Clear Correct VS Traditional Metal Braces: Which Orthodontic Option Is Right for You?
Should you go for metal braces or clear correct aligners? Get to make an informed choice by looking at both options to know what will work best for you.
We all know how challenging it can be to acquire a smile that you can be proud to show off. There is a myriad of dental issues and conditions, which can make this accomplishment feel like an uphill task, to say the least.
It can prove to be an even bigger challenge if you are faced with dental issues such as crowded teeth, crossbites, or overbites and an excessive overjet, all of which negatively impact your smile and overall appearance.
Orthodontics is a dentistry field that deals with dental issues such as these. It gives patients a chance to experience and have the smile they have always dreamed of.
Orthodontics primarily involves using prosthetic devices to rectify the position of poorly aligned teeth in patients, aiming to improve their bite and enhance the functionality and appearance of their teeth.
Some of the prosthetic devices used by our dentist in Folsom, CA, to rectify teeth alignment may include Invisalign, traditional metal braces, and the clear correct.
Who Needs to Undergo Orthodontic Treatment?
There is a misconception that orthodontic treatment is mainly for children and teenagers. This is because, ideally, when children with teeth alignment issues undergo interceptive treatment early enough, it can make a big difference in terms of how their permanent teeth will be spaced and positioned in the future.
However, this doesn’t mean that adults can’t undergo teeth realignment with permanent teeth. We have several adult patients who come in regularly for orthodontic treatment procedures and adjustments with our dentist in Folsom, CA.
Orthodontic treatment can be undertaken on anyone, whether young or old, because the mechanics that involve tooth shifting are the same all across the board.
Here are some dental problems that make undergoing orthodontic treatment necessary:
- Issues with bites such as crossbites, underbites or overbites
- Crowded teeth
- The incorrect spacing of teeth
- Crooked teeth
Why Is Orthodontic Treatment Necessary?
Going to get your teeth realigned or straightened is a good option because it protects you or your loved ones from dental disorders such as;
- Inflammation of the gums
- Periodontal diseases and infections
- Temporomandibular joint issues
- Development of severe cavities and tooth loss due to complexities involved with brushing and flossing overlapping teeth
The Different Types of Orthodontic Prosthetic Devices
Ideally, there are two categories of orthodontic devices; these are the traditional metal braces and clear tooth aligners. Under the clear tooth, aligners is where we have the Invisalign and clear correct tooth aligners.
Traditional Metal Braces
For the longest time ever, this was the only orthodontic treatment solution available for patients. Individuals who had to undergo teeth alignment would shun going for this dental procedure because they would be forced to wear metal braces, which did not have such an excellent aesthetic appeal.
Even though metal braces stand out, they offer the best treatment solution for individuals who suffer from severe alignment issues.
Currently, metal braces have evolved and are not as bulky as they used to be. These devices are made of small metal brackets that are attached to the front of your teeth and are then interconnected using a wire.
The thickness and tightness of this wire is gradually adjusted over time, following the plan that our dentist has chartered towards your desired goal.
The device works by applying a steady and minimal amount of pressure on your affected teeth that makes them shift gradually into their right positions. You will have to undergo several adjustments every 6 to 8 weeks to ensure the torque being applied to your teeth stays just right.
Clear Correct
Clear correct is a clear aligner for tooth straightening. It is similar to its counterpart, Invisalign, which can be described as discreet orthodontic devices, due to their see-through and invisible nature.
Clear correct realigns teeth by using a custom made series of see-through and removable aligners, which gradually shift your teeth into their optimum positions. These aligners are made by following a 3D image that maps out both your teeth currently and the desired result.
This device offered a sigh of relief to our patients who were looking for more discreet orthodontic solutions.
You will have to undergo four phases of alignment, with each stage introducing a new set of aligners. Each set is ideally worn for about three weeks and is only to be taken off during meals or oral hygiene routines.
Clear Correct vs. Metal Braces
Although clear correct offers a more discreet orthodontic solution, it is not suitable for remedying some dental alignment issues. It cannot deal with complicated and severe bite and alignment issues, and this is where the metal braces become the only viable option.
Traditional braces cannot be removed once they are set in, till your treatment is completed. This makes dental hygiene a challenge and can also limit your diet options. Clear correct devices can be taken off during meals and brushing and flossing sessions.
Clear correct aligners do not cause irritation because they fit just right and do not need to be readjusted and tightened frequently.
Although both aligners are effective at what they do, metal braces will need you to frequent our dentist’s office more often for readjustments than with the clear correct, which just requires you to pick up your next aligner in the series.
At Empire Parkway Dental Group, we offer all the orthodontic solutions available, visit us today and let us help you pick what suits you best.