06 Oct Clear Aligners Vs Braces: Which One is Best For You?

Take a moment to think about what you do when getting your picture taken. Do you flash a bright smile, or do you immediately get self-conscious and try to hide your teeth?

If your answer is the latter, you’re not alone. About 57% of Americans admit to having insecurities about their teeth. 

But you don’t have to live that way! You can embrace the imperfections that make you unique, or you can explore teeth straightening options. 

Today, the most popular options are braces and clear aligners. But how do you know which choice is right for you?

Don’t worry. We’re here to help. Keep reading for an in-depth look at clear aligners vs braces and the most important things you need to know when choosing a treatment plan. 

The Traditional Route: Metal Braces

While braces are traditionally associated with awkward teenagers navigating their middle school years, the reality is that people can wear braces at any time in their life. 

In fact, more and more adults are getting braces to finally get the smile of their dreams. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering getting braces. 

Pros of Wearing Braces

Braces have been around for a long time, and that’s because they work. And, they’re a great option if you want to take a “set it and forget it” approach on your way to a straighter smile.

Once you get them attached, there’s nothing special you have to remember to do, aside from your normal oral hygiene habits. 

And, today’s braces are more comfortable than they were in decades past, as they’re lightweight and less obstructive. 

If budget is a concern, they’re often cheaper than other options, but we’ll expand more on that below. 

Cons of Wearing Braces

Of course, there are some downsides to wearing braces as well. They’re the most noticeable option, so if you’re hoping to go for a more subtle approach, then they may not be your best bet. 

While today’s braces are more comfortable than they were in years past, they can still be painful, and you may experience small cuts in your cheeks as a result. 

Another downside to consider is that they’re not removable. Once they’re in, they’re in to stay, no matter what you have planned. So, if you have a big event coming up, like a wedding, you might not want to have your braces featured in your photos. 

Time It Takes Braces to Work

Since everyone’s mouth is different, there’s no one definitive answer for how long you’ll have to wear your braces. 

However, generally speaking, you can expect to wear them for at least a year and a half. In some cases, you may have to wear them for up to three years, depending on the severity of your orthodontic issues. 

Then, once they’re taken off, you’ll need to wear a retainer for a while as well. 

Average Cost of Braces

As we mentioned briefly above, braces are generally a more affordable option for straightening your teeth. But, the overall cost depends on a few factors like:

• Your orthodontist
• How long you need to wear them
• Your age
• The full treatment required

On average, metal braces tend to range between $1,800 and $5,000, so use that as a baseline when you’re budgeting for your treatment. 

The New School Method: Clear Aligners

One of the most well-known clear aligner brands is Invisalign, which we offer to our patients. As you wear these aligners, they gently guide your teeth into a straighter position, giving you the smile you always wanted. 

Here’s what you need to know about clear aligners. 

Pros of Wearing Clear Aligners

Perhaps the biggest benefit of clear aligners is that they’re nearly invisible. If you want to improve your smile, without the distraction of traditional braces, clear aligners are the winner. 

They’re also easy to take out if needed, though you should plan to keep them in as much as possible. And, because they’re made of smooth plastic, they’re much more comfortable than metal braces. 

If you don’t want to miss out on eating your favorite foods, then clear aligners are the perfect choice for you because you take them out when you eat. With braces, you have to be careful about what you eat, or you risk damaging them. 

Cons of Wearing Clear Aligners

If you tend to be forgetful, then you might not always remember to wear your aligners as much as you should. As a result, it will take longer for them to work, and it could end up costing you more money. 

They are also a slightly more expensive option than metal braces, but the added benefits of wearing them could be worth the extra money. Plus, our team offers special deals and discounts to help you get the perfect smile at the right price. 

Time It Takes Clear Aligners to Work

Just as with braces, the amount of time you’ll need clear aligners depends on the severity of your case. If you wear your aligners consistently, at least 20-22 hours per day, you can expect to see initial results in as little as a few weeks. 

On average, you can expect the full treatment to take about a year. However, if you don’t wear your aligners consistently, you won’t be able to move onto the next level of trays, meaning your treatment will take longer. 

When it comes to Invisalign, consistency is key!

Average Cost of Clear Aligners

Again, the total cost of your clear aligners depends on how long you need to wear them and how many trays you need during treatment. 

On average, you can expect the cost of Invisalign treatment to range between $3,000 and $5,000. However, your insurance may cover at least some of the cost. 

And, you can talk to your orthodontist about financing options available to you.

Fall in Love With Your Smile

Now that you know more about the differences between braces and clear aligners, it’s time for you to take the next step toward loving your smile. 

Browse through our before and after photos then request a free online estimate. A beautiful smile is just a click away!