It is common knowledge that fixing crooked teeth needs to be done early as possible, especially during childhood. The two main options for fixing teeth are to get braces or aligners. Below are the differences between these two types and how to make the correct choice for your dental needs.

       1. Material

The main difference between aligners and braces is that the first is made of plastic, while the latter can be forged from porcelain or metal. Although it does not seem significant, the differences in materials are significant for some people. When you get either of these two placed on your teeth, it will affect a few aspects of your life, like how you interact socially and how you eat. You can search for an Invisalign dentist near me who will help you decide which of the two best suits your lifestyle.

       2 Operating Principles

Metal braces use brackets and wires. When fitted onto the teeth, create enough force to pull the teeth to the desired position over a specified period. Clear aligners utilize composite resin, which is then placed on a specific tooth. After the aligner is placed, it forms a tray that gradually and gently shifts the position of your teeth.

       3. Time

The time needed at the orthodontist for both teeth correction options is the same, provided you follow the instructions required. Braces will typically have two significant visits, one for placing the braces and removing them with weekly dentist appointments in between.

The weekly appointments are necessary to check on the alignment’s progress and replace any broken braces. With clear aligners, you get the initial consultation, after which the dentist will make the mold you need. After every ten days, you will be receiving a new set of aligners to put on by yourself; hence no weekly appointments are needed.

The other aspect of time is concerned with the hours you need to have each of these teeth adjustment solutions on. You will need to have metal braces on all day and night, while clear aligners only need to be worn for eighteen to twenty-two hours each day.

       4. Responsibilities

When getting metal braces, all the responsibilities to ensure that the metal wires are correctly placed falls on the dentist. The responsibility to ensure that the aligners are in place each day rests with the patient. Failure to comply with these instructions will make the aligners less effective. You will need to place them on each morning and ensure they fit as directed by the doctor.

       5. Diet

When you visit the dentist, you may be concerned about how either teeth alignment solution will affect how and what you eat. Having braces will affect and influence the type of foods and drinks you can enjoy. This is because it is uncomfortable to eat certain foods, which may warrant a diet change. Metal braces predispose you to a greater risk of tooth decay; thus, patients should exercise more caution with sugary foods. 

Clear aligners should be removed when eating and drinking, except for water. With aligners, the patient’s food and drink choices are not affected. It is important to note that you should always brush your teeth before the aligners are placed back.

        6. Appearance

It is clear to tell that a person has braces, which poses a significant concern for some patients. These worries are even more pronounced for teenagers and adults due to lifestyle and work. People tend to lean towards clear aligners when looking for a more appealing and discrete tooth curative solution. The fact that clear aligners are harder to spot is a significant selling point, especially for the more mature crowd.

       7. Hygiene

Proper oral hygiene is essential for braces to work and stay in place for the required time. It is significantly hard to clean and ensure that there are no food remnants on the braces. During the aftercare details with a dentist, you will be taught how to remove, clean, and store clear aligners.

Both metal braces and clear aligners are fantastic options for fixing your teeth. The choice of which option will suit you lies in the dentist’s assessment of the state of your teeth and, in some instances, your preferences. You can use the information above to guide what to expect at the dentist’s office and some of the questions to ask to make an informed choice.