Brackets or clear aligners? Which is better? In this new article we tell you everything you need to know. Orthodontics is on the agenda: correcting a poor bite, having a beautiful smile with perfect teeth after treatment are the main objectives of both the orthodontist and his patient. When faced with the possibility of using invisible brackets or aligners, we want to tell you the advantages of each one, their differences and similarities, the duration of each treatment and much more. Don't miss out!
What are the similarities and differences between aligners and traditional orthodontics?
Each of these types of orthodontic treatment have advantages, disadvantages, differences and similarities, but with the same objective, there is no one treatment that is better than the other: their choice depends very much on the opinion of the orthodontist, assessing the preferences of his or her patient.Here we have some of the similarities and differences:Similarities between invisible orthodontics and traditional orthodontics:
- They correct the spacing and alignment of the teeth.
- The morphology of the face, mouth and teeth is restored.
- Both orthodontics improve dental aesthetics.
- They correct any type of alteration in the teeth.
- Maintain teeth in their new position.
- Equal efficiency.
- Both traditional and invisible orthodontics can be performed on people of any age.
So what are the differences between clear aligners and the use of brackets?:
- Braces are square-shaped brackets that attach to the teeth and are held together by a strong metal arch or wire, whereas the clear aligner can be removed at mealtimes very easily.
- The brackets are made of stainless steel, ceramic or sapphire, while the aligner uses multi-layer thermoplastic polyurethane.
- Hygiene is quicker with aligners than with brackets, as the aligner is simply removed from the teeth when brushing.
- In terms of aesthetics, invisible orthodontics is practically unnoticeable and treatments with brackets, depending on the type, can be more or less noticeable. There are currently a wide variety of brackets that are practically invisible to the eye, such as aesthetic ceramic or sapphire brackets.
- When it comes to revisions, with the use of brackets your patient will attend the clinic once a month, but with the transparent brace, if the patient complies with the indications correctly, they may need to go for a check-up every two months.
- Braces were first used in 1928, meaning there has been plenty of time for them to become the brackets that they are today. It is a 100% reliable orthodontic treatment with excellent results in a very precise time. Clear aligners are very new on the market, achieving excellent results as well, although great innovations in this field are sure to be expected in the future.
The advantages and disadvantages of these two orthodontic treatments
In favour of braces we can say that braces are made of very resistant materials with very effective results. There is also currently a wide variety: metal (self-ligating or lingual) as well as aesthetic brackets (ceramic, sapphire or invisible), meaning if this type of treatment is applied, the orthodontist will choose the most suitable one according to the morphology and needs of your patient. In terms of price, the treatment for the patient is usually much cheaper than invisible orthodontics.
What about its less advantageous features? Without a doubt hygiene is more difficult due to the structure of the brackets: the patient must brush properly and thoroughly so as not to interfere with their effectiveness and progress. Aesthetics can also be a disadvantage, as well as the number of visits to the clinic, which tend to be higher for lingual or metal brackets.
If you are an orthodontist, you will know that choosing the right bracket for each treatment is fundamental, as a series of factors must be taken into account beforehand.
Braces have evolved a lot in recent years, adapting to new trends such as aesthetics. Below you will find the most popular brackets that we have available on our website.
On the other hand, transparent braces also have their advantages: they are comfortable, easy to use, have excellent aesthetics as they are not visible, in addition to, simple and practical hygiene (the aligner is removed when brushing). Also taking into account that the number of visits to the clinic from your patient will be lower.
As for its disadvantages we can highlight:
- The price of treatment is usually higher than that of traditional orthodontics.
- The patient must be very disciplined and constant with the invisible splints: they should only be removed from the teeth at mealtimes or when brushing.
- It is not applicable to all patients.
Types of Brackets today
Self-Ligating Metal Brackets
These types of brackets are different because they have a mobile component that connects the archwire with the bracket, thus achieving the appropriate movements. They also provide greater hygiene, as the rubber bands and ligatures are not necessary and do not retain bacterial plaque or foodstuffs.
In addition, with this technique, you will have a lower number of revisions with your patient, providing them greater convenience.
Ceramic Aesthetic Brackets
Ceramic brackets are very durable and effective. They also have the great advantage of being aesthetically very interesting to all your patients. Moreover, prices are affordable, although slightly more expensive than metal brackets.
Their great aesthetic finish and minimal irritation make them a very popular option nowadays. At Dentaltix you can even find complete oral kits of the highest quality.
Aesthetic Sapphire Braces
These brackets are made of sapphire-crystalline and in recent years have been in high demand by orthodontists as they are the most aesthetically pleasing on the market, and do not absorb stains as easily as ceramic brackets.
Their main feature is the maximum transparency they offer as they are very similar to the shade of the tooth and do not stain. In addition, their contour is rounded for greater comfort for your patient.
At Dentaltix we offer you a wide variety of sapphire brackets, as well as complete oral kits.
Risks and consequences after having worn braces
When an orthodontic treatment is carried out correctly there should be no risks or consequences that could affect the health of your patient. However, it is true that there are possible risks that can be avoided, such as:
- Radicular reabsorptions (when a treatment lasts too long)
- Dental caries due to poor patient hygiene: for orthodontic treatment to be as successful as expected, the patient must be very strict with brushing. They should brush three times for a minimum of four minutes each time a day. In addition, the orthodontist will perform professional cleanings in the clinic periodically.
- Possible gum problems.
- Enamel wear and tear.
But how can these problems be avoided? If your patient carries out the treatment correctly and following all the indications, there should not be any possibility of negative consequences on their health. An orthodontic treatment can last from 6 months to a maximum of 24 months, and it is not at all recommendable for a duration to last more than 3 years, as this would generate possible risks such as those mentioned above, which is why it is important to take into account the duration of the treatment.
Is invisible orthodontics better than traditional orthodontics?
The answer is that it depends on the assessment of your patient. To recommend one type of orthodontics or another, the patient's mouth must be analysed and studied beforehand in order to be able to choose which is the most recommendable for their mouth. Currently, orthodontists choose a type of appliance or treatment depending on the requirements of the case, so invisible aligners will not replace braces just yet.
Up to here for today's article on the two types of orthodontic treatment. What do you think about invisible and traditional orthodontics? What do your patients prefer? Leave us your comments! We hope you liked it ...and get ready because we'll be bringing you many more interesting and up-to-date articles!
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