Many people want to straighten their smiles for aesthetic purposes, but did you know it can also improve your oral health? It’s harder to thoroughly clean teeth that are gapped, overcrowded, or misaligned, leaving you more vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. Also, your enamel can wear down unevenly or prematurely, increasing the likelihood of sustaining chips, cracks, and other injuries.
Although clear aligners are a popular way to address somewhat crooked teeth or mild malocclusions, there are some scenarios in which traditional orthodontics is the preferred treatment. Continue reading to learn more about three reasons your dentist might recommend braces over the alternatives!
Consideration #1: The Severity of Your Condition
Plenty of teens and adults prefer Invisalign because the clear trays attract less unwanted attention, and it’s often an ideal solution to address minor issues. There is a limitation on the amount of pressure exerted by the plastic material covering your teeth, so it’s better for those with less severe misalignments.
Meanwhile, braces rely on the force exerted by tension in the archwire that’s threaded through the metal brackets. That means your dentist can manipulate the movement of your teeth much more accurately, making this treatment ideal for even the most complex cases. Plus, your provider can make any necessary adjustments to the wires to ensure that everything proceeds as intended.
Consideration #2: Whether You Comply with Guidelines
Although Invisalign is a more discreet solution, it also requires more discipline to stay on track with your treatment timeline. You must wear your aligners for 22 hours every day to prevent your teeth from reverting to their previous positions. Many patients struggle to meet this goal between meals, cleanings, or simply forgetting to put their trays back in after eating.
Thankfully, braces are bonded to the front surface of your teeth, so you never have to worry about removing, reinserting, or misplacing them. However, this also means that you eat and drink with metal brackets in place, so it’s essential to stick to the dietary restrictions provided by your dentist to keep them in good shape.
Consideration #3: Your Budget
If you’re worried that traditional orthodontics are more costly than Invisalign, you’re in luck! Metal braces can range from $3,000 to $7,000, while some clear aligners cost closer to $8,000. To further complicate matters, many dental insurance policies consider Invisalign a cosmetic service intended to enhance your appearance more than your dental condition and don’t cover the cost. Meanwhile, most plans typically include braces, though the benefits can vary depending on your insurance provider. As a result, patients on a tight budget or who are concerned about how to afford orthodontics may do better with the traditional method.
Now that you know more about some of the unique benefits of braces, you can see why they remain a popular way to even out your grin!
About the Author
Dr. Travis Rottman has 13+ years of experience helping people of all ages build happy, healthy grins. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry and a Fellowship status in the Academy of General Dentistry. Today, he provides a full array of services to conveniently meet all your family’s oral healthcare needs under one roof, including traditional braces. If you’re eager to straighten your smile, you can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 848-0073.