Having straight teeth means having a healthier mouth and a more attractive smile. For teeth that aren’t straight, there are a couple of different ways to improve their alignment. Traditional braces and aligner systems such as ClearCorrect are both effective ways to straighten teeth, but they’re very different.
The Treatment Systems
Braces and aligners both apply force to teeth to shift them into a better alignment.
Traditional braces consist of several different parts: metal brackets that are glued to the teeth with dental adhesive, along with wires that connect all the brackets to one another. Rubber bands may also be added to help correct the bite. Once the braces are on the teeth, the dentist tightens the wires in such a way as to force the teeth to shift over time into the right positions.
ClearCorrect is a simpler system that includes a series of plastic aligner trays. These trays are customized to fit a patient’s mouth and are worn 22 hours a day. The shape of the aligners forces the teeth into alignment over time.
Comfort and Convenience
ClearCorrect is a more comfortable choice. The amount of force and precise fit of the plastic trays causes less discomfort than wearing brackets and wires. ClearCorrect is also a more discreet choice. The clear plastic aligners are almost impossible to see when you’re wearing them. In contrast, even clear or tooth-colored brackets can still be seen when worn, if for no other reason than the wire running through them.
Another advantage of ClearCorrect is that no foods are off-limits. With traditional braces, some chewy or sticky foods can’t be eaten, as they can damage braces or make it hard to clean the teeth. This isn’t an issue with ClearCorrect— you remove the aligners when you eat. However, with ClearCorrect, you must clean your teeth after every meal before you put the aligners back on. This habit is important to protect your teeth from plaque and tartar.
Treatment Effectiveness
Even though ClearCorrect has some advantages over traditional bracers, there are times where traditional braces are the best choice. Traditional braces can treat all kinds of tooth alignment problems, from mild to severe issues. ClearCorrect can’t treat severe orthodontic issues, so it isn’t suitable for everyone.
The Right Option for You
Whether you need traditional braces or would like to try ClearCorrect, Charles Lee DDS Inc is a great choice if you’re in the Escondido, North San Diego County, or San Marcos area. Having your teeth straightened improves your oral health and your smile. Dr. Lee’s kind, thorough, and professional dental care makes the treatment process easy.