What alternatives are there to metal braces and what are the advantages of clear aligners?
You might have wondered, are there alternatives to braces? Perhaps something less visible or painful? Well, you’re in luck.
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that not only helps improve oral health and aesthetics, but also helps improve general health. Good oral health improves the quality of sleep, chewing and digestion, prevents migraines that can arise as a result of bite problems, among other things. It wasn’t long ago that talking about orthodontics meant talking about metal braces. However, in recent years new ways to straighten teeth, other than braces, have appeared that are just as effective and that also offer many other advantages.
Alternatives options to metal braces
When we talk about metal braces we refer to the traditional braces that are made entirely from metal. Although braces are a very effective way to correct certain complications such as crowding, bite problems, gaps, etc., this type of orthodontics has some drawbacks.
Among other things, braces aren’t very discreet. In worrying about their image, many people leave their dental problems unresolved and face complications later on. Aside from poor aesthetics, braces can cause greater difficulty in maintaining good oral hygiene, since they make it difficult to use dental floss. In addition, patients must avoid hard foods or those that involve major use of the incisors and canines, since the braces could come off. Finally, braces also tend to cause discomfort when they are adjusted in the clinic, resulting in pain in the jaw and teeth. They also often produce sores by rubbing against the soft tissues of the oral cavity, such as the cheeks and tongue.
But luckily, recently other options besides braces have emerged that are just as effective and that, in turn, eliminate some of those drawbacks. Here is the list of ways to straighten your teeth other than with braces these we have:
Clear braces
Clear braces can be made of various materials, but the most common are sapphire and ceramic. These are fixed apparatuses that are placed on the front of the teeth and, unlike traditional braces, are similar in color to tooth’s enamel. They are advantageous in that they go more unnoticed than the metal braces. However, although they are more discreet, they are not entirely invisible. They have a metal arch that makes them not totally invisible.
In addition, like traditional braces, being fixed makes daily dental hygiene difficult and can cause some discomfort.
Self-ligating braces
Self-ligating braces, unlike other types of brackets, don’t use rubber bands to attach to the metal arch. The wire is woven directly through the braces on each tooth. Additionally, they are smaller than the traditional ones, so they’re also somewhat more discreet. But, like the traditional and clear ones, the fact that it is fixed orthodontics implies the drawbacks mentioned above.
Lingual braces
Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces, but the main difference is that they are fixed on the back of the teeth - on their lingual side. This means that, on the one hand, they are completely invisible to the naked eye but, the drawbacks are that they’re more uncomfortable and that they can cause sores on the tongue due to constant friction.
Clear aligners
Finally we have clear aligners, an orthodontic alternative to braces that is totally different and that has numerous advantages. First of all, the material of the aligners is different from that of the braces. They are made from rigid polyurethane, a special plastic made with the latest medical technology.
The aligners are removable, which eases dental cleaning and makes many of the limitations surrounding eating with traditional orthodontics disappear, but that’s just one of the advantages of clear aligners. They’re also transparent, meaning they go completely unnoticed. The fact that they are different from braces does not mean that they are less effective, quite the opposite: you can achieve the same results in even less time, making them a great alternative to braces especially for adults.
What are the benefits of clear aligners and what makes them the best alternative to braces?
There are several aligners benefits that make them a fantastic orthodontic alternative to braces, like their ability to treat both normal and complex cases, for example. Since clear aligners have many advantages over other types of orthodontics, we’ve compiled them into a list, here are the most relevant:
They are more aesthetically pleasing
Being made from a transparent medical plastic, perception is not an issue since the aligners go unnoticed when you smile. This is one of the sought after benefits of clear aligners. They’re the perfect option for people who work with the public or whose image is very important to their career, such as actors or actresses. But career aside, the advantage of invisibility in clear aligners makes them an increasingly popular alternative to braces among adults in general.
Shorter treatment time
The average duration of treatment with invisible aligners is usually between 6 and 14 months depending on the difficulty of the case. In general, they’re a great alternative to metal braces, which are usually needed for approximately 18 months.
More comfortable and practical
As we’ve mentioned, one of the most important benefits of clear aligners as an alternative option to braces is that they are removable. This means you can take them out to eat, clean them, etc. However, despite their ease of removal, it’s important to wear them for a minimum of 22 hours so that they make the necessary movements in the predicted time.
They don’t change your lifestyle
Thanks to removable orthodontics you don't have to change your lifestyle. You can continue eating your favorite foods without issue and can avoid the risk of hitting your braces when practicing your favorite sport - you can even remove them whenever need be. Aligners are a great alternative because they allow you to keep living your life as before unlike with braces and other orthodontic options.
Less painful
Another factor that makes clear aligners a better way to straighten teeth over braces is that they are generally less painful. In addition, by not needing braces attached to the tooth’s surface, it’s less likely that you’ll get sores or any other type of injury inside the mouth. And because the tooth movements are progressive, you’ll only notice a slight pressure with each change of aligners. The lack of pain or discomfort that comes with invisible orthodontics is an aspect that makes them an attractive alternative to metal braces.
More hygienic
The aligners are easy to remove and clean which is a huge benefit. You only need a brush, water and neutral soap to keep them clean. Oral hygiene is also simple thanks to the fact that you can better access all corners of the mouth, since you can just take out your aligners to brush your teeth.
Enjoy many more advantages of clear aligners with Impress invisible orthodontics
It’s true that clear aligners have many benefits, but Impress offers even more than other companies. In addition to the advantages mentioned above, with Impress you can also enjoy the following:
Industry leading orthodontists
We have a first-class medical team that specialises in the field of removable invisible orthodontics and that is constantly undergoing additional training. Most importantly, you’ll always have access to the Impress orthodontic experts during your treatment. We’ll address all your concerns through the Impress app, at any time. You’ll have the best professionals following the progress of your treatment, always.
Precise diagnosis with state-of-the-art technology
At Impress we are committed to the digitisation of orthodontics, so our clinics are equipped with the latest technology to diagnose each case in a precise and highly professional manner. During the first visit, we’ll perform a full 3D scan to get a comprehensive status report of your oral cavity. In addition, we offer a video simulation so you can see what the final result of your smile will look like before even starting the treatment.
Alingers’ most advanced technology
We have the most modern tools in the orthodontic sector. We use 3D printing technology to manufacture the aligners, which are made from robust, high-quality medical-grade rigid plastic, among other things.
Fixed prices and payment in instalments
Impress prices are fixed. At Impress we have different types of treatments, with completely closed prices. What does it mean that the prices are closed? Basically, from the very beginning you’ll know the total cost of your treatment, no surprises. We also offer the options of paying for the treatment at once or in instalments, to make it easier for you.
Start treatment in one city and finish it in another
Worried about starting an orthodontic treatment because you don't know if you can continue in the same city? No problem. With Impress, you can start your orthodontic treatment in one city and finish it in another, since we have clinics throughout the country and in several other European countries.
Impress kit
At the beginning of your treatment we will give you a kit with everything you’ll need throughout the entirety of the process, so from the very first day you’ll have everything you need to successfully complete the treatment.
24/7 patient care
At Impress we have a patient care service that will answer all your questions at any time during the treatment. You can contact us whenever you want through our app, email or patient service phone.
Fewer clinic visits
Thanks to our app, you’ll be able to carry out the majority of your check-ups from the comfort of your home or wherever you are - you’re able to follow along with your orthodontic treatment from anywhere in the world, giving you more freedom.
Ready to enjoy all the advantages of Impress invisible orthodontics?
These and many other advantages are what make Impress invisible aligners the perfect orthodontic alternative to traditional braces for adults and teens alike. Come to Impress and find out what our invisible orthodontic specialists can do for you.
Contact us by email at: uk@smile2impress.com, by phone or WhatsApp at +44 20 3808 1072 or, book an appointment online through our website.
Visit us at your nearest Impress clinic to learn about our prices without any obligation. We can’t wait to meet you!
