Clear Aligners vs. Braces: Which is Right for You?

When it comes to orthodontic treatment, two of the most popular options are clear aligners and traditional braces. Both can straighten teeth and improve your smile, but each has its own unique set of benefits and considerations. If you're trying to decide which is right for you or your child, understanding the pros and cons of each can help you make an informed decision.

Let’s break down what you need to know about clear aligners and braces, and help you determine which is the best fit for your needs.

Ocean Orthodontics offers a number of braces and aligner options for children, teens and adults.

What Are Braces?

Braces are the traditional method of orthodontic treatment. They consist of metal or ceramic brackets attached to the teeth, connected by a wire and secured with elastic bands. Braces work by gradually tightening the wire to move your teeth into proper alignment over time. Braces are fixed to your teeth, so they can't be removed until your orthodontic treatment is complete.

What Are Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are a modern alternative to traditional braces. They consist of a series of custom-made, removable plastic trays that gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment. The most well-known brand of clear aligners is Invisalign, but there are other brands available as well (such as Angel Aligners, which what we use at Ocean Orthodontics). Each set of aligners is worn for about 7-10 days before moving on to the next tray in the series, with each tray being slightly different to push your teeth closer to their desired position.

Clear Aligners vs. Braces: The Pros and Cons

Let’s explore the pros and cons of each treatment option to give you a better understanding of how they compare.

Pros of Clear Aligners:

1. Aesthetics: The biggest advantage of clear aligners is their discreet appearance. Since the aligners are made of clear plastic, they are much less noticeable than traditional braces, making them a popular choice for adults or teens who want to straighten their teeth without drawing attention to their treatment.

   
   

2. Removability: Clear aligners are removable, which means you can take them out when eating, drinking, brushing, or flossing. This makes it much easier to maintain oral hygiene compared to traditional braces, where food can get stuck in brackets and wires, requiring more effort to clean your teeth properly.

   
   

3. Comfort: Aligners tend to be more comfortable than braces, as there are no brackets or wires that could cause irritation or discomfort inside your mouth. The plastic trays are smooth and fit snugly over your teeth, which reduces the chances of mouth sores.

   
   

4. Fewer Visits to the Orthodontist: Once your treatment plan is set up, you’ll typically only need to visit your orthodontist every 10-12 weeks. Since the aligners are changed at home, follow-up appointments tend to be less frequent compared to traditional braces.

   
   

5. No Food Restrictions: Since clear aligners are removable, you can eat whatever you like without worrying about breaking brackets or wires. With braces, certain foods (like chewy candies, popcorn, or sticky snacks) can be problematic and even damage the braces.

   
   

Cons of Clear Aligners:

1. Discipline and Compliance: Since clear aligners are removable, they require a high level of discipline to be worn consistently. For the treatment to be effective, they need to be worn 21-22 hours a day. If aligners are not worn as prescribed, the treatment process will be delayed.

   
   

2. Not Suitable for All Cases: While clear aligners work well for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, they might not be the best choice for more complex cases, such as severe crowding, large bite issues, or significant tooth movement. Braces may still be necessary for more difficult or complex situations.

   
   

3. More Expensive: Clear aligners can be more expensive than traditional braces, depending on the complexity of your case and how long treatment lasts. While insurance may cover the cost of both options, you’ll need to check your plan to confirm coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs.

   
   

Pros of Braces:

1. Effectiveness for Complex Cases: Braces can be a better choice for people with more complex alignment issues. Dr. Ranaweera usually recommends braces to patients who need multiple teeth removed. Because braces are fixed to your teeth, they provide consistent, gradual pressure that is ideal for complex movements.

   
   

2. No Compliance Issues: Unlike clear aligners, braces are fixed to your teeth, meaning you don’t need to worry about forgetting to wear them. This makes them a great option for patients who might struggle with compliance, such as younger children or teens.

   
   

3. No Need to Worry About Losing or Misplacing: One of the challenges with clear aligners is the possibility of misplacing or losing a set of aligners. With braces, this is not an issue since they are fixed in place.

   
   

Cons of Braces:

1. Appearance: The biggest disadvantage of braces for many people is their visibility. Metal braces can be a noticeable feature, especially for older teens and adults. While ceramic (clear) braces are available, they still may not be as discreet as clear aligners.

   
   

2. Discomfort and Irritation: Braces can cause irritation to the inside of your mouth, especially after adjustments when the wires are tightened. Some people also experience soreness in their teeth and gums as they adjust to the pressure exerted by the braces. However, patients do adapt and get used to this feeling.

   
   

3. Dietary Restrictions: Braces come with certain food restrictions. Hard, sticky, and chewy foods (like popcorn, caramel, or nuts) can damage the braces or get stuck in the wires and brackets, leading to potential delays in treatment.

   
   

4. More Frequent Visits to the Orthodontist: With braces, you'll need to visit your orthodontist more frequently for adjustments—typically every 6-8 weeks.

   
   

Which Option Is Right for You?

The choice between clear aligners vs. braces depends on several factors:

• Type of bite correction: Everybody's bite is different. There are cases where aligners will give better results, and there are cases where braces will give more efficient results. Dr. R will discuss this will you in depth at your consultation.

• Aesthetics: If you prefer a more discreet option, aligners are the clear winner.

• Lifestyle: If you're looking for something that fits better with your busy life, clear aligners might be more appealing, since they are removable and allow for more flexibility.

• Commitment: If you’re confident you can commit to wearing the aligners for the required hours per day, clear aligners can be a great option. However, if you think you might forget to wear them, braces may be a more reliable choice.

  
  

Start Your Journey Toward a Straighter Smile with Ocean Orthodontics

No matter which treatment option you choose, both clear aligners and braces can help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile. To determine which is right for you or your child, the best first step is to schedule a consultation with our team. We’ll assess your specific needs and recommend the treatment that will get you the best results.

Contact us to book your consultation. Whether you’re considering clear aligners or braces, we’re here to guide you on your orthodontic journey!