Metal braces and clear aligners are among the most preferred and practical options for teeth straightening. Although both treatment options are effective in correcting misaligned teeth and enhancing a patient’s smile, they differ in several ways. Unlike metal braces that have been in use for a long time, clear aligners are a relatively new concept. If you are looking for a suitable orthodontic treatment, choosing between clear aligners and metal braces can be confusing. However, understanding what each procedure entails and its pros and cons can help you make an informed choice.
How Metal Braces Work
Metal braces are a proven way to correct tooth alignment problems and bite issues. Also known as traditional braces, metal braces can correct moderate to severe crookedness, misalignment, or crowding. Metal braces were the first widely adopted modern orthodontic treatment for crooked or misaligned teeth, and they are still the most common. Metal braces are made of stainless steel or titanium alloys. Compared to other types of braces, metal braces are the strongest and consist of the following parts:
- Metallic brackets
- Archwire
- Orthodontic ligatures
Dentists attach metal brackets to the teeth, which are visible whenever a patient opens their mouth. Brackets may be made from stainless steel, titanium, or gold alloys, including titanium, gold, nickel, or stainless steel. A dental cement secures the metal brackets to the teeth. The metal brackets have slots through which the archwire passes.
The archwire is made of nickel-titanium alloy and passes through the brackets. The force of the archwire on the teeth depends on its thickness. Usually, the dentist can use flexible wires at the start of treatment and gradually tighten them to achieve significant orthodontic movement.
Orthodontic ligatures are rubber bands that hold the archwire in place in the brackets. Ligatures are available in a variety of colors, and patients may choose their preferred color.
How long a patient wears metal braces depends on their age and the severity of the orthodontic issue. In most cases, patients wear metal braces for two to three years. It is normal to experience slight discomfort after installing metal braces, but it resolves within the first week.
How Clear Aligners Work
Clear aligners are a modern orthodontic procedure designed to straighten teeth and correct bite issues without the use of conventional metal braces. They are transparent, medical-grade plastic trays that fit firmly over the teeth and slowly move them into the desired position over time.
Unlike conventional braces, which use brackets and wires, aligners are removable and slightly visible when worn. Clear aligners are popular among adults and teenagers who want a more discreet orthodontic option. Invisalign is one of the most widely known clear aligner systems. However, other brands and systems are available worldwide.
The dentist will assess your jaw, teeth, and bite. He/she will take digital scans or impressions. X-rays will also help evaluate root and bone levels. The dentist will use 3D imaging software to create a virtual treatment plan, which shows the following:
- The current position of the teeth
- The actual sequence of movements, and
- The final expected result.
Your dental expert will create a series of aligners that slightly differ. Each aligner moves the tooth gradually, usually by 0.25mm. Mild cases require 10-20 aligners, while complicated cases require 30-50 aligners.
You are required to wear aligners 20-22 hours per day and remove them only when eating and brushing. Wear each aligner for one to two weeks before switching to the next. A new aligner will continue the movement from where the previous one stopped. The aligners do this through controlled pressure. The plastic tray is often slightly tighter than the current tooth position. This can develop pressure that can gradually push your teeth. Small tooth-colored composites are bonded to certain teeth to do the following:
- Enhance grip
- Push up or pull down teeth
- Rotate teeth, or
- Allow complex movements
These attachments are vital for more advanced cases.
In some situations, a small amount of enamel can be removed between teeth to improve alignment, reduce crowding, or create space.
Benefits of Metal Braces Over Clear Aligners
Some of the advantages metal braces have over clear aligners include:
Better For Patients With Poor Oral Habits
Patients who misplace items, forget to brush, and snack regularly will find it hard to care for their aligners. Metal braces stay in place and continue working even if you are not disciplined with removable appliances.
Visible Progress Without Guesswork
With braces, adjustments happen in real time, and you can visibly see wire changes and progress. Aligner treatment usually follows a pre-planned digital simulation, and rescanning and new trays will be required if changes occur mid-treatment.
No Removal Before Eating
You must remove the clear aligners when eating or drinking anything apart from water. With braces, you do not remove them before eating, and you do not clean the trays after every meal. Additionally, you do not need to remove and keep trays. However, despite their sturdiness, you should avoid sticky and hard foods if you have metal braces.
Stronger Control Of Tooth Movement
Sometimes, clear aligners struggle with certain movements, such as extrusion or significant rotations. Braces allow the dentist to move your teeth vertically and rotate severely twisted teeth. They also enable dentists to correct jaw alignment with elastics and close large extraction spaces.
They Are Suitable For All Ages
Metal braces are suitable for minors, teenagers, individuals with mixed dentition, and people who cannot manage removable appliances well. Minors often benefit from a fixed system.
No Risk Of Damaging or Losing Trays
There is no risk of losing metal braces because they stay attached to the teeth. With clear aligners, you can lose trays, trays can warp or crack, and replacements can delay treatment.
More Affordable
Conventional metal braces are more widely covered by insurance and less expensive than clear aligners. On the other hand, clear aligners like Invisalign are costly due to the cost of custom tray production and digital scanning technology.
Quick Treatment For Certain Cases
Aligners require the production of new trays for adjustments, and this can slow treatment. Metal braces can move teeth faster for severe and moderate dental problems. Your dentist can also change wires and apply elastics as needed. The dentist can also make adjustments immediately at appointments.
No Compliance Issues
You must wear clear aligners 20-22 hours per day for them to work correctly. Some adults and teenagers can struggle with compliance. The treatment period increases, or results can be compromised if aligners are not worn consistently. Metal braces are non-removable, meaning treatment continues 24/7; you cannot lose them, and you cannot forget to wear them.
More Effective For Complex Dental Cases
Unlike clear aligners, metal braces are stronger and more versatile. They are suitable for significant gaps, impacted teeth, rotated teeth, and teeth that require vertical movement. Metal braces are also the best option for patients with severe crowding and major bite issues. Clear aligners like Invisalign are suitable for mild to moderate cases.
Benefits of Clear Aligners Over Metal Braces
The following are some of the benefits of clear aligners over metal braces:
They Are Suitable For Active People
Because clear aligners are removable and smooth, musicians who play wind instruments do not have to deal with mouth hardware. People who engage in contact sports can also remove their aligners for games or practice while wearing protective measures. On the other hand, metal braces require special mouthguards and can be uncomfortable to wear.
Shorter Check-Up Visits
Check-ups are often faster for aligners. Wires are not tightened, and you can switch to the next set of trays instead. However, adjustments to metal braces can take longer and be uncomfortable.
Predictable Digital Treatment
Dentists often plan clear aligners with 3D scans. A patient can see a simulation of how their teeth will move, making treatment feel more predictable and visual. Dental experts can still carefully plan metal braces, but they do not offer a full animated treatment preview.
Comfortable And Smooth
The plastic of aligners is less likely to irritate soft tissues in your mouth because they are smooth against your cheeks and lips. On the other hand, braces have wires and brackets that can cause soreness, particularly after adjustments.
Fewer Emergency Visits
Sometimes, metal braces may require adjustments due to discomfort or breakage. Clear aligners do not have brackets or wires that can break or poke. You do not need to make emergency visits to your dentist to fix a broken wire or bracket. You are also less likely to experience sharp edges or sores inside your mouth.
They Are Removable
You can remove your clear aligners when you floss, brush, or eat meals. With metal braces, you cannot remove them before eating, as food can easily get stuck in your teeth. Special tools are also required, and extra effort is needed to clean around wires.
Almost Invisible Appearance
Clear aligners fit firmly over your teeth and are made of transparent plastic. Most people will not notice that you are wearing them because they are subtle and hard to notice. They are also the best if you care about your smile during social events, public speaking, and school photos.
What To Consider When Choosing Between Conventional Metal Braces And Clear Aligners
Several essential factors should guide your decision when choosing between metal braces and clear aligners. Both are effective dental procedures, but they are different in comfort, appearance, maintenance, cost, and suitability for certain dental issues. Some of the factors you should take into account include:
The Severity And Nature Of The Orthodontic Problem
Metal braces are the best for moderate, severe, and mild dental issues. They are effective for rotated teeth, significant jaw alignment issues, deep bites, crossbites, and open bites. Braces provide significant control over complex tooth movements.
Clear aligners are suitable for moderate to mild cases. They are effective for minor bite issues, small gaps, and mild crowding. Metal braces are more reliable if you have complex dental problems.
Aesthetic Appearance
Metal braces use metal brackets and wires and are highly visible. The modern braces are smaller but still noticeable. Clear aligners are made of transparent plastic and are nearly invisible. They are the best for adults and teens who want discreet treatment. You should consider clear aligners if appearance is a major concern.
Comfort
Metal braces can cause discomfort from tightening, poking wires, and mouth sores. They can also irritate sports or physical activities. Clear aligners have no sharp brackets or wires, but smooth plastic. They exert mild pressure when switching trays and are less irritating to cheeks and lips. Aligners are often more comfortable.
Removability And Discipline
Metal braces cannot be removed because they are fixed to the teeth. They also work continuously with no compliance issues. Clear aligners are removable, and you must wear them 20-22 hours per day. They also need strong self-discipline, as they're easy to lose, and you can forget to wear them. Metal braces are suitable if you are not sure about consistent wear.
Cleaning And Oral Hygiene
Food can get trapped in metal braces, making them hard to floss and brush. They also pose a high risk of cavities if you do not observe oral hygiene. Clear aligners are easier to floss and brush because you remove them before eating. The risk of plaque buildup is minimal if cleaned properly. Consider clear aligners because they make hygiene easier.
Treatment Period
Both metal braces and clear aligners are worn for one to two years. Metal braces can be worn longer because they address severe dental issues. Aligners work faster for minor issues. The treatment period depends on the severity of the dental issue, not on the type of appliance.
Cost
Costs vary by the dental facility. Metal braces are cheaper, while clear aligners tend to be more expensive due to digital scanning and custom manufacturing.
Eating Habits And Lifestyle
With aligners, you can eat normally because you remove them before eating, and there are no food restrictions. With metal braces, you should avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods because they can break the brackets. Consider clear aligners if you do not want to restrict your diet.
Find An Experienced Dentist Near Me
Choosing between metal braces and clear aligners depends on your preference and orthodontic needs. Metal braces are ideal for serious orthodontic issues. Metal braces have many advantages, including being cost-effective, requiring less commitment from the patient, and being non-removable. They last longer and require fewer replacements than clear aligners.
On the other hand, clear aligners offer several benefits over metal braces. Since they are invisible, they are ideal if you seek a discreet orthodontic treatment. They are removable, allowing flexibility when eating and enhancing oral hygiene. During installation, clear aligners need fewer dental visits than braces. Whether you seek metal braces or clear aligners, our dentists at Los Angeles Advanced Dentistry can help. Contact us at 310-361-2080 to speak to one of our dentists.
