Clear aligners and traditional braces allow for the improvement of oral health, as well as general teeth aesthetics. However, clear aligners and traditional braces come with their own pros and cons, as well as differing treatment processes, both of which will be discussed in this article. Nonetheless, whichever you choose will allow for a healthy smile!

Introduction

Orthodontic treatments are needed to achieve proper alignment which may lead to an improvement in overall oral health, to enhance the aesthetics and function of the teeth of patients. Orthodontic treatments may deal with teeth misalignment by addressing crooked teeth, overcrowding and irregular spacing, as well as bite correction as a result of the improper positioning of the jaws. Orthodontic treatments may also allow for proper chewing and speaking, and prevent further dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. All these may potentially be achieved via the use of traditional braces or clear aligners.

Overview of traditional braces and clear aligners

Traditional braces consist of metal, stainless steel brackets that are connected by wires - these are periodically adjusted to put pressure on the teeth, allowing them to move into their correct positions. To secure the wires to the brackets, small elastic bands are used. Oftentimes, a patient is able to choose their own elastic band colour, although brighter or darker colours are recommended to avoid visible staining from certain foods and drinks. Traditional braces have existed for many years and continue to be an effective way of fixing misaligned teeth in children, particularly, as well as in adults.

Clear aligners are a more modern orthodontic treatment and consist of clear plastic trays, designed to fit a patient’s mouth, that shift teeth into their correct position over a period of time. These are a popular choice for orthodontic treatment as they are less noticeable than clear aligners. Clear aligners are also removable, and patients progress through various aligners which are slightly adjusted with each orthodontics visit. However, in cases of severe crowding or spacing, clear aligners are not recommended.¹

Significance of choosing the right orthodontic option

It is important to pick the right orthodontic option, as you will often be wearing traditional braces or clear aligners for quite a while. Traditional braces are usually recommended for more complex misalignments and dental problems, whereas clear aligners are ideal for more mild or moderate orthodontic issues. Therefore, choosing the right option depends on the specific needs of an individual. Additionally, cost considerations must be taken into account, as clear aligners can be more costly in comparison to their metal counterpart. The determination of the most suitable treatment for an individual is crucial for achieving optimal results, ultimately resulting in an improvement in oral health and self-esteem.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners are usually made from flexible materials. These can include polyurethane or ethylene vinyl acetate and are adjusted to apply forces to allow teeth to move. To enhance specific tooth movements, attachment devices can be used. These can include power ridges, or buttons, to allow for the exertion of a desired force or pressure on the teeth.¹

Each series of aligners is worn for a period of time, usually around two weeks, before switching to the next set. This allows for the gradual movement of teeth without needing to use the brackets or wires seen in traditional braces.

Treatment process

The treatment process of clear aligners involves an initial consultation with an orthodontist, whereby the suitability of clear aligners to an individual’s needs will be discussed and evaluated. If deemed suitable, moulds or impressions of the patient’s teeth will be taken. Sometimes, digital 3D scanning is used. Following this, the orthodontist will come up with a treatment plan that will allow for the planning of aligners needed to achieve the perfect smile. 

Once the custom-made aligners are made, patients will be instructed on how to wear them and will be informed of various rules and regulations that come with wearing aligners. This will include the fact that aligners should be worn for around 22 hours, and only removed for the cleaning of teeth, eating, and drinking beverages that are not water. 

Adjustments to the treatment plan may be made in regularly scheduled follow-up appointments, usually around every 6 weeks. Once treatment has ended, patients may be given a retainer to maintain the desired teeth positioning, which are usually worn at night.

Advantages of clear aligners

An advantage of the usage of clear aligners is that they are practically invisible. Therefore, these may be a better option for actors, or those who struggle with self-esteem. 

Another advantage of clear aligners is that they are easily removed. This means that individuals can both brush and floss their teeth as normal, without metal wires or brackets getting in the way.

Limitations and considerations of clear aligners

A challenge of using clear alignment involves compliance, as they must work for at least 22 hours a day in order to work best.¹ If not worn properly or for the required duration, treatment may be extended.

Another limitation of clear aligners is that they are not suitable for those with severe misalignment or spacing issues, severe bites, or severe crowding .¹ Here, traditional braces may be more effective.

A further challenge of the usage of clear aligners is that it can be difficult for patients to clean their aligners and teeth effectively, which may result in an increased risk for gingivitis, tooth decay, and bad breath .¹

Furthermore, aligners can only be taken out for eating and teeth-cleaning, meaning that patients may need to adjust the time spent eating different meals, and how they are eaten. For instance, it may be difficult for individuals to eat a certain food gradually, throughout the day, as that would require clear aligners to be off for extended periods of time.

Finally, clear aligners are more expensive than traditional braces, so may not be the most cost-effective option.

Effectiveness and suitability

Clear aligners are often considered by adults who may dislike the aesthetics of traditional braces. However, clear aligners are not suitable for more complex orthodontic cases that involve severe crowding or misalignment. Therefore, clear aligners are most effective at treating mild to moderate orthodontic problems. 

Clear aligner therapy has an 80-90% success rate, demonstrating the effectiveness of this treatment.¹ 

Traditional braces

Traditional braces consist of metal brackets. The most widely used materials of metal brackets are titanium or stainless steel, although the former is gaining popularity due to their high biocompatibility.² The archwire runs through the brackets and is attached to orthodontic bands, which provide support for the rest of the braces and go around the molars. The archwise allows pressure to be applied to the teeth so that they are properly aligned at the end of treatment. Elastic bands may be used to hold the archwire in place and can be multiple colours. Metal ligatures may be used in place of elastic ligatures.

Treatment process

The treatment process involves an initial consultation with an orthodontist, whereby an individual’s state of teeth, and overall oral health, will be assessed and evaluated. Radiographs, photographs and teeth impressions and teeth models will be made in preparation of a treatment plan.

Once this is established, the orthodontist will apply a bonding agent to the teeth to allow the brackets to be placed on the front of each tooth, before threading the archwire through these attached brackets. Bands will be placed around the molars if necessary.

Patients will then be scheduled for regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress or to make any changes to the treatment plan. These are usually every 6 weeks. At each appointment, adjustments to the braces will be made via the tightening of the archwire by changing the orthodontic ligatures or adjusting the self-ligating braces. Treatment duration varies but is usually around 2 years.

Once treatment is over, patients are usually given retainers to wear overnight if removable (retainers can also be fixed).

Advantages of traditional braces

An advantage of traditional braces is that you do not have to worry about keeping them on for 22 hours of the day, as seen with clear aligners, as they are fixed in place.

Traditional braces are also effective in complex cases, meaning they are versatile, and allow for the predictable and precise movement of teeth. Not only can they fix teeth alignment, they can also treat jaw and bite issues.

Traditional braces can also be customised to minimise their appearance, and the colours of elastic ligatures can be changed.

Additionally, traditional braces are more cost-effective than clear aligners, with durable materials. This means they are less likely to break.

Limitations and considerations of traditional braces

Traditional braces consist of visible metal brackets and wires, so may not be ideal for somebody with self-esteem issues when it comes to their teeth.

Following tightening, patients may experience discomfort, and this can be exacerbated by bracket or wire-induced irritation to the inside of the mouth. However, this can be managed with orthodontic wax which can be placed on top of the brackets.

Another limitation of traditional braces, in comparison with clear aligners, is that certain foods must be avoided to prevent damage to the brackets or wires, such as chewy, hard, or sticky foods. Failure to avoid these foods may result in the breakage of wires or detachment of brackets.

Additionally, extra time and care must be taken to maintain good oral hygiene, as it is important to carefully clean around the brackets and wires to prevent tooth decay.

Furthermore, there may be a temporary impact on an individual’s speech following the application of braces, but this is quickly overcome.

Effectiveness and suitability

Traditional braces have a long history of success as they have been used for many years, suggesting that they are a reliable and effective orthodontic treatment for adults and children alike.

Summary

To conclude, there are many pros and cons associated with clear aligners and traditional braces. These can include aesthetics, discomfort, responsibility, costs, and the type of treatment they can offer. Nonetheless, both orthodontic treatments are effective in the treatment of teeth misalignment to allow for the perfect smile, resulting in higher levels of self-esteem and ease when cleaning teeth.