When you think of braces, an awkward teenager with rubber bands may be the first image that comes to mind. But correcting crooked teeth isn’t always awkward, and it’s not just for teenagers. In fact, 1 in 3 U.S. adults wear braces. Braces are sometimes used for cosmetic reasons but are primarily intended for fixing misaligned teeth. There are multiple ways to fix tooth misalignment, whether that is with braces or clear aligners.

Braces have been around for a long time, with the first resemblance of braces dating back to 1819. Thankfully, technology today makes it possible to fix teeth, resulting in a lot less pain and often without the wire. Regular check-up visits can help your dentist evaluate and make necessary recommendations if your teeth need alignment. This article will address what you need to know to determine whether braces or clear aligners are right for you.  

How Orthodontic Treatments Move Your Teeth  

Each tooth has specific spacing where it is meant to emerge. When teeth fail to grow properly, they infringe on the space of other teeth. This domino effect can result in crooked teeth, poor bite, jaw problems, and even speech difficulties. Orthodontists use braces or clear aligners to guide teeth back into their original spaces. This is done by applying pressure through wire or a special plastic removable retainer piece. Similar to bone, teeth perform microscopic remodeling.

This is where the tooth partially breaks itself down and restructures itself to conform to the stress. Applying pressure on one side causes the teeth to slowly build more ‘tooth’ on the opposite side. Braces accomplish this by using wire to pull teeth in a certain direction to help them remodel. Invisalign and other clear aligners use buttons attached to teeth to keep the retainer in place as the teeth conform.   

Two Paths to a Straighter Smile  

Braces commonly get the reputation of being painful, awkward, and the only way to straighten your teeth. But braces aren’t the only way to get your teeth in line. Clear aligners are often more appealing to adults who want to keep their teeth problems inconspicuous. While these treatments utilize different methods of aligning teeth, they are both effective solutions. Braces work by applying pressure to teeth using wires, brackets, and rubber bands.

They come in either metal or ceramic. Invisalign uses ridges glued to teeth to help the mouthpiece attach to teeth in the correct position. One treatment uses a retainer piece, and the other uses wires, but both are effective at realignment. These treatments have been shown to improve speech difficulties in 85% of people who previously struggled with speech. The choice between braces or clear aligners is based on your preferred level of maintenance, cost, and length of treatment.  

Finding the Cheaper Option 

The cost of treatment, whether braces or a clear aligner, largely depends on how crooked your teeth are. Most estimates place the cost of Invisalign and braces between $3,000 and $7,000. Braces take a minimum of 6 months for treatment but can sometimes last up to 18-24 months. In contrast, Invisalign takes a minimum of 3-4 months. However, both are effective methods of tooth alignment correction. Wearing braces or getting a clear aligner both require additional trips to the orthodontist.

These visits ensure the correct positioning of the appliances to maintain tooth alignment. In fact, Invisalign patients typically visit every 1-2 weeks to get the buttons on their teeth adjusted. These buttons are small fixtures the provider places on the teeth to help keep the aligner in the correct position. Sometimes, orthodontists recommend continuing to wear a retainer after removing braces or clear aligners to maintain alignment.  

Keeping Up with Your Smile: What It Takes  

When deciding between braces or clear aligners, one practical factor to consider is the amount of daily maintenance and cleaning required. Most instruct removing the Invisalign retainer while eating, but it is ideal to wear it up to 20-22 hours a day. The flexibility of Invisalign (besides it being clear and less obvious) is that it does not have a diet restriction. For some, having to remove and clean a retainer for every snack or meal is burdensome.

For others, it’s a relief to be able to take it out several times a day. Braces can be difficult to clean and are not compatible with sticky or chewy foods. Invisalign, however, does not limit food groups since the user removes the retainer during meals. If you prefer a clear look and don’t mind doing extra cleaning after meals, then Invisalign might be for you.  

How Do I Decide Which One Is Right for Me?  

When most people think about straightening crooked teeth, braces are usually the first thing that comes to mind. Braces can be painful, uncomfortable, and often difficult to clean. Invisalign offers a generally less painful option, and without all the wire. These are both great options, but how do you find the one right for you? Clear aligners are perfect for people who prefer their orthodontia concealed. Invisalign can also limit your caffeine and food intake, since eating requires cleaning.

Some say Invisalign is a lifelong commitment due to having to wear a retainer even after removing the aligners. If getting Invisalign causes regret, don’t worry, because several have shared that experience during the first few weeks. That said, even with the aligner not being completely clear, Invisalign is a great confidence booster, and many notice immediate results. Whether you prefer braces or clear aligners, both are considered effective treatment methods.  

Making Your Final Decision  

Fixing crooked teeth can be a hassle. Knowing that there are options that cater to your personal preferences can take some of that stress away. If you want to fix your teeth without the social pressure of wearing braces, the clear aligner is for you. If you prefer eating snacks without having to constantly brush your teeth, then braces might be the route for you.

Whether you and your dentist decide on braces or clear aligners, both options are similarly effective. Braces have been around for a long time. If having braces sounds awkward or unappealing to you, there is more than one way to straighten teeth. So, if you run into crooked teeth in need of alignment, ask your dentist about getting a clear aligner!

If you are considering braces or clear aligners, Knoxville Family Dental is here for you. Our expert team will get you dental care that fits your individual needs. Schedule an appointment with us today!