Everyone wants beautiful straight teeth that can flash a million Rand smile, but deciding how to get them can cause toothache. Most South Africans have numerous options for braces or aligners, but having too many options isn’t always a good thing.
According to Dr. Sheryl Smithies, a top Cape Town-based aesthetic dental surgeon and facial aesthetic practitioner, most patients get to choose their preference based on what best suits their lifestyle. The revered dental genius shares some critical information that everyone should think about before making that all-important final decision.
To begin, arm yourself with facts.
Most of us wore braces as children or know someone who did, but how much do we really know about their purpose and functionality?
Braces are essentially metal or porcelain wires that are attached to your teeth (the more modern ones can be fixed behind). More wires and rubber bands are then used to create tension, causing the teeth to move into the proper position. It’s a slow and tedious process that can also cause discomfort.
Aligners, such as Invisalign, are a more advanced type of orthodontic treatment. These are made of plastic and are custom-made to fit securely around only the teeth that need to be straightened, rather than the entire mouth. Small bumps of composite resin, which is similar to a tooth-colored filling material, are used to help the aligner grip the tooth, and each one then moves the teeth separately but rapidly, in a step-by-step fashion, until it achieves the final layout with minimal discomfort.
Second, review the advantages and disadvantages of each.
The benefits of both are the same – whichever one you choose, you’ll get straighter teeth over time.
Braces, on the other hand, can be excruciatingly painful, especially when the wires cut the lips and inside of the cheeks. There is also the risk of them causing potentially irreversible damage to teeth and bone structure, especially over time, and getting the teeth into the correct positions can be difficult at times.
With a brace, it is difficult to achieve precise movements, and because part of the tooth is covered by a wire, cleaning can become awkward as well, potentially leading to significant tooth decay. Braces also necessitate regular dental check-ups, which should be done every 4-6 weeks, so keep that in mind as well.
Braces, on the other hand, can be excruciatingly painful, especially when the wires cut the lips and inside of the cheeks. There is also the risk of them causing potentially irreversible damage to teeth and bone structure, especially over time, and getting the teeth into the correct positions can be difficult at times.
With a brace, it is difficult to achieve precise movements, and because part of the tooth is covered by a wire, cleaning can become awkward as well, potentially leading to significant tooth decay. Braces also necessitate regular dental check-ups, which should be done every 4-6 weeks, so keep that in mind as well.
If this makes you nervous, aligners are probably a better option. Not only is this the most advanced method of moving teeth, but they are also much easier to clean and cause very little discomfort, with the exception of the first three days when the mouth adjusts to them.
The almost invisible appearance of an aligner is especially appealing to older patients who do not want anything noticeable. If you avoid foods that can stain your teeth, such as turmeric, you should only need to see a dentist every 3-4 months, which is great news for those who lead busy lives.
Then consider the costs.
The cost of treatment varies depending on the type and length of treatment, and each patient has a unique set of circumstances.
Braces range in price from R30,000 to R70,000, while aligners range in price from R25,000 to R110,000. Again, this is determined by the number of aligners required and the brand.
Finally, select the one that corresponds to you.
Because braces are bonded to your teeth, they require little maintenance from you and are therefore best suited to people who are not as diligent with their dental care. The only significant changes you’ll need to make are to your eating habits (chewing gum is a no-no) and possibly adding new toothbrushes to your teeth-cleaning arsenal. You should also expect a significant change in your appearance as well as a lot of pain when you smile.
Aligners, on the other hand, are a much faster treatment because they target only the teeth that need to move, rather than all of them. As a result, they are better suited to those who want a quick transformation but still value comfort, aesthetics, and ease of use, as well as the ability to clean their teeth thoroughly.