients. Just take out the aligners every time before eating, drinking or cleaning the teeth explain dentists in London who also deal in Smile Direct aligners. However it is crucial to wear the aligners for a minimum of 20 to 22 hours each day to secure the best possible and timely results.
Orthodontic treatments with aligners are also quite lengthy and time consuming. On an average the majority of cases take about 12 months or a year to 24 months or couple of years to get complete. It is relevant to note that dentists usually do not recommend aligners in cases that involve severe levels of complexity.
About making the right choice
Choosing between orthodontic aligners and braces is a confusing job for the ordinary folks and it is best to leave for one’s dentist or orthodontist. Certain factors that help determining the right option include the following –
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Levels of complexity involved
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Facial aesthetics and appearance
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Commitment to comply with the minimum 20 hours wear time a day
Levels of complexity involved
Conventional braces are more suitable for more challenging and complicated cases. Dental professionals usually recommend the range of appliances for cases that involve severe misalignment of the teeth or the jaws. On the other hand aligners are more suitable for cases that require mild to moderate levels of correction.
Facial aesthetics and appearance
If one is concerned about one’s appearance and facial aesthetics then aligners or ceramic braces are a better fit over traditional braces.
Commitment to comply with the minimum 20 hours wear time a day
Invisalign is exceptionally flexible and user-friendly; but it has a compliance which is wearing the appliances at least 20 to 22 hours every day. Dental specialists working at the renowned Clear Braces London emphasise, if you cannot comply with this rule then you should better never sign up for Invisalign.
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