Pros & Cons of Traditional Braces

Before the introduction of invisalign, orthodontists’ most common method of treatment is teeth straightening with traditional braces.

Invisalign was introduced in 1999 as a clear alternative to traditional braces and this has made choosing between traditional brace and invisalign a dilemma for many people. The major difference between traditional braces and invisalign or aligners is that aligners cannot be easily seen on the teeth because they are made of transparent plastic material while traditional braces are made of metal or ceramic and they can be seen even from afar.

For people who would like to choose traditional braces and for people who just want to correct or straighten their crooked teeth, it is important for them to know the pros and cons of traditional braces.

PROS OF TRADITIONAL BRACES

1. When people think about orthodontic treatment, what comes to their mind is traditional braces. Almost all orthodontists offer braces as a treatment option. This means any orthodontist you visit for treatment will be capable to offer the treatment with the use of traditional braces.

   Invisalign treatment, even though it was introduced 19 years ago, is not a treatment that all orthodontists offer.

2. Traditional braces has been used for correcting and straightening crooked teeth before the introduction of aligners so it has more positive outcomes than aligners.

3. Traditional braces is less expensive than aligners.

4. Once fixed, traditional braces cannot be removed at the discretion of the user but by the orthodontist at the end of treatment. This makes treatment faster and it makes completion of treatment to be at the expected time.

5. Braces do not get lost or contaminated because the user cannot remove them.

6. Users of traditional braces must visit the orthodontist monthly to get their braces checked and the wire inserted into the braces tightened. This enables the orthodontist to know the progress of their treatments and any correct abnormalities in the treatment. The implications of regular check-ups while using braces is a faster and successful treatment.

7. They are more comfortable.

8. It is the best method of teeth straightening for children.

9. For complicated cases, traditional braces is the preferable orthodontic treatment.

CONS OF TRADITIONAL BRACES

1. Treatment is highly visible, even from afar. Although patients have the option of choosing the colour of braces and they can choose the colour that is close to the colour of their enamel, this doesn’t make traditional braces invisible like invisalign.

2. Treatment with traditional braces require that you stay off some foods so they don’t pop off.

3. You cannot remove traditional braces any time you feel like removing them. Only a dentist can remove your traditional braces. This makes it difficult to effectively brush your teeth and eat some of your favourite foods.

4. You have to visit your orthodontist at least once a month. This could be a difficult thing to do or remember for people who have tight schedules.

5. Traditional braces are harder to maintain and you will need the assistance of your orthodontist to clean and monitor them.