If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth but keep going back and forth on how to do it, you’re not the only one weighing this decision. Should you go with the tried-and-true metal braces or opt for the lower-profile clear aligners?
Smith & Heymann Orthodontics has helped patients all across Chapel Hill, Durham, Mebane, Roxboro, and nearby Virginia towns like Danville and South Boston figure out which option makes sense. Dr. Smith, Dr. Heymann, and Dr. Skillestad know this choice is a big deal, not just in terms of how your teeth will look, but how treatment will fit into your daily life.
Both Options Move Teeth, Just in Different Ways
Metal braces and clear aligners work using the same basic principle: constant, gentle pressure over time shifts your teeth into a healthier position. But how that plays out looks very different in real life. Metal braces are attached to your teeth using small brackets and wires. These stay in place until your orthodontist removes them. You’ll have regular checkups for adjustments and tightening.
Clear aligners come in sets of trays that are custom-made for your teeth. Every one or two weeks, you switch to a new tray that nudges your teeth closer to where they need to be. You remove them for eating and cleaning, and you have to stay consistent about putting them back in.
Lifestyle Details That Can Make the Decision Easier
Every treatment plan is personal, but there are a few everyday factors that can help point you in the right direction:
- Daily habits: If you snack throughout the day or tend to misplace things, braces might be easier. Aligners need to be worn 22 hours a day at minimum.
- Comfort level: Clear aligners don’t have brackets or wires, so they tend to feel smoother against your cheeks. Braces can take a little more getting used to.
- Time and convenience: Aligners usually involve fewer office visits. Braces require more frequent in-person adjustments.
- Treatment complexity: Braces are often better for more involved cases, like big gaps or significant bite issues.
- Budget: Metal braces often cost less, but that depends on your specific plan and insurance.
Think about how you live day-to-day. The best treatment is the one you’ll be able to keep up with.
What to Expect During Treatment
Let’s break this part down even further.
Braces
You’ll visit the office every 4 to 6 weeks for adjustments. Most people wear braces for 1 to 3 years. You’ll need to be mindful of what you eat because sticky or crunchy foods can cause issues. Brushing takes a little more effort with brackets and wires in the mix, but you’ll get used to it pretty quickly.
Aligners
Treatment with clear aligners usually takes a similar amount of time or sometimes a little less, but only if you’re wearing them as instructed. You’ll swap trays regularly and follow up occasionally to check progress. No food restrictions, but one of the best tips is that you’ll need to brush more often since you have to put aligners back in after every meal or drink (besides water).
Some patients at Smith & Heymann Orthodontics mention liking the flexibility aligners give them. Others prefer braces because they don’t have to think about remembering to wear something or keep track of trays. There’s no wrong answer; just what works better for you.
One More Thing Most People Don’t Consider
Everyone talks about cost and appearance, but there’s one more piece to think about: communication.
Being able to get quick answers or call about something that doesn’t feel right can make a big difference. That’s something Dr. Smith, Dr. Heymann, and Dr. Skillestad prioritize. If something’s off, like an aligner that feels weird or a wire that’s come loose, you want to know someone’s got your back.
There’s No One-Size-Fits-All
Some people want their braces to be behind-the-scenes. Others want the peace of mind that comes from not having to keep track of removable trays. There’s no perfect answer that works for everyone but there is one that works better for you.
If you’re in Chapel Hill, Durham, Mebane, Roxboro, or nearby areas in Virginia like Danville and South Boston, Smith & Heymann Orthodontics can help you figure that out. Dr. Smith, Dr. Heymann, and Dr. Skillestad are happy to walk you through your options and answer any questions you have about what comes next. Schedule your consultation to get started.
