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The Pros and Cons of 3 Types of Orthodontic Treatments

If you have misaligned teeth, gaps between your teeth, or bite issues, you might be thinking about orthodontic treatment. There are now many different options, from traditional braces to plastic aligners. Here are three popular orthodontic treatments and pros and cons of each to help you decide which is a good option for you.

Traditional Braces

While there are many other types of orthodontic treatments, the traditional braces are still commonly used. These braces include wire brackets on each tooth, along with wires going between the brackets to pull the teeth in a certain position. You may also need to wear rubber bands to encourage tooth movement.

Pros: A big benefit to choosing traditional braces is that they work for all different levels of tooth alignment and bite issues. Some of the other options are limited in what problems they can fix. It is also more common to have these types of braces covered by dental insurance as opposed to more cosmetic orthodontic treatments, such as the clear plastic aligner treatments.

Cons: On the downside, traditional braces are more visible to others. You might not want it to be so apparent that you are wearing braces and the shiny metal can take away from the look of your smile. Another disadvantage is that the brackets and wires can sometimes be more uncomfortable than the alternatives.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are similar to traditional braces, except the brackets are made of ceramic instead of metal. This makes them more difficult for others to see since they are tooth-coloured. You might feel more confident smiling with ceramic braces as opposed to traditional metal ones.

Pro: An obvious benefit to ceramic braces is that they are slightly less conspicuous, though keep in mind others might still see the wires between the ceramic brackets. These can also be just as effective as traditional braces.

Cons: There is a risk of the ceramic brackets braking, making them slightly less durable than the metal brackets in traditional braces. These can also be more expensive and might not be covered by dental insurance. The ceramic might also darken in colour over time.

Clear Plastic Aligners

Clear plastic aligners are used by multiple brands of orthodontics. The aligners are made after getting impressions of your teeth. You wear the aligners at all times, except while brushing and flossing and when eating meals. You will return to the dentist every few weeks for a new set of aligners.

Pro: With the clear plastic aligners, you will be able to remove them at certain times, which can be a great benefit. It makes it easier to brush and floss your teeth with this option. They are also less visible to others and more comfortable to wear.

Cons: This type of orthodontic treatment is more expensive and rarely covered by insurance. They might also not work for more severe alignment or bite issues.


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