Decades prior, traditional braces were the sole teeth-straightening solution. But that all changed when Invisalign debuted its clear aligners about two decades ago. Today, more and more patients are interested in achieving their smile goals as discreetly as possible. However, it’s important to remember that there are some reasons why traditional braces are sometimes best. Here are a few!
#1. You Can’t Lose Traditional Braces
It’s true: there are some scenarios, like brushing your teeth, when removing your braces is ideal. With that being said, having detachable braces comes with one significant downside: they can be misplaced. Traditional braces, on the other hand, can only be removed by your orthodontist. So, you won’t run the risk of losing them and falling off-track with your treatment timeline.
#2. Traditional Braces Can Correct Even Severe Orthodontic Problems
Small gaps and minor crowding are two orthodontic issues that can be addressed with nearly any teeth-straightening solution. More severe problems, however, like completely rotated teeth, necessitate traditional braces. This is largely due to the fact that traditional braces place pressure on the entire tooth instead of just the upper part.
#3. Traditional Braces Are Often Faster
Although Invisalign boasts an impressive 12-month average treatment timeline, many patients end up wearing their aligners for much longer. That’s because meeting the 20-22 hour-a-day wear time is more difficult than it sounds, especially if you’re forgetful and misplace them often. Since traditional braces are adhered to your teeth and adjusted frequently by your orthodontist, patients can rest assured they are staying on track with their treatment timeline.
#4. Not As Much Self-Discipline Is Needed for Traditional Braces
While traditional braces do require some self-discipline, like abiding by the list of dietary restrictions, Invisalign comes with a few more. To start, the clear aligners need to be cleaned daily and rinsed with water frequently. Furthermore, they need to be worn for 20-22 hours a day, meaning they must immediately be put back in after eating, drinking anything other than water, or completing your oral hygiene routine. Conversely, you can go about your usual routine with traditional braces without much thought.
While the benefits of clear aligners are no doubt evident. It’s important to remember that traditional braces have been the tried-and-true solution for 10+ years for a reason. So, if you are interested in straightening your teeth, don’t write them off. To find out if they are the best fit for you, talk to your orthodontist today!
About the Practice
While our team at Simply Orthodontics is proud to provide a variety of teeth-straightening treatments, traditional braces are sometimes best. Don’t worry – our two exceptional orthodontists, Dr. Alan Carlotto and Dr. Sam Alkhoury, are here to make the entire experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. So, if you’ve been wanting to leave crooked, spaced-out, and otherwise misaligned teeth in the past, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call 508-429-7800 to schedule an appointment.