In terms of function and aesthetics, orthodontics is vital to oral health and self-confidence. For patients seeking smile and bite realignment, this often leads to another question: “Clear aligners or traditional braces?”
Each option is effective at guiding teeth into proper alignment. However, each also comes with its own considerations and potential drawbacks. Understanding these is invaluable in choosing the best option for restoring the form and function of your smile and bite.
ClearCorrect vs. Traditional Braces: How Does Each Work?
Clear aligners in Kalamazoo are a revolutionary orthodontic system that uses virtually invisible, mouthpiece-like aligners to guide teeth into proper alignment. Removable ClearCorrect aligners must be worn for at least 20 hours per day, with removal only for eating, drinking (water is fine), brushing, flossing, and cleaning the aligners. During the treatment’s (typically) 12-18-month duration, each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks and then swapped out for another set.
Traditional braces, meanwhile, use wire-connected brackets attached to the dental surfaces to apply constant guiding pressure to move teeth into the desired position.
ClearCorrect vs. Traditional Braces: Treatment Duration
ClearCorrect and metal braces are both great for correcting mild to moderate orthodontic issues like gapping, overcrowding, overbites, and underbites. Metal braces, meanwhile, are often recommended for more complex cases.
The complete ClearCorrect treatment time is typically shorter than traditional braces, though this varies based on the severity of each case. Treatment with traditional braces, best suited for more severe cases of misalignment, typically takes between 18 and 24 months, depending on complexity.
Convenience, Comfort, and Lifestyle Considerations
As ClearCorrect aligners are removable, unlike traditional braces, they facilitate eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing without hassle or restriction. They also cause far less discomfort and irritation to the tissue inside the mouth. Additionally, ClearCorrect requires fewer office visits for adjustments. Most significantly, ClearCorrect’s aligners are virtually invisible, making them ideal for individuals concerned about aesthetics.
Choosing Between Traditional Braces vs. ClearCorrect in Kalamazoo, MI?
If you’re in Kalamazoo and looking for a top-notch dental team to help you decide between ClearCorrect and traditional braces and support you throughout your chosen orthodontic treatment, contact Mark E. Richardson, DDS, and our caring and skilled team to schedule a consultation!