Traditional Braces vs clear aligners: What you need to know

Traditional braces have been around for decades. they’re known for being effective, but also problematic because they can leave some people feeling self conscious about their smile. The modern solutions to this problem are clear aligners. Compared to traditional braces, clear aligners are more subtle and easier to maintain. If you need to have your teeth straightened, your dental professional in Columbia and Irmo, SC can help you determine whether braces or clear aligners are right for you. Here’s what you need to know.

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are made up of wires and brackets. To adjust the placement of the teeth, the wires are tightened to pull the teeth in whatever direction is needed.

Traditional braces are an effective product for straightening the teeth, but they do come with some downsides. Namely, traditional braces are very visible and can make some patients feel self-conscious about their smile. Braces also rub against the soft inside of the mouth, and can cause discomfort.

Finally, traditional braces can be easily broken by crunchy foods, like almonds. In addition, sticky foods (like taffy) can become lodged in the wires of traditional braces, which makes them difficult to clean. People who wear traditional braces have to watch what they eat, and are not able to eat foods that can do damage to braces.

Clear Aligners

Spark Clear Aligners work like braces, by gently pushing the teeth into the right place. They’re made from clear plastic that fits over the teeth and slowly shifts the teeth from crooked to straight.

There are some advantages of Spark Clear Aligners over braces. For example:

• Clear aligners can be removed for cleaning, which makes maintaining good dental hygiene simple compared to braces.
• Clear aligners do not impact the way your smile looks.
• Clear aligners can be removed for meals, which means you can eat whatever foods you want.

Making a Decision

Not sure whether you want clear aligners or braces in Columbia and Irmo, SC? Talk to your dental professional at Tompkins Orthodontics. Call today to make an appointment and learn more about how you can benefit from clear aligners and traditional braces, and which one might be best for you.