Orthodontic braces are one of the most common solutions to fixing crooked teeth. According to IBISWorld, about 4 million people receive braces annually in the United States. Are you considering investing in braces? When choosing your braces, your dentist will ask whether you want to have traditional braces or clear braces. Here are some pros and cons of each option.
Pros and Cons of Clear Braces
Clear braces are a great choice of orthodontic treatment for those who want their braces to be more discreet. Not only are the braces’ ceramic brackets clear, but you can also get clear wires to make it even easier to help the braces blend in. This is a great option for those who are self-conscious about wearing braces. They also tend to be less irritating to your mouth and gums.
There are a couple of extra steps to consider with the clear braces. These may make your decision more difficult since the braces aren’t necessarily attached to your teeth like traditional ones. When eating or cleaning your teeth, you’ll need to remove them. Additionally, you’ll need to clean the braces themselves throughout the day.
Pros and Cons of Traditional Braces
Patients may lean towards traditional braces because they are the most cost-effective. They are also perfect for dealing with some severely crooked teeth, as the wires can pull those into place. Rubber bands help the process. These types of braces tend to be faster than Invisalign, for example.
One of the main cons is that people don’t always prefer traditional braces due to how they are structured. The metal may feel too invasive to one’s mouth. Also, the braces may irritate the gums at first. With traditional braces, patients need to regularly visit their orthodontist so they can tighten up the wires. That leads to some discomfort for the next couple of days.
How to Choose Your Braces
Overall, it’s something that you need to discuss with your orthodontist to make sure that you are making the right choice. The right decision for you depends on factors like your budget, the state of your teeth, and what sort of timeframe you are operating under. Your personal feelings are also important as it’s a long-term commitment. Then, you both can work on getting your teeth to the position that you want. That’s reason enough to smile.
Are you or a loved one in need of orthodontic braces? Here at Mattioli Orthodontics, our experts have over 40 years of experience. You can absolutely trust us with your smile. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.