What Is the Difference between Traditional Expanders and Clear Aligners?
What is the difference between traditional expanders and clear aligners? Everyone’s teeth and jaw structure are different. But orthodontic treatment has the same result. It is the ideal way to restore confidence in your appearance and enjoy greater comfort as you eat. Whether you have crooked teeth or huge gaps between each one, we encourage you to read on. In this post, we’ll show you the differences between traditional expanders and clear aligners. Let’s get cracking.
Contents
- 1 People Also Ask
- 1.1 What Are the Disadvantages and Advantages
- 1.2 Exploring Traditional Expanders
- 1.3 How Traditional Expanders Are Applied
- 1.4 Benefits of Traditional Expanders
- 1.5 Disadvantages of Metal Braces
- 1.6 Talking about Clear Plastic Aligners
- 1.7 How Clear Plastic Aligners Are Made
- 1.8 Disadvantages of Clear Aligners
- 1.9 Benefits of Clear Plastic Aligner Trays
People Also Ask
What Are the Disadvantages and Advantages
There are significant advantages and disadvantages to each of these options. And the differences between the two can blur depending upon your preferences. For instance, older adults and teens tend to dislike traditional expanders. This is because they cannot detach from the mouth. Yet, this is an advantage for younger children and teens. As they may lack the self-control to replace their clear plastic aligners.
Exploring Traditional Expanders
How Traditional Expanders Are Applied
Traditional metal braces stay on your teeth using a special cement. Your orthodontist is the only person that should removed them. Once they are on your teeth, you must continue to visit your orthodontic clinic on a regular basis. This is to have them tightened and checked for wear and tear. After you complete your treatment, they disappear. Then you can see your beautiful smile.
Benefits of Traditional Expanders
As mentioned above, some people prefer to know that their child’s braces are stuck on. Traditional expanders also come with the benefit of being able to correct major issues. Issues like crooked or misaligned teeth that may not be correctable through other methods.
As trends come and go, some teens also prefer the look of metal in their mouth. Especially when colored bands can add to the appearance. For example, kids in sports often ask for their school colors when they change bands.
Disadvantages of Metal Braces
Talking about Clear Plastic Aligners
Right now, you are still curious about what are the disadvantage and advantages of these two. If you are curious about how clear plastic aligners can straighten your teeth. Read this simple example. If you or your child might not be able to give up your love for caramel, then clear aligners may be the right choice. This is to prevent problems down the road.
How Clear Plastic Aligners Are Made
Clear plastic aligners use specialized 3D X-ray technology. This creates a realistic rendering of your mouth. This technology also shows you a rendering of the results. Clear aligners. Once the images and measurements , we then send the information to a lab that creates the braces.
The clear aligners will take a week or two. After they arrive, you will put on your first set, and we will check to make sure that they fit as planned. You will then receive your next few sets of trays so that you can change them out every two weeks.
Disadvantages of Clear Aligners
The biggest disadvantage of clear plastic aligners is that they can get lost. Like a retainer, they can also be thrown away if your child fails to keep it safe while they eat. This is an easy fix since you can use a special storage case to keep your aligner trays in good condition.
In some instances, you may also feel as though you talk strange when you first get the trays. This is a temporary situation. Most people adjust to talking with the aligner trays within a few days.
Benefits of Clear Plastic Aligner Trays
Improved aesthetics is one thing that everyone loves about the clear trays. Since they are near undetectable from a normal distance. The aligner tray system also allows for more precise movements of your teeth. Since the computerized rendering guides the process. Aligner trays also tend to work faster. And you may be able to shave weeks off that of a traditional treatment plan.
There are significant differences between traditional expanders and clear plastic aligners. But you should also know that these may not be your only options for getting straighter teeth. Give Dr. McDermott a call to schedule an appointment. We can help you pick the right treatment plan for your specific needs today.
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13046 Falcon Drive, Baxter, MN 56425
Phone: 218-829-1630

Dr. Michael McDermott earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in both Chemistry and Biology from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. He followed his undergraduate degrees with a doctorate in dental surgery at the University of Minnesota, where he graduated with highest distinction.
Dr. Mike then furthered his dental education by earning a masters and certificate in Orthodontics at the University of St. Louis in Missouri.