You might be surprised to learn that clear braces in San Antonio, Texas, are one of the most popular treatments at our office. More and more patients are interested in this treatment option because it allows them to straighten their teeth without anyone knowing they’re wearing braces. But is this treatment right for you? In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of clear braces to help you make an informed decision about your dental treatment.
The Pros and The Cons
Pro: They’re practically invisible.
One of the most significant advantages of clear braces in San Antonio, Texas, is that they’re practically invisible. Being discreet is a big selling point for many patients interested in straightening their teeth but don’t want to wear traditional metal braces. Clear braces may be a good option if you’re self-conscious about your appearance.
Con: They require more diligence on your part.
With traditional metal braces, your orthodontist does all the work to ensure your teeth are moving in the right direction. With clear aligners, however, it’s up to you to ensure you’re wearing them for at least 22 hours per day and that you’re changing them according to your orthodontist’s instructions. If you’re not diligent about wearing your aligners, your treatment will take longer and may not be as effective.
Pro: They’re more comfortable than metal braces.
Another advantage of clear braces is that they’re more comfortable than metal braces. They are more comfortable because metal braces can rub against your gums and cheeks, irritating them. Clear aligners are made of smooth plastic, so they won’t irritate your gums or cheeks like metal braces.
Pro: They’re removable.
One of the best things about clear braces is that they’re removable. Removable means you can take them out to eat and brush your teeth without worrying about food getting stuck in your braces. It also means you can take them out for special occasions, like a wedding or a job interview, and put them back in when you’re done.
Con: They can be more expensive than metal braces.
Perhaps the biggest downside of clear braces is that they can be more expensive than metal braces. The increase in cost is because clear aligners are custom-made for each patient, and you sometimes pay a premium for the convenience, ease of use, and discreet treatment that comes with clear braces. If you’re on a budget, clear braces may not be the right choice for you.
Pro: Treatment can be faster.
Clear braces may be the right choice if you’re looking for a fast treatment option. You can sometimes complete treatment with clear aligners in as little as six months. This is much faster than traditional metal braces, which can take two years or more to achieve the same results.
Con: They are not suitable for severe misalignment.
Though treatment can be faster with clear braces, this is sometimes because they are not suitable for treating severe misalignment. If you have very crooked teeth, you may require a longer treatment time, and clear braces may not be able to give you the results you’re looking for. In this case, metal braces may be a better option.
The Clear Braces We Offer at Nautical Dental
At Nautical Dental, we recommend ClearCorrect clear braces, otherwise known as clear aligners. They’re made of clear plastic, so they’re practically invisible when you wear them. They’re also comfortable and easy to use. With ClearCorrect clear braces, you can straighten your teeth in as little as six months.
Quality Clear Braces in San Antonio, Tx
Are clear braces worth it? The answer depends on your individual situation. Clear braces may be a good option if you’re looking for a virtually invisible way to straighten your teeth. However, if you’re not willing to be diligent about wearing them, traditional metal braces may be a better choice.
If you’re interested in exploring whether clear aligners are correct for you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Nautical Dental. Dr. Eric Cornelius and his team will be happy to answer any questions and help you make an informed decision about your dental treatment!
