Smile Straighteners: 3 Reasons to Choose Traditional Braces

You might think of your crooked, gapped, or overlapped teeth as more of an aesthetic issue than a real oral health concern. However, the truth is that it can be harder to keep them clean if they’re not aligned properly, which increases your risk of cavities, gum disease, and damaged enamel.

Although clear aligners continue to gain popularity as a more discreet alternative to standard orthodontics, that doesn’t mean they’re the best solution to meet everyone’s unique needs. Continue reading to learn more about 3 reasons to choose traditional braces instead!

Reason #1: Fix More Severe Misalignments

Clear aligners use transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth to gently move them over time. This is often an effective way to address minor to moderate misalignments, but it doesn’t necessarily give your provider the same level of control over your smile’s movement as standard braces.

The metallic brackets are strategically bonded to your enamel and then are threaded with an adjustable archwire. This system exerts more force than clear aligners, meaning it can be used to treat everything from slight gaps or somewhat crooked teeth to more serious dental and bite misalignments.

Reason #2: Multiple Options Available

Historically, braces have been the only available treatment for straightening smiles and have long used metallic components that often leave patients feeling self-conscious about their appearance throughout treatment.

Although this is still the tried-and-true solution for repositioning grins, it’s no longer the only option. Many orthodontists offer multiple options to suit your unique circumstances. For instance, today, brackets can be made from tooth-colored ceramic and utilize plastic bands and wires that are much more discreet. Or you might benefit from lingual braces, which are anchored to the backs of your teeth where no one can see them.

Reason #3: Easier to Stay on Track

Many patients choose clear aligners because the transparent plastic trays are removable, so there are no dietary restrictions. However, they must wear them for 20 to 22 hours daily to keep their teeth from reverting to their starting positions. It can be challenging for some teens and adults to adhere to this wear-time requirement, which can potentially add weeks or months to their treatment timeline.

Meanwhile, braces don’t require that you set timers to remember how long they’ve been out of your mouth because they’re not removable. That means it’s easier to stick to the plan and complete your orthodontics at the anticipated time.

If you’re unsure of the best way to achieve a straighter smile, your orthodontist can recommend an appropriate solution based on your individual needs.

About the Practice

At Arlington Heights Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, patients benefit from a team of providers eager to help families improve their dental health. With board-certified pediatric dentists and board-certified orthodontists in the office, you can trust that you and your child’s smiles are in good hands. Their compassionate approach is combined with advanced technology to offer a variety of orthodontic services to people of all ages, as well as standard pediatric dental care. If you or a loved one is frustrated by crooked teeth or a severe bite misalignment, you can request an appointment on the website or call (847) 255-3020.