Dental misalignments can lead to a range of issues such as tooth damage, headaches, backaches, jaw pain, hygiene difficulties, oral infections, and tooth loss. While people can treat their alignment issues with several orthodontic options, traditional braces are often the best method for patients with severe alignment issues. Here’s a brief guide to why metal braces may be the optimal way to rearrange your teeth into a healthier and more visually pleasing alignment.
Clear Aligners Are Typically Recommended for Mild to Moderate Misalignments
Many people today are straightening their smiles with clear aligners, and while this is a viable orthodontic option for many, it is not suitable for everyone. Clear aligners are not able to make the drastic shifts necessary to address severe alignment issues such as raising one tooth temporarily so another can be moved more easily around it. Traditional braces, on the other hand, are capable of making these movements so that people with more serious misalignments can achieve healthier smiles.
Traditional Braces May Be Better for People Who Have Difficulty Keeping Track of Things
While one of the key selling points of clear aligners is that they can be easily removed, this is not ideal for all patients. Many patients such as young children and teenagers may have difficulty keeping track of their aligners after removing of them, which can lead to costly treatment delays as well as expensive replacement appliances. This is not an issue with traditional braces since they are not removable, which can help some patients keep their treatments on track.
You Can Drink Liquids Other Than Water When Wearing Traditional Braces
Clear aligners require patients to abstain from eating or drinking anything but water while wearing them, which can make the treatment difficult for people who are used to enjoying many cups of coffee throughout the day. It’s perfectly okay to enjoy darker beverages when wearing braces as long as you minimize your sugar intake and keep up with excellent daily oral hygiene habits. It’s also a great idea to enjoy a tall glass of water alongside your coffee, tea, or red wine to flush the liquid away from your teeth.
Traditional braces are the ideal way for many patients to achieve straighter smiles. Consulting with your orthodontist can help you find out if this treatment is best for you or your child.
About the Author
Dr. Marissa Mikolich earned her dental degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and her Master of Science Degree at the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Her office in Canfield offers orthodontic services such as traditional braces and Invisalign. To schedule an orthodontic consultation for you or your child, contact the office online or dial (330) 967-4110.