Thanks to the many advances made in the world of orthodontics, people today have more choices than ever when it comes to braces. Our Orland Park orthodontics practice uses a variety of treatment options including two of the most popular, conventional braces and the clear aligners system.

There are many advantages and disadvantages associated with both traditional metal braces and clear aligners, which can make it difficult to decide which is right for you. To help you choose, here is a brief overview of the two treatment options along with the pros and cons of each so you can better decide which type to go with. Ultimately, the type of braces you wear will be partially determined by the orthodontic issues that Dr. Sonneveld discovers during your initial examination.

The Difference Between Metal Braces and Clear Aligners

The main differences between conventional metal braces and clear aligners are the methods of application and how the teeth are straightened during treatment. Regular braces are permanently affixed to the surface of the teeth wherein they are only removed by the orthodontist once the teeth have moved into their desired positions. Clear aligners on the other hand can be removed by the patient for certain activities including when eating and when brushing & flossing the teeth.

About Traditional Metal Braces

Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more attractive than the metal braces used in the past, making them a popular treatment option for patients of all ages. When these braces are worn, small metal brackets are bonded to each tooth and metal wires are then attached to each bracket. Your orthodontist then tightens and positions the wire per your treatment plan so that optimal control is put on the teeth while they are being moved into the correct positions.

Advantages of Traditional Braces

• Traditional braces are effective and reliable
• They allow orthodontists the most control over tooth movement
• Braces are typically more affordable than clear aligners

Disadvantages of Braces

• Traditional braces are less aesthetically appealing compared to clear aligners
• Regular braces can make maintaining good oral hygiene more difficult as food debris can easily become trapped around and under the brackets and wires

About Clear Aligners

Clear aligners use clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth gradually into a more aligned position. These aligners, which are worn over the teeth, are custom-made to fit your mouth using the impressionless iTero scanner. They are then switched out approximately every two weeks with the next set of aligners in the series as your teeth continue to align.

Advantages of Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are virtually invisible as they are made out of translucent material as the aligners are removable, they are convenient when eating and cleaning your teeth they are great for adult braces candidates as they offer a treatment that is much more discreet than visible traditional braces

Disadvantages of Clear Aligners

The main disadvantage of clear aligners is its limited treatment abilities compared to conventional braces, there are no wires to adjust, an orthodontist has less direct control over the movement of the teeth which can lead to this treatment option taking longer than regular braces, clear aligners cannot be used to treat severe orthodontic conditions such as a significant bite problem

Contact Your Elite Orland Park Clear Aligners & Braces Provider

As a leading provider of Orland Park and Tinley Park Clear Aligners and braces, we offer our patients a variety of state-of-the-art orthodontic treatment options! If you would like to schedule a consultation and find out which one of our advanced orthodontic treatments is right for you, please give us a call or fill out our easy online form. We look forward to hearing from you soon!