Maybe you want to help your children grow up confident in their smile. Maybe you thought you got away with not having braces as a kid, but now you want a straighter smile as an adult. Whatever your situation is, the debate you’re probably facing is this: clear aligners vs. braces.
A beautiful smile can boost your confidence and keep you healthy. Luckily, both clear aligners and braces can help. Let’s talk more about benefits and what to consider for each.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are clear trays molded to fit your teeth, designed to shift them gradually. At your consultation, your orthodontist will take a mold or scan of your mouth and prepare a system of clear aligners customized for you. Typically, you’ll wear each retainer or “aligner” for about 1-2 weeks before moving onto the next one.
These are a popular option for teens and adults, since they are removable and nearly invisible. Clear aligners are great for correcting less complicated orthodontic cases.
What Are Braces?
Braces include a combination of brackets that are bonded to the teeth and wires that connect them. These brackets can be metal or ceramic (for a subtler look). After initial x-rays and consultation, your orthodontist will attach the brackets and arch wire to your teeth and adjust them in subsequent visits.
Traditional braces are great for handling all kinds of orthodontic cases, and are better equipped for more complicated ones.
The Benefits of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners have many benefits that make them popular.
- Discreet Appearance: Since clear aligners are nearly invisible, they provide treatment subtly.
- Removable: While you should have your aligners on most of the time, they are easy to remove and replace. This is convenient for eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth.
- No Food Restrictions: Wearing braces means avoiding anything too sticky or that could get caught. Since you can remove your clear aligners, you don’t have to give up certain foods.
- Comfortable Design: The medical-grade, smooth plastic design is comfortable and lessens the risk of mouth irritation.
The Benefits of Braces
Braces also have numerous benefits that make them a great choice for orthodontic care.
- Always Working: Braces are bonded to your teeth, so they are constantly working, night and day. This can provide more consistent results.
- Great for Complex Cases: When it comes to severe malocclusions (misaligned bite), significant tooth rotations, and large gaps, braces tend to be a better choice.
- Lower Risk of Loss or Forgetting: Since they are attached to your teeth, you don’t have to worry about forgetting to wear or losing them!
Things to Consider
There are pros and cons to both aligners and braces, so here are some things to keep in mind:
- Discipline with Aligners: Clear aligners must be worn for 20–22 hours a day to be effective. They require commitment and consistency to get the results you need.
- Oral Hygiene with Braces: Braces usually need more attention as you clean them. You’ll need to make sure you brush well around the brackets and wires to avoid plaque buildup.
- Regular Check-Ins: Both options require regular visits to the orthodontist to review your progress and make any needed adjustments.
Treatment Time and Effectiveness
While there are general guidelines for how long orthodontic correction takes, it really depends on the severity of your case! The more complicated things are, the longer it will take to fix. However, as a general guide, here are some typical numbers:
- Clear Aligners: For mild and moderate cases, aligners usually straighten teeth between 12-18 months, but you can see results in about 6 months.
- Braces: Traditional braces can handle any orthodontic need and can handle more advanced concerns. Treatment usually lasts 1-2 years.
During your consultation with Dr. Silcox, we’ll evaluate your smile and provide a more specific timeline for your specific needs.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choosing between clear aligners and braces can be tricky because things depend on your age, lifestyle, and orthodontic needs.
- Teens may like clear aligners better because they are discreet, but may need braces for complicated alignment and bite issues.
- Adults typically enjoy the ease and appearance of clear aligners, but braces are great for a consistent, all-in-one solution.
- Parents are often worried about time, money, and their kids’ self-esteem.
Our team will provide all the information you need and help you decide during your consultation. If you’re concerned about how much clear aligner brands like Invisalign cost in Utah or how much braces will be, we can help.
Take the First Step Toward Your Perfect Smile
At Silcox Orthodontics, we understand that every smile is unique. That’s why we work to provide an experience that meets your unique needs. Whether you’re debating clear aligners vs. braces or worried about how much treatment costs, our team is ready to help you get the best smile possible.
Schedule an appointment today to start your journey toward the smile you really want.