ClearCorrect vs. Metal Braces
Patients have several treatment options for misaligned or crooked teeth. They can choose traditional treatments like metal braces or try modern clear aligners. Both of these treatment options are highly effective and reliable. At Mount Vista Family Dental in Salmon Creek, we explain both options in detail so you can make an informed choice and control the treatment process.
Mount Vista Dental will only recommend metal braces if your teeth are severely misaligned. Most patients don’t have severe alignment issues to warrant metal braces. We offer general dentistry services as well as ClearCorrect aligners so you can expect us to provide straightforward and unbiased information.
How these two treatments work?
Most people don’t know how these two treatments work and can’t make an informed decision. Here’s a brief look at what these options involve:
- Dentist Involvement
Traditional braces require a lot of hands-on treatment from dentists. You need to visit the clinic once every few weeks to tighten the wire and get the braces cleaned. This isn’t just cumbersome, but can also be expensive. That’s one of the reasons why people choose ClearCorrect treatments. You only need to visit the dentist for fitting to ensure the aligner trays are of the right size and shape. After that, you can manage your treatment yourself and only need to visit the dentist once every six/more weeks so they can oversee your progress.
- Appearance
Metal braces are highly visible, even if you choose something like tooth-colored or white braces. Most teenagers and adults don’t want metal braces compromising their smile. This makes ClearCorrect the perfect alternative to metal braces. The treatment involves several clear aligner trays that gently move your teeth back into the desired position. These discreet aligners are removable.
- Comfort And Permanence
Metal braces don’t cause too much discomfort. They have rounded edges that are smoothed to ensure they don’t nick the inside of the patient’s mouth. Despite this, some patients experience pain, irritation, and inflammation from metal braces. That’s especially true for people with more sensitive skin.
ClearCorrect aligners are made from hardened plastic and don’t have any sharp edges that might irritate the inside of the mouth. Their surface is smooth and relatively even, which is easier for most patients to handle. There are no wires or stray pieces that can poke your cheek or nick your lip.
- Treatment Time
Metal braces are fixed and stay that way throughout the treatment which can easily last for around two years, depending on how severe the misalignment is. ClearCorrect aligners only need around 12 months, especially if you keep the aligners on your teeth for 22 hours a day. You can remove them while eating or when you’re brushing and flossing your teeth. There’s no need to worry about food particles being stuck in them and causing decay.
If you want to know more about clear braces in Salmon Creek, Vancouver and surrounding areas, Mount Vista Family Dental can help. Please contact us or call us at (360) 574-3985.