Today’s patients have more options than ever for straightening their smiles. The two most widespread orthodontic procedures—braces and clear aligners—bring unique benefits tailored to your individual requirements and lifestyle. For anyone investigating New York braces choices, knowing what separates these two methods comes in handy to ensure informed choice.

Appearance and Aesthetics

Invisible aligners (such as Invisalign®) are nearly invisible and can be an attractive choice for adults and teenagers who do not want the “mouthful” appearance of traditional metal braces. Finally, you may choose traditional braces (in which small, metal brackets are bonded to the front of your teeth and connected by thick wires), which are more noticeable, but can be used in the most severe of cases.

Treatment Effectiveness

A trained New York orthodontist will determine if clear aligners or braces will best align with your dental goals. They are highly effective for complex bite problems and severe crowding. Clear aligners are most appropriate for mild to moderate changes and rely heavily on patient cooperation.

Comfort and Maintenance

Removable clear aligners allow you to keep your teeth not only clean, but also to continue eating the foods you love to eat. But you need to wear them 20-22 hours a day for good effect. Braces in New York, unlike the metal bands suspended from the mouth by hair and wire in the early 1900s, are attached to the teeth, which makes them more consistently effective but also makes brushing and eating more of a hassle.

Duration and Flexibility

Length of treatment differs between the two, but with refinement of both, many patients’ treatment times have been reduced. Your New York orthodontist can give you an individual estimate at your initial consultation.

Making the Right Choice

Between clear aligners and braces, you would have to consider many factors like age, dental goals, lifestyle and budget. Schedule a consult with a reputable New York City orthodontist to see what the best course of action is for your smile.

At Seligman Orthodontics New York, we provide a variety of traditional and advanced orthodontic treatments designed to fit your individual needs. Call us now to learn more, and to start your journey to a confident smile".