Orthodontic care has come a long way over the years. Today there are far more options for fixing smiles, such as clear aligners that can be removed for meals and oral hygiene. But despite all of these advancements, metal braces are still in a class of their own. There’s a reason why old-fashioned brackets and wires might still be recommended as your best option for creating the straight, healthy smile of your dreams. Here’s why traditional braces in Canfield may be recommended for your particular case.
1. You Cannot Lose Braces on Accident
One of the biggest disadvantages of clear aligners is that since they’re removable, they can be lost. There’s a risk that you could leave your aligners behind after a meal, or you might even throw them away without meaning to. Such accidents can end up extending your treatment time, as your teeth will likely start to shift while you’re waiting for a new aligner to be made. But with traditional braces, your brackets and wires are attached to your teeth 24/7, so losing them is a complete nonissue.
2. Braces are Better for Making Complex Changes
Some cases of misalignment or crowded teeth are more complex than others. While clear aligners are suitable for relatively simple orthodontic issues, braces are generally the most effective and efficient option for complex issues. This is because unlike aligners, braces exert their pressure evenly on the entire tooth. That means the top and bottom of the tooth are moved into the right position.
3. Quicker Treatment Time
If you’re like most people, you probably want to finish your orthodontic treatment as soon as possible. Since braces exert more force than clear aligners and can move more teeth at once, they can be used to make certain corrections in less time. (Of course, this can vary from patient to patient. Your orthodontist will need to consider your particular case carefully before giving you a treatment timeline.)
4. No Self-Discipline Needed
It can be very tempting to take clear aligners out during the day. However, removing them too often could significantly set back your treatment time. If you don’t trust yourself to leave your aligners alone for a full 22 hours every day, traditional braces are likely the better option. Since they can’t be taken out at all, it’s completely out of your hands. All you need to do to take care of them is brush and floss on a regular basis.
The only way to determine the best option for straightening your smile is to set up an appointment with your orthodontist in Canfield. During your initial consultation, be sure to ask about the benefits of braces and how they could help your unique case.
About the Author
Dr. Marissa Mikolich enjoys helping patients in Canfield achieve their smile alignment goals with traditional braces. She knows firsthand the difference that excellent orthodontic care can make, having undergone it herself as a teen and taken note of how confident she felt in her smile afterwards. If you’ve been considering traditional braces or another form of orthodontic treatment, you can set up a consultation with her at Mikolich Orthodontics by visiting her website or calling (330) 967-4110.