Everyone admires a straight smile, but few people are naturally gifted with perfectly straight teeth. Fortunately, orthodontic treatment is an effective solution, and millions of Americans choose orthodontics each year.
If you want a straighter smile, you likely have several treatment options to consider. Walied Touni, DDS, MSD, is a board-certified orthodontist, and he offers traditional metal braces and clear aligners for his patients at Touni Orthodontics in Sunnyvale, California.
Both braces and clear aligners can straighten your teeth. But they work differently, and each method has its benefits. Here are some things to consider when you’re choosing the best orthodontic treatment for you.
Metal braces involve a system of brackets and wires that gradually move your teeth. A bracket is cemented onto the surface of each tooth, and a wire runs through the brackets to gently move your teeth into proper alignment over time.
Traditional braces are a time-tested way to straighten teeth. Braces reliably deliver a straighter smile, and because they’re fixed to your teeth, they’re always working. All you have to do is clean your braces and your teeth daily, and attend all your scheduled orthodontist appointments.
Dr. Touni offers two main types of braces: rubber band braces and self-ligating braces. Both methods hold wires in place and exert specific amounts of pressure on each tooth, but self-ligating braces can be faster and more comfortable than other methods.
Clear aligners are a relatively new orthodontic method, and they’re rapidly growing in popularity. Clear aligner systems use progressive sets of custom-made aligners to straighten teeth without braces.
You get a new set of aligners every few weeks, and they gradually move your teeth into the proper position. You need to wear your aligners at least 22 hours a day, taking them out only to eat and clean your teeth.
Aligners can be more comfortable than traditional braces, because they’re made of molded plastic instead of metal. Plus, they’re clear, which makes them much more discreet than braces.
Both braces and aligners can correct many of the most common orthodontic problems. Dr. Touni and our team regularly use braces and aligners to fix:
The best method for you depends on your orthodontic needs, your treatment goals, and your lifestyle.
Some people find that clear aligners are the quickest way to fix small misalignments. While clear aligners can fix many orthodontic issues, Dr. Touni may recommend traditional braces in more complex cases.
We also help you consider factors like personality and lifestyle when deciding what’s right for you. Clear aligners may be a good choice if you want a discreet solution, but they may be more difficult if you think you’ll misplace them or forget to wear them.
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to getting a straighter smile, and that’s why we offer options at Touni Orthodontics. To find out more about orthodontic treatment, call our office or request an appointment online today.
