Invisalign and other clear aligner systems are extremely popular due to marketing. Patients tend to love that the aligners are discreet and removable. However, as amazing as clear aligners seem, they are not equal to braces. In fact, traditional braces are superior in many ways! This blog post discusses four reasons why you might opt for them instead of clear aligners.
Effectiveness
Often, clear aligners are only suitable for cases of mild to moderate dental misalignment. If you have severe or complex orthodontic issues, such as serious bite problems or very crooked teeth, clear aligners might not be right for you. The strength and fixed nature of braces make them more effective for such cases. In fact, braces have an impressive 95% success rate!
Compliance
Some people love the fact that clear aligners are removable; that makes it easy to brush and floss. Plus, there are no restrictions on what you can eat. However, that removability comes with a major downside. It can be easy to forget to wear your aligners! If you do not keep them on your teeth for the prescribed 20 – 22 hours every day, you could delay your treatment.
Braces, on the other hand, are fixed on your teeth. You never have to worry about forgetting to wear them! So, braces are working around the clock, which makes your orthodontic treatment go faster.
Removing Aligners and Replacing
It’s important to wash your hands and the aligners every time you remove them to prevent germs from being transmitted to your mouth.
Clear aligners look great at first; they are almost invisible! However, they have the potential to incur stains over time, especially if you forget to remove them when you drink coffee or other pigmented beverages. Braces, on the other hand, are highly resistant to stains.
Insurance Coverage
During these uncertain economic times, many families are looking for ways to manage every penny. Dental insurance can play a big role in helping you reduce out-of-pocket expenses for orthodontic care. Unfortunately, while some premium plans offer partial coverage for braces, clear aligners are less likely to be covered. (That is not to say that clear aligners are never covered. You should check with your insurance company to learn exactly how your benefits might apply.)
Clear aligners are an option, but that does not mean you should automatically dismiss traditional braces! Talk to your orthodontic team to learn about the pros and cons of all your treatment options.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Tom Hall is an orthodontist with more than 25 years of experience. Throughout his accomplished career, he has honed his skills through advanced education and a passion for progress. Not even very complex cases are beyond the scope of his abilities! If you are interested in addressing your dental misalignment, Dr. Hall and our team would be pleased to talk to you about your treatment options. Contact our Greater Heights office in Houston at 713-862-8223.