Clear aligners and metal braces are the two popular treatments for achieving a straight, confident, and attractive smile. Both treatment options are very effective for straightening teeth. However, if you are considering straightening teeth for you or your minor, you might wonder which of the two is better.

Clear aligners and braces both have different benefits and disadvantages. For some individuals, the choice might boil down to personal preferences, but your orthodontist may recommend either depending on your dental needs, lifestyle, and budget. This blog helps you make a better choice by comparing and contrasting the different aspects of these treatments.

Understanding Aligners and Metal Braces

Many treatments for straightening teeth are available. Traditional metal braces are arguably the most well-known option. This treatment option has been used for decades and remains a reliable choice for rectifying severe bite-related problems. Metal braces are composed of metal brackets, bands, and wires that slowly shift teeth to the correct alignment.

The orthodontist affixes the brackets to the teeth and threads wires via slots in the brackets. Generally, the metal brackets are made of stainless steel, and the wires remain connected to the brackets using small rubber bands. The wires exert constant but gentle pressure to align the teeth correctly.

Clear aligners are thin, removable, and transparent trays customized to fit over your teeth. They gradually shift the teeth into the proper position with time, much like metal braces. However, they are a more contemporary, discreet orthodontic treatment option, as opposed to metal braces, which are a conventional option.

Also, unlike traditional metal braces. Clear aligners can be removed. As the patient, you are responsible for placing them on your teeth and removing them. Your orthodontist will provide you with aligner sets designed to shift your teeth utilizing the same technique as metal braces, that is, constant but gentle pressure.

Treatment With Metal Braces

The initial step of obtaining metal braces is to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist. At this appointment, you will undergo a consultation. The orthodontist will evaluate your teeth’s situation and determine what dental problems are to be addressed. A teeth evaluation includes conducting an oral examination and taking photos and X-rays of your mouth and head. Additionally, the orthodontist will take your dental impression to create a treatment plan.

On your second visit, the orthodontist will place the braces and attach them to your tooth surfaces. This visit takes longer than the first one, as the complete placement process is time-consuming. Before placement, the orthodontist will first clean your teeth to prevent bacteria from sticking between the brackets. Then, they will attach the brackets to every tooth surface and bond them with an adhesive. After that, they will thread a wire through the metal brackets and lastly add rubber bands to hold the wire in place.

When you visit your orthodontist next, you will have adapted to your metal braces. You must visit the orthodontist on a monthly or routine basis so they can inspect and adjust your braces. Even when you do not see the outcome yet, the realignment process has already begun.

The orthodontist will adjust your wires and replace the rubber bands as needed. Unlike the previous visit, which lasted half a day or the entire day, this visit typically takes no more than thirty minutes. You can use this visit to ask questions and address concerns you may have. Traditional metal braces require adjustment every 4 to 6 weeks.

Approximately 1-3 years later, or based on your age and the seriousness of your bite problem, the orthodontist will remove your braces. They gently remove the brackets by breaking the bonding and eliminating the adhesive from your teeth.

The most essential part of the metal braces process is after they are removed. The orthodontist will fit your teeth for a retainer that you must wear regularly. This ensures your teeth do not shift back to their original position and that your newly found smile remains in place.

Treatment With Clear Aligners

The process of placing clear aligners is virtually the same as that of metal braces, with a few differences. The initial step is a consultation. During the consultation, the dental professional will take X-rays, digital images, and molded impressions of your mouth to ensure every aspect is captured. After that, they will then work with you to develop a customized treatment plan.

Next, the orthodontist will take the molded impressions of your mouth to a dental laboratory for the clear aligners to be customized. The lab technicians use clear aligner software to foretell how your teeth will move over time. This will then enable the molding of a whole set of clear aligners. You will need to wait some weeks for the laboratory to mold the customized aligners.

Once the lab has created the clear aligners, you will schedule a second visit to start your treatment. The orthodontist will guide you through wearing clear aligners every day. They will address any recommendations and expectations to ensure you understand how everything works. Orthodontists generally suggest that patients wear clear aligners for 22 hours per day to ensure the treatment is effective. You can only detach them from your mouth when you want to brush, floss, or eat; otherwise, you should always wear them.

The next stage in the aligner placement process is having the orthodontist adjust them. Like metal braces, clear aligners, too, require routine adjustments with an orthodontist. With clear aligners, your orthodontist gives you multiple sets. You should wear each set for 7-14 days, then change it, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.

Adjustments for clear aligners are easier than those of braces. Rather than having brackets and wires tightened, the orthodontist will simply insert the next set of aligners. They will throw away the old clear aligners and insert the next set.

Like braces, you will need to maintain clear aligners after they are placed. After the treatment ends, your orthodontist will require you to wear a retainer to maintain the results. Retainers keep the teeth straight once the treatment is over. In many cases, you only have to wear them at night while sleeping. In certain instances, orthodontists permanently cement retainers into place.

How Metal Braces and Aligners Compare

Comparing and contrasting the different aspects of aligners and metal braces can help you choose an effective option based on your dental needs:

Wear and Comfort

The levels of comfort vary based on the kind of appliance and personal tolerance.

Clear aligners have smooth and rounded edges, which minimize irritation. They are also removable, permitting you to clean your oral cavity and eat without restrictions. While some patients experience slight pressure when the orthodontist inserts a new tray set, this feeling dissipates within one or two days as their teeth adjust.

Metal braces may cause some degree of irritation, particularly after adjustments or when they are first placed. The irritation arises as the wires and brackets might rub against your lips or cheeks. Your orthodontist may apply orthodontic wax to protect these areas until your mouth has fully adapted. Since metal braces are not removable, there is no danger of forgetting to wear them. However, you also cannot remove them for special occasions or meals.

Confidence and Appearance

Usually, many patients are more concerned about how they will look every day after undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Aligner trays are smooth, transparent, and fit snugly over the teeth. These features make it difficult for others to tell that you are wearing the dental restorations. The discreet appearance of these appliances is liked by individuals who wish to keep their orthodontic treatment private or those who are self-conscious regarding their smile. Also, aligners are usually photogenic. This makes it a preferred treatment for those who frequently appear on camera, be it for family photos, special events, or professional headshots.

Traditional metal braces are more noticeable. However, the modern versions of these braces are less bulky and smaller than those used years ago. You can choose to use colorful rubber bands that your orthodontist can change at every visit. Alternatively, you can opt for a more neutral tone to maintain an understated look.

Treatment Period

Both clear aligners and metal braces aim to achieve a straighter, more confident smile. However, the duration of treatment differs.

Sometimes, clear aligners can work faster compared to metal braces, especially for moderate or mild issues. Your orthodontist can utilize digital scans to map your treatment and provide you with a preview of the anticipated results.

For metal braces, they are often an excellent option for severe cases. These dental appliances can tackle more severe cases. These include complex bite problems, overcrowding, and significant rotations. These cases might take longer to resolve, but metal braces will achieve the desired results.

Maintenance and Daily Routine

Your everyday practices can determine which one, between metal braces and clear aligners, is better.

Clear aligners require that you be committed to wearing them for twenty to twenty-two hours per day. You will only need to detach them when drinking anything other than water or eating. Then, you must clean your teeth properly before returning them. This encourages proper dental hygiene. However, it also implies you must pay attention to your mealtimes and snacking.

Braces are always on, so there is no concern when it comes to meeting everyday wear requirements. Nonetheless, cleaning needs extra care. Food debris can become stuck around the wires and brackets, so brushing and flossing after meals are essential to maintain the health of your mouth. You can use water flossers or floss threaders.

Lifestyle Considerations

Orthodontic treatment is more than just shifting teeth; it is about finding the right fit for your life.

For adults, clear aligners appeal to those who prefer to maintain a low profile in public roles or meetings. Such individuals may select braces due to their ability to address more severe dental issues. For teenagers, aligners provide discretion in photos and at school. Metal braces are a fixed solution that eliminates the requirement for self-discipline with wear time.

Both aligners and metal braces work for athletes. However, you can remove your aligners for sports and wear a mouth guard. Conversely, braces necessitate a special guard for protecting both your mouth and the appliance when playing.

Dietary Considerations

Your favorite foods may determine which treatment, between aligners and metal braces, will be ideal for you.

Since you detach clear aligners to drink or eat, you are not restricted to the kinds of food you can eat. You can enjoy chewy snacks, popcorn, and crunchy apples without worrying about breaking your aligners. However, ensure you clean your teeth thoroughly before you reinsert the trays.

When you have braces, your orthodontist will likely prohibit you from eating certain foods. That is because these foods can dislodge brackets or damage wires. You want to avoid crunchy chips, hard nuts, tough meats, and sticky candies. Many patients adjust by including softer foods in their diet, for example, yogurt, steamed vegetables, and pasta.

Follow-Up Dental Appointments

Routine visits to the dentist keep your orthodontic work on track.

When obtaining aligners, you might receive multiple tray sets at once, which you can change from the comfort of your home every seven to fourteen weeks. In-person dental visits are not frequent, but regular visits are still required to monitor the treatment's progress.

For metal braces, dental visits usually happen every 4-6 weeks. Here, your orthodontist adjusts wires, replaces bands, and ensures the treatment is progressing as it should.

Financing and Cost

Many patients often ask which is more cost-effective: clear aligners or metal braces. Both of these options differ in price based on the complexity of the placement procedure and the duration of treatment. Generally, the cost of clear aligners is slightly higher than that of metal braces. The initial cost for metal braces typically ranges between $3,000 and $7,000. On the other hand, the general initial cost for clear aligners ranges between $4,000 and $8,000. Factors affecting these costs include the following:

  • An orthodontist's expertise. Skilled orthodontists with a strong reputation might charge higher fees for their services. The high charges are to reflect the quality of care and professionalism provided.
  • Geographic location. The cost of treatment with clear aligners or metal braces can vary greatly depending on the demand for services and the cost of living in different locations.
  • Type of aligners or braces. Generally, metal braces are less costly than lingual or ceramic braces. Similarly, different clear aligner brands can have varying price points.
  • The seriousness of the dental issue. More complex cases require more specialized care and extended treatment periods, which can increase their overall cost.

Understanding these initial costs will help you make informed decisions regarding your treatment.

Note that there are also the follow-up and maintenance costs of clear aligners and braces that vary based on factors such as:

  • Likelihood of damage. Traditional metal braces can be more susceptible to damage, resulting in additional repair costs. On the contrary, clear aligners are replaced frequently, thereby lowering the possibility of unexpected expenses.
  • Frequency of dental visits. Generally, braces require more regular visits for adjustments. On the contrary, the follow-up appointments for clear aligners are fewer, though longer.
  • Convenience. Aligners can be removed for cleaning and eating, potentially reducing the hassle and cost associated with maintaining dental hygiene compared to traditional metal braces.

Understanding the ongoing costs of braces and aligners will help you effectively plan your budget for orthodontic treatment.

Dental insurance often covers orthodontic treatment, but the plans vary widely. Metal braces are typically well-covered by dental insurance plans that provide orthodontic benefits. Coverage might include application, follow-up appointments, and initial consultation.

Conversely, while clear aligner brands such as Invisalign are typically covered, some insurance plans may consider them a cosmetic or elective treatment, resulting in lower reimbursement rates than braces. Check with your insurer for specific coverage details.

Even if your insurance covers your treatment, the outstanding costs could still be substantial. Many dental practices offer financing options and payment plans to make either option more manageable. Ask your orthodontist if they provide these services to help you decide better.

So, Which One Is Better?

There is no clear-cut answer to this question. There are many factors to consider when weighing the two orthodontic treatments, some of which have already been discussed here. However, to help make your decision easier, decide what cons or pros matter the most to you. Most importantly, ask questions. Ensure you have all of the information you require to make an informed decision.

Find a Qualified Orthodontist Near Me

When you undergo orthodontic treatment, you are investing in your oral health, comfort, and confidence. Whether you opt for metal braces or clear aligners, the choice you make should be the one that matches your daily habits and dental needs.

At Anaheim dentist, we believe that treatment should be as individual as your smile. We focus on providing compassionate care, clear guidance, and a relaxing environment where you will feel comfortable throughout the treatment process.

If you are in Anaheim and would like to learn more about metal braces and clear aligners to determine which option is best for you, set up a comprehensive consultation with one of our experienced orthodontists by calling 714-995-4000. We will explain everything you need to know about your preferred choice, respond to your questions and concerns, and develop a cost-effective treatment plan that suits your needs.