Deciding Between Offering Straight Wire Ortho or Clear Aligners
Straight wire orthodontics has long been the go-to solution for a wide range of orthodontic issues. However, clear aligners have now emerged as an alternative option for some of those cases.
While the newer treatment option has garnered plenty of hype (and for good reason), clear aligners are far from being a universal solution. Instead, ensuring that your patient gets the care they need requires knowing when and how to choose between straight wire and clear aligner options.
Treatment Precision and Control
Straight wire treatment has become so ubiquitous throughout the industry because it simply works. Dentists are able to achieve exceptional precision and control through this method, accurately guiding tooth movement. That provides benefits for all patients, of course, but it is particularly important in complex cases.
Clear aligners provide significantly less control. Instead of allowing for adjustments throughout treatment, they are all produced before treatment even starts. They are also somewhat limited in the ways that they can apply force, making certain movements impossible.
Even in instances where patients would prefer clear aligners, they may not be a viable option. For example, they are unsuitable for severe misalignments, which straight wire orthodontics can handle with relative ease.
Long-Term Stability
Long-term stability is a key consideration regarding any orthodontic treatment. Straight wire systems are well known for their stable, long-lasting results. Treatment using straight wire appliances is also comprehensive, guiding all teeth into the precise proper positions without requiring any compromise.
Clear aligners may fall short of being able to provide that level of comprehensive guidance. While they may address the most notable issues in a complex case, minor imbalances can persist, working against stability and potentially leading to relapse.
In practice, that often means that clear aligners require longer retention periods to maintain results. Patients may not take that into account when weighing their decision unless it is made abundantly clear by their dentist. Lack of compliance with retention after clear aligner treatment often leads to the need for additional treatment.
The stability provided by straight wire orthodontics improves overall oral health as well. And avoiding relapse reduces the risk of issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, and more serious complications. Your patients’ smiles will stay healthy and strong, allowing them to enjoy the full benefits of orthodontic treatment.
Versatility for All Cases
Clear aligners are capable of delivering excellent results in many cases. Typically, these include those that involve only minor misalignments. They do not provide the level of versatility found with straight wire orthodontics. With straight wire orthodontics, all but the most complex and niche cases can be treated.
Every patient must be evaluated as an individual to determine the best treatment plan available. While clear aligners may have their place for mild to moderate corrections, straight wire treatment is almost always a viable option for cases of any complexity.
If you’re considering orthodontic courses to implement additional treatment options at your practice, then a straight wire course will let you take on a broader range of cases. Straight wire orthodontics simply offers the most benefits for both your patients and your practice.
Cost-Effectiveness for Patients
Cost is another important consideration for any patient considering orthodontic treatment. Providing cost-effective options helps your patients access the care they need. You also open the door to more cases for your practice to take on, as cost is less likely to be prohibitive.
Comparing the cost of clear aligners and straight wire orthodontics can be difficult due to the wide range of factors that will vary between individual cases. But overall, straight wire treatment is often more financially attractive, partly because it doesn’t require the inclusion of lab fees.
Insurance is also a factor to consider. In some cases, insurance providers are more likely to accept claims for straight wire treatment than they are for clear aligners. The former is also much better established within the industry.
Why Straight Wire Is the Better Solution in Many Cases
Straight wire orthodontics provides a wide range of benefits for patients and can make for an excellent addition to your practice. The Basic Comprehensive Straight Wire Orthodontics course from Williams GP Orthodontic Seminars provides the knowledge and hands-on experience dentists need to implement straight wire treatment in their practices.
Dr. Brad Williams’ world-class instruction covers all aspects of straight wire treatment, including diagnosis, treatment planning, practical techniques, recordkeeping, and practice administration, in great detail. Register today to begin developing your skills.