You may have noticed in recent years that there’s been a new kid in town when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners have soared in popularity due to their discreet appearance, but the reigning champs, traditional braces, are still widely used. While you may have been hopeful that your child could get aligners, there are some cases where those trusty wires and brackets are still the best option. Here are a few reasons why braces might be a smarter choice.
They Stay in Place
If you’re concerned about your child losing their aligners, forgetting to wear them, or are worried they’ll be tempted to keep them off if their teeth hurt, traditional braces are the way to go. Because you need a dental professional to remove them, there’s no risk of wires and brackets coming off. Your child’s treatment will stay on track, and they’ll never need to fret about misplaced aligners.
They Fix More Issues
While aligners and traditional braces both straighten crooked teeth and treat overbite, gaps, and crowding, there are some things that only braces can do. For example, if your child’s teeth need to be raised to match the height of their other teeth or if they have rotated teeth, aligners may not work. They also can’t help with corrections to the midline of the teeth, large gaps, or if the patient wears bridges.
They’re Typically More Affordable
Though there are exceptions, traditional braces tend to be more affordable than aligners. Additionally, some dental insurance plans may cover braces at a higher percentage than aligners, since some consider them cosmetic. Thus, you may have a higher out of pocket cost with them, too.
They’re Great for All Ages
While aligners are good for older teens and adults, they’re not ideal for younger patients. Braces, on the other hand, are great for patients of all ages. If your child needs early orthodontic intervention, they can get braces well before they can wear aligners and potentially save you money and time by addressing the problem early.
Remember, it may seem like clear aligners would be a better choice for your child’s orthodontic treatment, but traditional braces still have a few undeniable benefits that trays still can’t compete with. To determine which treatment is best for you, speak to your child’s orthodontist for more information.
About Our Practice
At G&G Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we work together as a team to ensure that your child gets the very best oral health care. Whether they need an exam and cleaning or it’s time to begin straightening their smile with the help of braces, we can do it all right here under one, kid-friendly roof.
To learn more about the benefits of braces for your child, please schedule an appointment with us today by visiting our website or calling us at 630-778-9500.
