Clear Aligners vs. Braces – My Thoughts

exterior

Braces have visible metal brackets and wires that tighten around your teeth. Clear aligners, on the other hand, are made invisible and are custom made to fit your teeth. They are made from a clear, flexible plastic material that fits over your teeth and gradually moves them into the desired position. The biggest benefit for me is that they can be removed for eating and brushing. Both braces and clear aligners are effective at straightening your teeth.

Treatment time

Orthodontic treatment usually takes 18 months to 3 years depending on the severity of the condition. I started treatment at 22 months, but I plan on wearing my braces for longer. Personally, I think it would have been shorter if I had worn metal braces.

maintenance

Maintenance of braces and clear aligners is an important part of the overall orthodontic treatment process. Braces require regular visits to the orthodontist for adjustment and tightening. Patients should also keep the braces clean by brushing around them and flossing carefully. Clear aligners should be removed before eating. Patients should wear the aligners for at least 22 hours a day and brush and floss regularly. I didn’t want to cut out certain foods from my diet lol, so the clear aligners were a winner.

Fee

The cost of braces and clear aligners varies greatly. Traditional metal braces are often the most affordable option. Clear aligners, on the other hand, tend to be more expensive than traditional braces. The cost of clear aligners varies depending on the complexity. I was already having issues with the fit of my aligners and needed to have them fixed.

If you prefer a more discreet treatment option, clear aligners are also a great choice, but we know that metal braces are your go-to if you can’t wear your aligners consistently.