The Difference Between Invisible Braces and Clear Aligners

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Invisible braces and clear aligners may sound as though they’re the same treatment. However, they’re vastly different. While both serve to straighten and reposition your child’s teeth, the processes aren’t the same. The two treatments have different appearances, as well. Talk to your pediatric dentist in Omaha, NE, to find out when one might be preferable to the other.

What Are Invisible Braces?

Just like traditional metal braces, invisible braces use sets of brackets, connected by wires, to straighten your child’s teeth. However, the brackets used in invisible braces are the same color as natural teeth. They’re made of ceramic, and while they attach to the front of the teeth, they’re much harder to see. When attached with clear wire, they blend much more seamlessly into your child’s smile.

What Are Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners, conversely, use sets of hard plastic trays to straighten teeth in small increments. The trays slide into place over the teeth and can be removed for eating and cleaning. This type of aligner must be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours per day in order to shift teeth as intended.

While clear aligners are more discreet, they also require more self-discipline and repeat visits to your dentist to switch out the trays every few weeks.

Which One Is Best for Your Child?

Your child’s dentist can help you choose the best teeth-straightening method. However, at Pedodontics P.C., we’ve found invisible braces to be a tried-and-true solution, especially for younger patients. They don’t require the same level of discipline at home that clear aligners require. This means you won’t have to worry whether your child is wearing them long enough each day to allow them to do the job for which they’re intended.

Call Pedodontics, P.C. today, for help with invisible braces in Omaha, NE.

Traditional Versus Clear Invisalign Braces for Children

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Set your child up for success with their dental work and oral health. Choose Pedodontics PC for your child’s braces in Omaha, NE. We recommend an orthodontal consultation for braces by the time your child is seven years old. Before your visit, discover traditional versus clear Invisalign braces for children.

Why Choose Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are made using metal wires and brackets and have been used successfully for oral treatments for decades. Over approximately two years, braces gradually shift teeth and gums using approved techniques. The orthodontist will tighten wires and add spacers and bands.

Issues with metal braces involve wires coming loose or breaking, which have to be fixed by the orthodontist. There is also the discomfort of brackets rubbing against the inside of the mouth and gum tissue. Wax and mouthwashes help minimize these concerns about wearing braces in Omaha, NE.

Some Prefer Clear Aligners

Clear aligners, notably Invisalign, are plastic mouthguards molded to your specific dental work. The medical-grade plastic is periodically adjusted to correct the bite and shift teeth. This more modern style of braces pops in and out of the mouth and is removed at night.

Choosing Metal Versus Plastic Braces for Kids

Compared to metal braces, clear aligners are less likely to be irritating. However, since the braces must be removed from the mouth and cleaned daily, there is a more likely chance of not wearing them correctly.

In choosing traditional versus clear aligner braces, if your child requires more extensive dental work, the clear aligners are only useful for short-term treatment. The average treatment with clear braces is 12 months, compared to 24 to 48 months with metal braces.

Get a Consultation for Children’s Braces in Omaha, NE

Now is the time to find out if your child needs braces. Contact our office at 1-402-330-5913 to schedule a consultation for children’s braces in Omaha, NE. We look forward to meeting you and your child.