Most people need to learn that orthodontic care can be used not only to achieve aesthetic goals but also to improve oral and general health. Modern dentistry offers several different methods of making your teeth straighter. In this article, we discuss the pros and cons of various orthodontic treatments to help you make an informed decision. 

 

The Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

 

Improving the alignment of your teeth can come with several benefits:

 

• Orthodontic treatment can boost your oral health and help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, meaning that less plaque and bacteria will linger in your mouth to cause cavities and periodontitis. 
• Orthodontic treatment improves the function of your bite and chewing, making the force distribution and pressure applied to the teeth more even. As a result, your teeth’s enamel will not wear out as quickly.
• Improving the bite with orthodontic treatment will relieve tension and stress in the jaw and the joint and can help reduce headaches and neck pain.
• Orthodontic treatment can help improve overall health by making oral hygiene more straightforward and effective. When misaligned teeth are not cleaned properly on a regular basis, they spawn infections in the mouth that are associated with gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, lung, and joint issues. 
• Straighter teeth and better oral health can boost confidence and self-esteem, improving the quality of life overall.

 

Pros and Cons Of Various Orthodontic Treatments

 

Below, we discuss the pros and cons of various orthodontic treatments that your dentist can offer. However, please remember that only your dentist will be able to assess your situation comprehensively and recommend the best option to achieve your desired goals.

 

Traditional Braces 

 

Traditional braces typically consist of metal brackets attached to teeth with adhesive. A wire connects the brackets and consistently applies pressure to teeth, moving them into a desired position.

 

Pros of Traditional Braces:

 

• They can effectively correct a wide range of orthodontic issues, including the most severe issues that some other treatments might not be able to correct.
• Braces can be less expensive than some other orthodontic treatments.
• They can be personalized by using colored bands.

 

Cons of Traditional Braces:

 

• They are typically fairly noticeable in the mouth.
• They can cause discomfort and rubbing, especially in the initial period of adjustment.
• Braces require regular visits to a dental office for adjustments.
• They can be challenging to clean.
• They can not be removed when eating.

 

Invisalign

 

Invisalign treatment involves a set of custom-made clear and transparent aligner trays that get changed as the treatment progresses.

 

Pros of Invisalign:

 

• It is more discrete in the mouth compared to traditional braces.
• It can be removed when eating and brushing your teeth.
• It is easier to clean than traditional braces.
• It is considered more comfortable than traditional braces.

 

Cons of Invisalign:

 

• It may be ineffective in solving more complex orthodontic issues.
• It requires a strict commitment to wearing it for 20 to 22 hours a day.
• It may require more lengthy treatment if not worn all the time.

 

Lingual Braces

 

Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces, but they are placed on the back side of the teeth.

 

Pros of Lingual Braces:

 

• They are invisible in the mouth.
• They can be used to solve a variety of orthodontic issues.

 

Cons of Lingual Braces:

 

• They can be more expensive compared to traditional braces.
• The treatment might take more time compared to other methods.

 

Self-Ligating Braces

 

Self-ligating braces look similar to traditional braces but have a unique mechanism in the baskets that hold the archwire. In comparison, traditional braces utilize elastic ties or metal wires to hold the archwire in place.

 

Pros of Self-Ligating Braces:

 

• They require fewer adjustments.
• They are considered more comfortable to wear compared to traditional braces.
• They can sometimes deliver faster results than traditional braces.

 

Cons of Self-Ligating Braces:

 

• They can cost more than traditional braces.
• They are not effective for all orthodontic issues.

 

Gold Braces

 

Gold braces are similar to traditional braces but are made of stainless steel coated with 24-karat gold.

 

Pros Of Gold Braces:

 

• They are highly durable and less likely to break compared to traditional braces.
• They do not contain nickel, which makes them suitable for patients with nickel allergies.
• They can be more comfortable to wear than traditional braces.

 

Cons of Gold Braces:

 

• They cost more than traditional braces.
• They require regular polishing to maintain the initial appearance.

 

Make an Appointment Today

 

Do not put off getting orthodontic treatment. Make an appointment with a highly qualified orthodontist in Tarzana today. In our clinic, we use modern and effective orthodontic methods and will offer the best option to help you achieve your particular smile and health goals. Our doctors look forward to your visit.