Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Braces: Is One Better Than the Other?
Key takeaways:
Clear aligners and traditional braces are effective orthodontic treatments used to straighten teeth. They differ in how they work, how much maintenance is required, and dietary restrictions.
Clear aligners are usually the cheaper option, but the cost of both treatments vary depending on several factors. This can include the length of treatment, type of treatment, and your dental needs.
The tooth-straightening treatment you choose will affect your lifestyle and habits. You and your dental provider should decide if clear aligners or traditional braces are better for you.
For many people, straight teeth are an important part of a "perfect" smile. If you have misaligned teeth, you may be considering orthodontic treatment. Two of the most popular options are clear aligners and traditional braces.
With so many options available, it can be hard to know which one is best for your needs. Here we take a closer look and compare clear aligners and braces. This will help you make an informed decision on the best way for you to straighten your teeth.
Clear aligners vs. braces: How do they work?
Both clear aligners and traditional braces are orthodontic treatments used to straighten teeth. However, they work in different ways. Let’s review the basic differences between them.
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Traditional braces
Braces consist of metal brackets that are bonded to each tooth and connected with metal wires. These wires apply pressure to the teeth and help to gradually move the teeth into the desired position.
Braces are typically worn for 18 to 24 months. The wires are adjusted by an orthodontist every 4 to 6 weeks to ensure that the teeth are moving properly.
Braces are a fixed appliance, which means you cannot remove them yourself. They require careful maintenance to prevent food from getting stuck in the wires and brackets. It’s important to also know that there may be some foods that you should not eat with traditional braces. Some foods are hard or sticky and will damage the metal brackets and wires.
Braces can be uncomfortable at first and may need a period of adjustment as you get used to the sensation of having metal in your mouth.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners are custom-made plastic trays that fit over the teeth. They apply a gentle and constant pressure to shift the teeth into the desired position.
The treatment plan involves a series of aligners (also known as “trays”). Each tray is designed to make specific tooth movements. You should wear the designated tray for at least 23 hours per day. Each tray is intended to be worn for 2 weeks and then replaced with the next tray in the series. A typical treatment plan for clear aligners lasts anywhere from 2 to 18 months.
Unlike braces, clear aligners are removable. This makes it easier to brush and floss. You will also have less restrictions when it comes to your diet. You just need to remove them when eating.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of clear aligners?
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Virtually invisible and removable | May cause minor speech issues |
Usually less expensive than traditional braces | May require more self-discipline to wear consistently |
Easier to maintain oral hygiene | Not suitable for complex cases (major overbite, severely rotated teeth, and gaps between teeth that are 6 mm or more) |
No dietary restrictions | May cause some discomfort or irritation |
Fewer appointments required | Longer treatment time for mild to moderate cases (mild overbite, mild rotations of teeth, and spaces between teeth that are fewer than 6 mm) |
What are the advantages and disadvantages of traditional braces?
Advantages | Disadvantages |
Can treat more complex cases (major overbite, severely rotated teeth, and gaps between teeth that are 6 mm or more) | May be visible or cause self-consciousness |
Usually doesn’t cause you to have speech issues | Requires dietary restrictions and extra oral hygiene care |
Typically shorter treatment time for simpler cases | Will require more frequent appointments for adjustments |
Effective for correcting severe bite issues | Typically more expensive than clear aligners |
Are clear aligners cheaper than braces?
Straightening your teeth in general can be costly. But, clear aligners are on average cheaper than traditional braces. Speak with your dentist or orthodontist first. You may only need a few slight movements, which will lower the overall treatment price.
Although clear aligners are usually the cheaper option, they will still cost anywhere from $1,800 to $9,500. Traditional braces, on the other hand, will cost anywhere from $3,000 to $12,000.
It’s important to keep in mind that your treatment costs will vary. There are many factors that go into the average cost of clear aligners and traditional braces. These include:
Length of time to complete your treatment plan: Treatment plans that take longer than average to complete will come at a higher cost. This is due to the number of appointments that you’ll need for progress checks.
Type of orthodontic treatment: Clear aligners and traditional braces usually differ in cost. Most times braces are more costly.
Location of the orthodontist or dentist: The location of your dental provider may have an effect on your treatment cost. A provider in an area with a higher cost of living will have higher prices.
Complexity of your case: A case that’s more complex can involve unique tooth movements. This may need more materials that can increase your overall treatment cost.
Your access to dental insurance: Some insurance plans cover a portion of the treatment cost for orthodontic treatment. It’s important to ask your specific insurance provider for the details on your plan before going in for your initial visit.
The bottom line
Choosing orthodontic treatment is an important decision. If you're looking for an orthodontic treatment that’s discreet and easy to maintain, clear aligners may be the best option. But, you may consider going with traditional braces if you have a more complex alignment case. You should also consider factors like cost, treatment time, and comfort when making your decision.
Why trust our experts?
If you still aren’t sure what’s best for you, it’s OK. Ultimately, the best way to figure out which treatment is right for you is to talk with your dentist or orthodontist. They can help you decide what’s best and personalize your treatment.
References
American Association of Orthodontists. (n.d.). Braces.
American Association of Orthodontists. (n.d.). Clear aligners.
Haouili, N., et al. (2020). Has Invisalign improved? A prospective follow-up study on the efficacy of tooth movement with Invisalign. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.
Mehta, S., et al. (2021). Staging orthodontic aligners for complex orthodontic tooth movement. Turkish Journal of Orthodontics.
Tamer, I., et al. (2019). Orthodontic treatment with clear aligners and the scientific reality behind their marketing: A literature review. Turkish Journal of Orthodontics.
