Why are braces still a great option to straighten teeth?

Every time I open my ESPN app, I get a barrage of ads from a company who wants to straighten my teeth with mail-order aligners.  This option has become a popular option for some adults, but it can often lead to disappointment when results do not live up to expectations.

Aligner therapy under the supervision of an orthodontist using a product such as Invisalign is certainly more predictable and can give patients of all ages an excellent alternative to traditional braces treatment.  There are a number of advantages to aligners, such as their discreet look, smooth feel and the flexibility of taking them out when needed.  But aligners have two major disadvantages.

First, they require discipline.  If this treatment option is going to work as planned, aligners need to be worn 20-22 hours a day for 6, 12, 18 months or more.  While it’s wonderful to have the luxury to remove aligners, they need to be out of the mouth for every snack or sip of coffee.  Then placed back in the mouth.  That can be a lot of work.  Braces on the other hand are always on and always working.

Secondly, as good as aligner therapy has become, braces still offer orthodontists better three-dimensional control of teeth.  Difficult cases in particular can benefit from this added control.

It’s important to note that braces do require proper care and excellent hygiene.  They can take a little longer to get used to.  But if your goal is to get an excellent result with a beautiful smile and a balanced and functional bite, perhaps braces are still the right choice for you.

Breck Brewer, DDS, MS
Fravel Brewer Orthodontics
1291 Blackwood Ave | Ocoee, FL 34761
407-656-0001 | Smiles@FravelBrewer.com