What Are The Disadvantages of Traditional Metal Braces and Clear Aligners? | What are traditional metal braces?
Traditional metal braces are the “original” orthodontic solution offered by most Manly dentist for an incorrect bite or crooked teeth. They consist of metal brackets bonded to the tooth surface and a thin arch wire threaded through the brackets. The arch wire acts like a track, guiding the teeth along in their movement. The wire attaches to the brackets by small metal ties threaded through tiny holes in the bracket and bent in place to hold the wire in place. In addition, some braces come with large coloured elastics (rubber bands) in between each set of brackets. The purpose of these elastic bands is to provide a gentle force on the teeth to move them in a specific way.
Traditional metal braces are a more noticeable type of orthodontic treatment, as they can be seen on your teeth. Braces with coloured elastics between every set of brackets tend to be the most visible. Traditional metal braces come in three different aligner systems: traditional, lingual or clear aligners. Traditional metal braces can also be used for specific bite correction.
Disadvantages of Traditional Metal Braces:
*Traditional metal braces are the most noticeable teeth-straightening solution.
*Traditional metal braces can attract dirt and stains, making them less white than other options.
*Cleaning your traditional metal braces takes longer than other types of aligners. It is essential to maintain good oral hygiene when wearing traditional metal braces. If you do not, your teeth can become very stained or even start to decay.
*Depending on the severity of the crookedness of your teeth, you may need multiple years of treatment with traditional metal braces.
What are clear aligners?
Clear Aligner Braces are the latest solution to straightening your teeth. Like traditional braces, clear aligners consist of metal brackets bonded to the tooth surface and an archwire threaded through the brackets. The difference between Clear Aligner Braces and traditional braces is in how they are made. Instead of being made from metal, they are made from a clear, durable plastic material (polypropylene). As a result, clear Aligner Braces are discreet and barely visible in most cases. This is because the brackets blend in with your teeth, and the archwire is attached to the brackets by a series of small rubber bands. These clear or transparent aligners can be worn on top of your teeth without having to remove them for eating and brushing like you would traditional braces. Clear aligner’s minor drawback, if any, is that many people do not wear them correctly when they start treatment.
Disadvantages of Clear Aligners:
*Clear Aligner Braces take longer to get used to than traditional metal braces. Many patients can experience soreness or discomfort when they first begin wearing the clear aligners.
*If you do not wear your clear aligner correctly, you will not get the best results.
*Clear Aligner Braces are only recommended for patients with minimal to mild tooth crowding. If your teeth need more precision movement, traditional metal braces may be a better option.
*There can be a high price range when it comes to Clear Aligner Braces. Insurance companies only cover clear aligners when used for certain conditions, such as tooth misalignment from jaw surgery.
If you want to choose between the two, it is important to know their disadvantages. This will help you decide better on which option is the most suitable for you. If you are still confused, you can speak to your dentist regarding the same.
