Thinking about straightening your teeth but can’t decide between invisible aligners or traditional metal braces? You’re not alone! This decision comes down to your unique dental needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences—each option offers distinct advantages for different situations. While braces have been the go-to solution for decades, clear aligners like ProMonitoring have revolutionized orthodontic treatment with their nearly invisible appearance and removable convenience.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, helps patients navigate this important choice daily. From teenagers to adults seeking a confidence boost, understanding the differences between ProMonitoring clear aligners and traditional braces can help you make the best decision for your smile journey.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Clear aligners use a sequence of custom-made, transparent trays that shift your teeth into their ideal alignment. ProMonitoring, a leading clear aligner system, uses modern 3D imaging technology to design a personalized treatment plan unique to each patient. The ProMonitoring process includes the following steps:
- Initial consultation with detailed 3D scans of your mouth
- Creation of a customized treatment plan showing the progression of tooth movement
- A series of aligners changed approximately every one to two weeks
- Regular check-ins with your dentist to assess progress
One significant advantage of ProMonitoring aligners is their cutting-edge remote monitoring technology, which allows your dentist to track your progress between office visits. This digital monitoring ensures your treatment stays on track while minimizing unnecessary appointments.
Understanding Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are made of metal or ceramic brackets secured to your teeth with a wire running through them. This system applies continuous pressure to move teeth gradually into the desired position. Modern braces are smaller and more comfortable than their predecessors, offering:
- Consistent pressure that effectively treats even complex alignment issues
- Non-removable design that ensures constant treatment
- Regular adjustments by your dentist to maintain progress
- Options include metal, ceramic, or lingual (behind-the-teeth) brackets
Traditional braces continue to be an excellent choice for patients with severe misalignment, significant bite issues, or those who might struggle with the discipline needed for ProMonitoring aligners.
Comparing Comfort and Convenience
Both treatment options have different comfort considerations, including the time you wear the device, the number of dental visits needed for treatment, and interference with eating and speaking.
Clear Aligners (ProMonitoring)
Clear aligners have several significant advantages compared to braces, including:
- Removable for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene
- No food restrictions during treatment
- Minimal speech interference after initial adjustment
- No emergency visits for broken or painful wires or brackets
- Fewer and shorter dental appointments due to remote monitoring capabilities
However, clear aligners may not be suitable for all orthodontic conditions, including severe misalignment and bite issues.
Traditional Braces
Here are several factors you should consider before getting traditional braces:
- Fixed to teeth 24/7 throughout treatment
- Certain food restrictions (sticky, hard, or chewy foods)
- May cause some initial discomfort after adjustments
- Potential for emergency visits if components break
- Regular in-office adjustments required
While many people view clear aligners as the more comfortable and convenient option, traditional braces are an ideal solution for anyone who can’t commit to the requirements of clear aligners or has dental conditions that clear aligners can’t treat.
Treatment Time and Effectiveness
While the duration of your treatment depends on your specific dental needs, there are several general differences between the options:
- ProMonitoring clear aligners work well for mild to moderate alignment issues, with treatment typically lasting six to 18 months. Their effectiveness relies partly on patient compliance, which must be worn 20-22 hours daily to achieve optimal results.
- Traditional braces are often suggested for complex cases and can treat a broader range of orthodontic issues. Treatment time typically ranges from 18 months to three years, depending on severity. Since they’re permanently attached, compliance isn’t a concern.
Trust Newport Beach Dental Center For Your Orthodontic Treatment
At Newport Beach Dental Center, we understand choosing between ProMonitoring clear aligners and traditional braces is an important decision. Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, brings extensive experience to every consultation, having completed over 500 hours of further education to stay at the forefront of dental innovation. As a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (an honor held by only about 6 percent of general dentists in the U.S. and Canada), Dr. Sharbash is devoted to supplying expert orthodontic care tailored to your dental needs.
Ready to explore your options for a straighter, healthier smile? We invite you to schedule a personalized consultation where Dr. Sharbash can assess your specific dental situation and help determine whether ProMonitoring clear aligners or traditional braces would better serve your orthodontic goals. Our practice has served the Newport Beach community since 1985, providing compassionate, state-of-the-art dental care. Contact us today at (949) 760-9212 or through our contact form to take the first step toward your perfect smile.
