Clear Aligners vs. Traditional Braces: Which is Better for You

Oftentimes, when individuals think about an orthodontic treatment, the first thing that comes to their minds is a pretty set of braces. Yes, braces can be very helpful when you consider transforming your smile. However, just like conventional braces, clear aligners are also gaining acceptance among many. Orthodontic treatments must be carried out with top priority for achieving your best and confident smile. They are not only key in correcting misaligned teeth but also for improving your overall oral health, facial beauty, self-assurance and bite function. In this article, we will discuss in more detail about braces for teeth. Along with that, you will also get a proper understanding of Clear Aligners, including the pros and cons of the two. So, continue reading to get clarity on clear aligners vs braces and which will suit you better. 

Clear aligners and traditional braces

Now speaking of both dental alignment options, we will break them down into the following facets for thoughtful consideration. 

How each of them works

Clear aligners are dental trays mostly made of plastic. They are also custom-made to perfectly align with your teeth. The main function of clear or invisible aligners is to apply slight pressure so as to move the teeth gradually in a step-by-step manner and finally attain the desired position. Each set of these aligners is typically worn for a period of up to 6 to 18 months. To ensure and maintain their effectiveness, you must remove them while brushing, eating and drinking. 

 A dental service done using aligners is customised for an individual’s specific orthodontic requirements. Using aligners will ensure a predictable and comfortable transformation for you. You can consider clear aligners for the following:

1. If you have gaps between teeth
2. If you feel discomfort while clenching your teeth
3. If your teeth are so close together that they overlap

Now, coming to the traditional braces, they work by applying a controlled and precise pressure to your teeth with the help of elastic bands, arch wires, and a system of brackets. These brackets are attached to the front side of each tooth. The arch wires run through your brackets, and it is the elastic bands that secure your arch wires. A dental service done using traditional braces involves the following facets:

1. Initial assessment
2. Placement of braces
3. Periodic adjustments
4. Treatment duration

Key differences in appearance, comfort, maintenance and treatment time

The major differences between the two options are listed as follows:

1. Appearance

Clear aligners are mostly invisible. On the contrary, traditional braces happen to be more noticeable. 

2. Comfort

Clear Aligners are more comfortable. This is mainly due to the smooth plastic surfaces. On the other hand, traditional braces can be a cause of slight irritation to your cheeks and gums. 

3. Maintenance

Being removable, clear aligners allow for easier cleaning and better oral hygiene. Unlike clear aligners, traditional braces will require careful and timely cleaning around both brackets and the wires. 

4. Treatment Time

The treatment time for an orthodontic service using clean aligners can take around 6 to 18 months. However, it can take up to 18 months to 3 years when you go for teeth alignment using traditional braces. 

Pros and cons for both options

The main pros and cons of Clear Aligners and traditional braces are as follows:

Aligners

Pros

1. Diet

Since aligners are easily removable, your diet won’t be affected as you can consume food without any discomfort. 

2. Hygiene

You can smoothly carry on with your routine brushing and flossing, as aligners can be removed. This ensures better oral hygiene. 

3. Convenient orthodontic treatment appointments

The actual visits for orthodontic treatments using Clear Aligners will be minimal to nil. This is because your orthodontist has perfectly pre-planned your tooth movement and the progression of your treatment process. 

Cons

1. Compliance

Adhering to proper compliance is required when you use clear aligners. You might have to wear them for almost 22 hours to ensure optimal effectiveness, and they can be removed only while eating or brushing. Proper compliance equals maximum results. 

2. Effectiveness

Aligners are found to be effective in most teeth alignment treatment cases. However, there can also be times when your orthodontist might suggest for traditional braces to achieve the finest results. 

Braces

Pros

1. Applicable for most treatment cases

Braces are always an option because using aligners won’t fetch the best results at all times. 

2. Variety of braces

You will have the option to choose from a variety of types of braces. There are metal braces that come with and without colours. At the same time, you will also notice that the porcelain braces appear to be lesser noticeable than the usual metal braces for teeth alignment procedures.

3. Compliance

Better compliance is ensured since braces are bonded to your teeth for a specific treatment time. So, unlike aligners, you cannot remove them and will have to wear them all the time for maximum effectiveness. 

Cons 

1. Oral hygiene can be quite challenging

This is because you cannot remove them like aligners, and if proper brushing and cleaning are not done, that might affect your overall oral health.   

2. Diet

With braces attached, you might have to avoid certain types of hard food items, as consuming them can cause discomfort. This fact calls for modifying your current preferred diet accordingly. 

3. Appearance

Even the porcelain braces can appear to be more visible and noticeable. So, if you want to keep your facial look subtle without the prominence of showing braces, Clear Aligners will be a good option. 

4. Appointments

You will have to follow up regularly with your periodic appointments for your orthodontic treatment procedures. This can become time-consuming and affect your other regular schedules. 

Ideal candidates for each option

The ideal candidates for both clear aligners and traditional braces can be identified as follows:

1. Candidates for Clear Aligners 

Individuals with moderate dental problems, such as spacing, minor bite misalignments and overcrowding of the teeth, can be identified as ideal candidates who will require aligners. 

2. Candidates for traditional braces

Individuals with more specific dental issues, children, teenagers and adults with complex teeth misalignment problems can be counted as the ideal candidates who require traditional braces. 

Orthodontic service cost comparison between clear aligners and traditional braces

Depending on the quality of services and professional speciality, the cost range for getting clean aligners can usually range from INR 50,000 to INR 3,00,000. On the other hand, the cost range for getting traditional braces can range between INR 18,000 to INR 60,000. 

Factors to consider while choosing between Clear Aligners and traditional braces

The factors to consider while choosing between the two options are as follows:

1. Treatment case complexity

The severity of bite issues and dental misalignment complexities will rightly determine how to choose between the two options, and which will be effective for you. 

2. Comfort and aesthetics

Definitely invisible aligners prove to be a better aesthetic and discreet solution for you. On the other hand, braces are ideal and effective for dealing with complex cases of tooth misalignment. However, they are less comfortable with minimal priority to aesthetics. 

Conclusion

The best decision to make when it comes to choosing between these two options depends on the professionalism of an expert orthodontist. Your choice also rightly depends on your specific dental requirements and lifestyle preferences. Both clear aligners and traditional braces have their own sets of advantages. Book an appointment at Novocare India now for your orthodontic treatment and get ready to redefine your smile. 

FAQs

1. How do aligners work?

The orthodontic treatment using aligners involves a group of smooth plastic trays that are custom-made for fitting to your teeth. You will start experiencing the positive results within almost couple of weeks of regular usage.

2. Which are most effective, Clear Aligners or conventional braces?

Both these orthodontic treatment procedures are effective for rectifying teeth misalignment. However, the right choice specifically depends on your case.

3. Can I switch from aligners to braces or the opposite during the middle of my treatment?

Yes, you can. It is because in some cases, people who start by using braces for their dental problems, switch to aligners mainly for aesthetic reasons. Proficient orthodontic doctors provide modern hybrid plans for facilitating such preferences. 

4. What would be the typical treatment time for aligners and braces?

Using aligners might take up to almost 6 to 18 months where whereas braces will take up to 18 months to 3 years for providing the finest results. The duration also depends on how exactly you cooperate with both options.

5. What are the two popular choices for traditional braces?

You can either opt for metal braces or go for porcelain braces. Metal braces come in both coloured and colourless variants. Porcelain braces are a good choice because it is less noticeable compared to the metallic braces.