With the rise of orthodontic alternatives like clear aligners, many patients these days wonder if traditional braces are still relevant or even effective—and the answer is absolutely! While clear aligners are a great solution for many, there are still several situations where braces remain the best option for achieving a healthier, straighter, and more beautiful smile. Here’s a closer look at when braces are the better choice.
When Are Braces the Right Option?
To put it simply, braces are ideal for treating more severe alignment and bite issues, including things like extreme overcrowding, significant gaps, and complex jaw misalignments. This also includes bite issues like overbites, underbites, crossbites, open bites, and so on.
Thanks to their precision and customizability, even the most difficult orthodontic cases can be resolved; this cannot be said for clear aligners, which may not be able to handle severe cases effectively. Braces also grant your orthodontist far more control over where the teeth move, which helps when teeth need to move vertically or be rotated.
It’s also worth mentioning that younger patients often benefit more from braces than aligners. Braces are fixed appliances, meaning there’s no risk of forgetting to wear them—or losing them altogether, which in the case of clear aligners, causes treatment setbacks. This makes them a great option for children and teens, or even adults, who don’t want to worry about treatment compliance; braces aren’t going anywhere until your orthodontist removes them!
How Can I Ensure the Success of My Braces?
Even though braces are well-equipped to handle a wide assortment of orthodontic issues, there is still some level of patient compliance required. It’s still expected that you attend your routine check-ins, so your provider can adjust your brackets and wires, inspect them for signs of damage, and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed. Of course, you’ll also need to maintain your oral hygiene throughout treatment, since cavities, gum disease, or other unresolved issues can also cause setbacks. You should also closely follow any treatment guidelines that your provider gives you, including dietary restrictions.
The bottom line is, while clear aligners are still a fantastic and remarkably convenient innovation, they’re simply not for everyone; and tried-and-true braces can sometimes be exactly what you need to achieve the smile you’re dreaming of. Speaking with your orthodontist about your smile goals will shed more light on which treatment option is suited to your needs.
About the Practice
Under the talented leadership of Dr. Jamie Moon, the team at Super Braces of Worcester has served the needs of patients and families in Worcester and the surrounding communities, offering a variety of orthodontic services for patients of all ages. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to schedule a consultation to see if braces are right for you, please reach out online or call today to learn more or get started. Telephone: (508) 755-2207.