Braces and clear aligners are two orthodontic solutions that realign teeth, fix gaps in-between teeth, and improve bite.
Will braces or clear aligners deliver your perfect smile?
Let Dr. Sonia Olivares by iSmile Coral Gables help you decide which dental treatment is best by discussing braces and clear aligners more in depth.
What are Braces?
Braces are the traditional teeth realignment option, mostly performed on adolescents. Braces consist of metal or porcelain brackets bonded to teeth and interconnected by an archwire, designed to slowly shift teeth into their optimal position with slight but steady applied pressure.
1. Visibility
2. Removability
Braces are not removable and to teeth throughout the treatment process.
3. Comfort
At first, it is natural to feel discomfort. In time, the tenderness will subside and the pain will be tolerable.
4. Hygiene
Frequent brushing and flossing of braced teeth are crucial to prevent the build-up of bacteria and plaque.
5. Diet
Patients with braces should avoid sticky, crunchy, hard, and chewy foods as they can damage brackets or pop a wire. Patients should stay away from enamel damaging acidic or sugary beverages such as carbonated drinks, flavored waters, and sports drinks.
Advantages of Braces
- Removal not required when eating and drinking
Disadvantages of Braces
- Traditional dental realignment procedure
- Limited smiling due to brackets and wires
- Increased oral hygiene maintenance
- Increased food restriction (sticky, crunchy, hard, and chewy)
- Discomfort, especially for first-time use
- Visible
What are Clear Aligners?
Clear Aligners, also known as invisalign, gently and comfortably guide teeth into the proper position using a nearly invisible series of trays. Invisalign is the clear alternative to braces. It’s customized to your unique smile and backed by over 9 million users.
1. Visibility
Clear aligners are essentially clear and far less noticeable than traditional braces.
2. Ability to Remove
Clear aligner-users have the freedom to remove trays. However, to increase effectiveness, 22 to 23 hours of wear each day is recommended.
3. Comfort
Clear aligners are virtually invisible, comfortable, unbreakable and undetectable.
4. Hygiene
It is important to practice proper oral hygiene before ever inserting clear aligners. Liquids containing acid, sugar, or both, can seep through aligners and will eventually stain teeth and trays.
5. Diet
Clear aligners must be removed before eating and drinking. Because clear aligners are removable, they do not require any dietary restrictions.
Advantages of Clear Aligners
- Modern dental realignment procedure
- Unlimited smiling
- Unlimited food and drinks choices, no food restrictions
- Confidence booster
- Lifts social image
- Highly durable with less stress
- Comfortable, even for first-timers
- Regular oral hygiene requirements
Disadvantages of Clear Aligners
- Removal required before eating
- Increased food restriction (sticky, crunchy, hard, and chewy)
Which Option is Perfect for You?
The verdict is out – clear aligners are the modern-day teeth realignment choice for most users.
Coral Gables and Doral, FL's Leading Clear Aligner Provider
The iSmile team of orthodontists specializes in clear aligner treatments. Dr. Sonia Olivares, together with her team, is dedicated to providing premier teeth realignment procedures that improve patients oral health.
We believe in a personalized experience based on your vision for your smile. Our goal is to educate and provide options to our patients so they are confident in making informed choices regarding their health and appearance.
Call iSmile today or connect with us online to discover your smile’s full potential. Doral: 305-620-8272 Coral Gables: 305-396-1026
