When considering straightening your teeth it’s always a good idea to evaluate both methods of tooth movement. Dr. Bayette believes the informed patient is the best patient! Let’s look at the pros and cons of traditional braces vs clear aligners such as Suresmile.
The Pros of Clear Aligners (SureSmile)
- Aesthetically pleasing – aligners are barely noticeable
- Convenience – they can be removed anytime, particularly at mealtime
- Oral Hygiene – brush and floss as you would normally
- Diet – unrestricted since you will remove the aligners at mealtime
- Comfort – there is no soft tissue discomfort from brackets, wires or from adjustments
- Adjustment free – basically one and done you will only visit the office every few weeks for new aligners
The Cons of Clear Aligners (Suresmile)
- Compliance – aligners must be worn 18-22 hours a day to ensure timely progress and avoid set-backs
- Results – some cases may still need adjustments with traditional braces especially more complex cases
- Cost – comparable to traditional braces, however, there is a cost to replace lost aligners
- Not suited for young children (8-14) – due to the cost of replacing trays and the necessary compliance
The Pros of Traditional Braces
- Well-established treatment – it is the tried-and-true method for both simple and complex tooth movement
- New variations – not only are the brackets much smaller and less intrusive, but you can also choose from either metal, clear or plastic brackets and colored bands
- Suited for young children – once the brackets are bonded there is no patient compliance necessary aside from enhanced oral hygiene habits
The Cons of Traditional Braces
- Appearance – metal and clear braces are noticeable
- Oral Hygiene – becomes more challenging as all plaque and food debris must be removed after each snack and meal to avoid periodontal disease and decay
- Diet – must be modified to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can cause wire breakage and decay
- Comfort – not only can braces cause discomfort to your cheeks and lips, but there is also typically some discomfort following adjustments
Asking the right questions when visiting Dr. Bayette in Mission Valley can help you decide the right course of treatment. Please reach out to our office at 619-298-9839 or info@vbayettedds.com, Dr. Bayette will be happy to answer any of your questions.