Clear Aligners vs Braces: Which option is best for you?

How many people do you know who wear braces or clear aligners? Probably quite a few!

If it’s your turn—or your child’s—to address an orthodontic issue, you’re likely wondering which treatment option is best. 

At Yonge & Seven Dental Care, one of the most common questions we hear is about the choice between clear aligners vs braces. How do you decide?

It all begins with your specific diagnosis, as braces and clear aligners are designed to address particular conditions. 

Keep in mind that clear aligners and braces aren’t in competition; one isn’t necessarily superior to the other. The choice will depend on your treatment goals. 

In this article, we will share important information about clear aligners vs braces to help you get ready for your appointment with your orthodontist.

What are Clear Aligners?

Clear aligners are transparent molds designed to emulate the shape of your teeth. 

When worn, they gently apply pressure, gradually shifting the teeth into the desired positions.

These aligners are part of new technologies that have made orthodontic treatment less noticeable.

Some people compare them to mouth guards, while others wonder if they can also assist with whitening treatments. 

However, it’s important to note that clear aligners are specifically intended for orthodontic purposes.

Benefits of Clear Aligners

Clear aligners offer many benefits for patients.  

• They are less noticeable than traditional braces, as they are transparent and custom-made to fit your teeth seamlessly.  
• You can remove your clear aligners while eating, so you don’t have to give up your favorite foods. 
• The ability to take out the clear aligners also helps you keep up with brushing and flossing. 
• Since your orthodontist plans your tooth movements in advance, your appointments are often smoother and may not need to be scheduled as often. 
• Overall, clear aligners generally provide a more comfortable experience compared to traditional braces.

Disadvantages of Clear Aligners

Clear aligners have some downsides.

• While clear aligners can fix many teeth issues, they may not work for every case. If your situation is complicated, your orthodontist might recommend braces instead. 
• To work properly, you need to wear clear aligners for 22 hours each day. You can only take them out for eating and taking care of your teeth. 
• Sometimes, clear aligners can cost more than braces. 

Procedure

The first step for getting clear aligners is simpler.  

A 3D scanner is often used to create a digital image of your teeth, but impressions can also be taken. 

These images or impressions help create a treatment plan. 

Once the plan is approved, custom clear aligners are made for you. 

When your aligners are ready, you will have a fitting session with your doctor. 

During this session, you will receive your aligners and important instructions. 

You will need to change your aligner every one or two weeks, depending on your specific case, to keep your treatment moving forward. 

Follow-up visits will be scheduled every few months, or more often for complicated cases, to check how well the aligners fit and to make sure your treatment is on track.

What are Braces?

Braces are orthodontic devices designed to correct misaligned teeth and jaws.

They play a crucial role in improving the appearance of teeth, and ensuring proper bite functionality. 

Braces can effectively fix many orthodontic issues. 

While they have long been the standard treatment method used by orthodontists, today’s options include modern alternatives such as stainless steel and tooth-colored ceramic braces.

Braces are among the best dental treatments available today, alongside crowns, dental implants, and veneers.

Benefits of Braces

Braces offer many benefits.

• Braces can be used in all situations, while aligners may not address every case. This makes braces a reliable choice.
• There are different types of braces, including metal ones that can have colors added or can be worn without them.
• Since braces are fixed to your teeth, you won’t have to worry about forgetting to wear them or losing them.

Disadvantages of Braces

Braces have several downsides.

• Hard foods or grinding your teeth at night can break the braces, which may delay your treatment.
• Next, cleaning your teeth with braces is usually harder than with aligners.
• Braces can also cause more discomfort because they can irritate your cheeks and lips.
• Finally, braces, even the porcelain ones, are more noticeable than clear aligners.

Procedure

To get braces, your dentist will first examine your teeth and take X-rays and photos. 

They will create a treatment plan based on the exam results. 

Once you approve the plan, the dentist will attach brackets to your teeth using bonding cement.

Next, they will thread metal wires through the brackets and secure them with elastics or ligature wires. 

You will have follow-up appointments each month to tighten the wires or make adjustments.

Conclusion

If you keep thinking about clear aligners vs braces, we hope this article helps you understand both options better.

Sometimes, either treatment could be effective for you, but we can only determine the best option after gathering orthodontic records, including x-rays, photos, and models. 

Our orthodontist will take a close look at your specific situation and create a customized treatment plan just for you. 

Feel free to book an appointment with us here.