Categories: Clear Braces

Clear Braces vs. Traditional Braces

Clear braces and traditional braces are the options patients get to explore when they are dealing with teeth alignment issues. Metal braces are the oldest option available and they have been proven to be effective for over a century. The main problem with metal braces is poor aesthetics. The patient is left stuck with a mouth full of metal brackets and wires for the entire duration of their treatment. However, with clear braces, the concern of aesthetics is not as great. 

Comparing clear braces to traditional metal braces

Clear braces are newer appliances that provide significantly better aesthetics. The term is often used to describe ceramic braces and clear aligners. Let us take a closer look at the two dental appliances that are often called clear braces:

1. Ceramic braces

These are an evolved version of metal braces. They work using brackets and wires to move the patient's teeth towards a better alignment. Instead of the metal wires and brackets that are the norm when it comes to metal braces, ceramic braces are made up of tooth-colored brackets and transparent wires. As a result, ceramic braces are not easily noticed when a person has them.

Ceramic braces are also gentler on the patient's mouth. The device is less likely to irritate soft tissues. The main downside of ceramic braces is the fact they are more prone to staining and damage.

2. Clear aligners

Clear aligners are transparent plastic trays that are used to move teeth to a better alignment. The patient gets a series of trays that are each worn for two weeks. Each aligner further down the line pushes the patient's teeth closer to the desired position. The series of trays work like a relay team, with each doing its job before another takes over and continues to move the patient's teeth towards the finish line.

Clear aligners are viewed as the least invasive way to straighten teeth since the aligner trays are removable. This allows the patient to take the appliance out to eat or clean their mouth, which can make treatment easier. 

Traditional metal braces

Traditional braces remain the most effective way to straighten teeth and people with severe orthodontic issues might be required to use them. The appliance is made up of metal wires and brackets that push the wearer's teeth towards better alignment.

Metal braces are easily noticed when worn and they tend to make the wearer feel self-conscious about the way their teeth look. On the bright side, modern metal braces are smaller than their predecessors, so they are not as noticeable. Metal braces can also be customized with different colors to make the treatment process more enjoyable.

Get started with clear braces

Want to learn more about clear braces or other teeth straightening options? Working with a general dentist to get started is the next step. Reach out today to find out more!

Request an appointment here: https://www.gatewaydental4u.com or call Gateway Dental at (703) 466-0568 for an appointment in our Ashburn office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Clear Braces in Ashburn, VA.

Recent Posts

Clear Braces: What Foods Should You Avoid?

Clear braces are a subtler version of traditional metal braces that allow you to straighten teeth without dealing with the poor aesthetics of metal braces. Instead of metal brackets, clear braces come with tooth-colored brackets that are barely noticeable in your mouth. Instead of metal wires to connect the brackets, clear braces come with transparent…

How To Care For New Clear Braces

Understanding how to care for your clear braces is necessary in order for them to do the job they are supposed to do: straighten your teeth. When you decide that you need to wear braces so you can benefit from having straighter teeth, it means that you are making a commitment to the teeth straightening…

How To Prepare For Your Consultation With An Invisalign Dentist

An Invisalign dentist helps people who have teeth alignment issues. Many of these folks are turned off by the idea of having conspicuous metal braces in their mouth, and that prevents them from getting the treatment they need. Many would rather live with poorly aligned teeth than endure the attention braces draw to a person's…

Cosmetic Dentist Options To Improve Teeth Color

A cosmetic dentist can help you improve your smile by correcting the color of your teeth. This type of dentistry exists to correct issues that affect the appearance of your smile. The appearance of your teeth is one of the first things other people will notice in social interactions, so it is important to have…

Dr. Michael Eghtessad

Share
Published by
Dr. Michael Eghtessad

Recent Posts

Clear Braces: What Foods Should You Avoid?

Clear braces are just one of the discreet ways our dentist can straighten your smile.

3 weeks ago

Cosmetic Dentist Options to Improve Teeth Color

These are the options your cosmetic dentist may present to you if you want to…

2 months ago

Are Invisalign Aligners Custom Made?

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign® only requires patients to make a few minor changes to their…

3 months ago

How Long Can a Smile Makeover Take?

Once a smile makeover is complete, patients should expect to smile confidently, chew naturally and…

4 months ago

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

If a tooth has been knocked out of the mouth, it is important to see…

5 months ago

What Does a Family Dentist Do?

Read on to learn more about the services that a family dentist can offer you…

6 months ago