When Traditional Braces Might Be the Best Choice for You

Whether or not to fix your crooked teeth or misaligned bite isn’t up for debate — there’s no downside to correcting these issues and saving your oral health. However, you do have choices when it comes to how you’re going to approach the situation. 

At Gaiduchik Orthodontics in Carmichael, California, Dr. Andrey Gaiduchik and our team are proud to offer all types of orthodontic treatments, from traditional metal braces to the latest clear aligners. Some of our patients ask why we still use the older style of metallic braces, and we’re happy to explain. Here’s a look at the time-honored traditional bracing system and when it might be the best choice for you or your child.

Why traditional braces may be your best choice

Dr. Gaiduchik offers and recommends clear aligners for many of our patients. Of the multiple brands on the market, he trusts Spark aligners for their efficiency and safety — they contain no latex, gluten, or BPAs. They can fix many alignment problems, including overcrowding, gaps, crooked teeth, overbites, crossbites, and underbites. 

Braces correct more problems 

Just because clear aligners give traditional braces a run for their money, there are still some scenarios where the old-school method is best. Traditional braces pick up where clear aligners leave off, addressing more complex orthodontic issues, such as:

• Large gaps
• Severely rotated teeth
• Intrusion and extrusion issues (when your teeth need to be raised or lowered)
• Extreme midline misalignment (when your front teeth don’t align with the center of your face)

Traditional braces can also work with and around previous dental work, such as bridges, crowns, and veneers, which may not be possible with clear aligners.

Braces stay put

Coming in a close second to invisibility, the main attraction to clear aligners is that you can remove them when you eat and drink.

However, that removability may be a negative for some people. Permanently attached braces mean they can’t get lost, and there’s no chance of derailing the treatment by not wearing them for the required 22+ hours. This may be perfect for kids, teens, and some adults.

Braces may be more affordable

The cost of your orthodontic treatment depends on several variables, so we can’t give you an accurate estimate here. However, we can say that traditional braces tend to cost less upfront than clear aligners, and can be more cost-effective in the long run if you have to replace lost or broken clear aligner trays. 

Braces come with many options

Traditional braces have made some impressive advances over the years. The process has been streamlined, making getting braces easier and less painful. The brackets are smaller now, so they’re less noticeable. We even offer clear braces that blend in with the natural color of your teeth. 

But if you really want to stand out and make a statement with your braces, we also offer a wide array of colored brackets and wires that allow you to express yourself as you wish.

Call our office or request an appointment using our online booking tool to learn more about braces and our other orthodontic treatment options.