Why Patients Prefer Clear Braces

If you have crooked teeth or a misaligned bite pattern, you have plenty of orthodontic treatment options to choose from. Most patients think that their only option for straightening crooked teeth is traditional metal braces; however, modern dentistry has advanced to give patients the opportunity to straighten their smiles with clear braces like Invisalign.

Invisalign Aligners in Baltimore, Maryland

There are some key differences between traditional metal braces and clear braces. Learn why most patients prefer clear braces below:

Understanding Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces require metal brackets and wires to be securely fastened to your dental structures for the entire duration of your treatment plan. Orthodontic treatment of any kind can take several months or even years to complete. In the meantime, you will need to make some lifestyle adjustments to ensure a successful result. Patients with traditional metal braces are encouraged to avoid excessively crunchy or chewy foods that can easily damage the orthodontic hardware. Additionally, they will need to take additional oral hygiene precautions to ensure that there are no food particles stuck in the orthodontic hardware. Patients with traditional metal braces must routinely visit their orthodontist’s office so that a dental professional can tighten the wires and replace the bracket bands. These tightening appointments are essential to the progression of your treatment, as the tension created is what will encourage your teeth to shift into a straighter position. Keep all of these things in mind when considering your orthodontic treatment options. If you do not think your schedule allow for monthly tightening appointments, or if you are unwilling to abide by certain dietary restrictions, you may want to consider clear braces as an alternative.

Understanding Clear Braces

Clear braces utilize aligners that are similar to retainers in that they are made of a clear, plastic material that is worn over your teeth while in use. At the beginning of your treatment plan, your dentist will provide you with all of your sets of aligners upfront and instruct you on when to switch to a new pair. Most patients will switch aligner sets once every two weeks. The aligners are removable, and patients are encouraged to remove them whenever they need to eat, drink, or brush their teeth. They are much easier to keep clean than traditional metal braces while also allowing patients to enjoy all of their favorite foods without restriction while undergoing treatment. Most patients love the removability of clear braces because it allows them the opportunity to remove their aligners for special occasions like job interviews, first dates, or weddings. As long as you wear your aligners on average of 20-22 hours a day, your treatment plan will progress as intended and you will wind up with the same great results as you would if you had undergone treatment with traditional metal braces.

Invisalign Provider in Maryland

Horizon Family Dental Care offers Invisalign treatment in Maryland. We offer Invisalign to patients suffering from mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. With offices in Hanover, Clinton, La Plata, and Baltimore, we welcome you to join our dental family and schedule an appointment.