Aligners vs. Braces: Which is Right for You?

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Aligners vs Braces

Gone are the days when teeth straightening was considered a hassle. With the recent advancements in the field of dentistry, teeth alignment has become easier than ever. Metal braces were supposed to be the sole solution for teeth alignment. Whereas,clear aligners for teethhave emerged as a popular alternative to braces. The presence of multiple teeth straightening options often makes it confusing for individuals to opt for one. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide a complete detailed comparison between both treatment methods to help you make an informed decision.

What are Braces?

Braces are the oldest and most commonly known teeth straightening method. They are composed of brackets and wires that are fixed on the tooth surface. When it comes to the effectiveness of braces, they are used for mild, moderate, to even severe dental misalignments.

Types of Braces

Following are the different types of braces used for teeth straightening purposes. Thebest braces for teethdepend on your lifestyle preferences and the malocclusion you’re facing.

Metal Braces

A girl smiling with traditional braces
A girl smiling with traditional braces

When it comes to braces,metal bracesare a common approach for teeth straightening. The metal brackets are fixed on the tooth surface with attached wires. They are well-known for treating mild, moderate, to even severe dental issues.

Benefits of Metal Braces

Effective for Complex Cases

Metal braces are the most effective solution for all types of misalignments. From mild to moderate, or even severe cases, metal braces can be the ideal solution.

Suitable for All Ages

Metal braces provide effective results for kids, teens, or even adults regardless of age.

Durable and Long-lasting

Braces are composed of stainless steel which makes them highly durable and resistant to damage compared to other options.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic bracesare another type of braces used for teeth straightening. They are as effective as metal braces but differ in appearance. The wires and brackets of ceramic braces are tooth colored making them less visible. This type of braces works best for mild, moderate, or even complex cases just like traditional braces. Individuals can also choose to get their wires and brackets colored as per their personal style.

Benefits of Ceramic Braces

Effective for Moderate to Complex Cases

Just like metal braces, ceramic braces are an effective solution for all types of misalignments, from mild to moderate, or even severe cases.

Less Noticeable

Ceramic braces are tooth-colored which makes them less noticeable as compared to metal ones.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are placed on the inside of teeth. They are similar to traditional metal braces in effectiveness. Since they are placed on the back side they are less visible as compared to traditional ones. The wires are also hidden from view, offering a completely discreet solution.

Benefits of Lingual Braces

Not Visible

Since they are fixed on the back side of the teeth, they are not visible, making them ideal for those wanting to fix their smile without compromising their appearance.

Highly Effective

Lingual braces are highly effective even for complex orthodontic issues.

No Stains

Since lingual braces are placed on the inside, there is no risk of discoloration or white spots on the front of your teeth.

What are Clear Aligners?

The field of dentistry has revolutionized over time offeringclear aligners- a perfect alternative to traditional braces.Clear alignersare the orthodontic devices that have become quite popular over time. Unlike braces, they are not fixed on the teeth but are worn on the desired tooth arch. By exerting constant pressure on the teeth, aligners help them to move to a desirable position. The main feature that has made aligners popular among individuals of all ages is the invisible smile makeover and the ability to remove them for eating and maintaining oral hygiene. The usual wear time for aligners is 22 hours every day.

Wondering if clear aligners are the right treatment for you?

Determine your eligibility for clear aligners with a FREE Smile Assessment today.

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Benefits of Clear Aligners

Removable

Unlike metal braces,teeth alignersare not fixed to the tooth surface. They are simply worn for the prescribed time to achieve optimal results. It means you can remove your aligners whenever required.

Convenient

Since they are not attached to the teeth, aligners offer a convenient smile transformation. They are gumline trimmed and customized according to each individual’s dental structure.

Barely Visible

Aligners are composed of plastic material which makes them barely visible. It is an ideal treatment for those who do not want to make any compromise on their appearance.

Key Differences between Aligners vs Braces

Here are the key differences betweenclear aligners vs bracesfor you to make an informed decision.

Features Clear Aligners Traditional Braces
Appearance Barely Visible Visible brackets
Removability Easily removable Fixed on the teeth
Comfort Less irritation Irritation due to brackets
Effectiveness Suitable for mild to moderate cases Effective for even complex cases
Treatment Duration 4 - 6 months Typically 18 - 24 months

ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners

ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners placed in a box
ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners placed in a box

When it comes to teeth straightening, ALIGNERCO offers the best solution. Ourclear alignersprovide a smooth makeover for individuals looking forward to getting their teeth straightened. Apart from the affordability, ourclear alignersare customized to tailor each individual’s dental requirements. Further, you can get your teeth aligned either during the day or night.

Wish to straighten your teeth?

With ALIGNERCO Clear Aligners, align your smile in just 6 months.

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Why Choose ALIGNERCO for Teeth Straightening?

ALIGNERCO offers a hassle-free smile journey. However, if you are still skeptical about making a decision, the following are the reasons why you can opt forALIGNERCOClear Alignersto get the smile of your dreams.

At-Home Treatment

The major benefit to witness while undergoing teeth straightening with ALIGNERCO is the at-home convenience. Teeth straightening usually requires frequent clinic visits for wire adjustments or dental scans. Meanwhile, with ALIGNERCO, there are no clinic visits, no long waits for dental appointments, and you can just get your treatment done from home. From impression kit to getting your custom-fit aligners everything is delivered to your doorstep.

Invisible Makeover

ALIGNERCOClear Alignersare composed of BPA-free plastic. It means you can have your dream smile without even getting noticed. It is the ideal option for anyone who does not want their appearance compromised.

Affordable Plans

ALIGNERCO offers affordable savings of up to 40% compared to other invisible aligners and a whopping 60% from traditional braces. Our plans are customized to meet your requirements and are within your budget. Moreover, you can also find flexible payment options to make your journey even more affordable.

Expert Curated Plans

A remote treatment may make you skeptical about the results. However, at ALIGNERCO, the entire treatment plan is closely created and supervised by licensed orthodontists to guarantee optimal results.

How Does It Work?

Here is a step-by-step process on how a clear aligner treatment works at ALIGNERCO.

Initial Assessment

To begin your journey to a straighter smile it is important to know if you are eligible for the treatment or not. Take a free smile assessment to know if aligners can be your right approach.

Choose a Plan

After reviewing your case, our experts will determine your eligibility. Pick a day or night plan that best suits your lifestyle and dental needs. On placing your order, receive our impressions kit at your doorstep.

Create Impressions

Once you receive our impressions kit, follow the guidelines mentioned. The kit includes all the necessary equipment required to create perfect impressions. Use them carefully and send them back to us with the help of a prepaid shipping label once you are done.

3D Smile Projection

Upon receiving your impressions, our expert will create a 3D smile projection. Once you approve the smile projection, your aligners will be fabricated accordingly.

Aligner Journey

Receive your aligners at your doorstep and begin your journey. Individuals are advised to wear their aligners as the orthodontist prescribes to get the best results within the given time.

To learn more about teeth straightening options call us at (877) 271-7417

Final Thoughts

Getting the smile of your dreams has never been this easy. Both braces and aligners offer effective teeth straightening. Depending on the severity of your case, your dentist can suggest the type of treatment to you. Braces are fixed on the tooth surface with visible metal brackets. On the other hand, aligners are easily removable and are barely visible. You can opt for the option that best suits your lifestyle and case requirements. ALIGNERCOClear Alignersoffer hassle-free teeth straightening. You can get your smile fixed in no time from the comfort of your home.

FAQs

What are teeth aligners?

Teeth aligners are removable trays that are worn on the teeth to gradually straighten them. They have become a popular alternative to traditional braces.

Are aligners better than braces?

Aligners have become a popular alternative to braces due to their comfort level. Aligners are recommended for mild to moderate dental issues. On the other hand, if you are suffering from severe dental issues, braces are the recommended treatment option.

Do aligners straighten teeth faster than braces?

Yes, as compared to traditional braces, aligners offer faster teeth straightening. The usual treatment duration with clear aligners ranges between four to six months. Whereas, braces take more than a year to achieve the desired results.

How do you know if I need braces or aligners?

Your general dentist can best suggest the type of treatment according to the severity of your dental issue. If you have mild to moderate alignment issues, clear aligners could be the right approach. Whereas in case of severe issues, you might need metal braces.

Do aligners hurt more than braces?

No, clear aligners are known for offering a comfortable smile journey. Unlike traditional braces, they do not contain metal brackets that often hurt or result in disturbing the gums. They are customized to each individual’s dental structure and are gumline trimmed for a smooth process.

What is the wear time of aligners?

Clear aligners are usually worn for 22 hours every day. Adherence to the wear time is essential to achieve your desired results.

References:

Baum, A. (2024, October 2). Aligners vs. Braces: A Comparison. American Association of Orthodontists. https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/braces-vs-clear-aligners/

Professional, C. C. M. (2024c, May 1). Teeth Braces. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24601-teeth-braces

American Association of Orthodontists. Adult Orthodontics (https://www3.aaoinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Adult_Orthodontics15-cons-hl-1.pdf). Accessed 1/13/2023.

American Dental Association. Braces (https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/braces). Accessed 1/13/2023.

American Dental Association. Chewing Gum (https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/chewing-gum). Accessed 1/13/2023.

Lin E, Julien K, Kesterke M, Buschang PH. Differences in finished case quality between Invisalign and traditional fixed appliances (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35168256/). Angle Orthod. 2022 Mar 1;92(2):173-179. Accessed 1/13/2023.

Turner S, Harrison JE, Sharif FN, Owens D, Millett DT. Orthodontic treatment for crowded teeth in children (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34970995/). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Dec 31;12(12): CD003453. Accessed 1/13/2023.

American Association of Orthodontists. Adult Orthodontics (https://www3.aaoinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Adult_Orthodontics15-cons-hl-1.pdf). Accessed 1/13/2023.

American Dental Association. Braces (https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/braces). Accessed 1/13/2023.

Professional, C. C. M. (2024, May 1). Clear braces. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23568-clear-braces

Weir, T. (2017b). Clear aligners in orthodontic treatment. Australian Dental Journal,

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  • Emily Johnson

    Emily Johnson

    Content Contributor

    Emily Johnson is a dental journalist based in San Francisco with a passion for kid-friendly dental care and a focus on clear...

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  • Dr. Anas Athar

    Dr. Anas Athar

    Medical Reviewer

    Dr. Anas Athar is a highly sought-after orthodontist with nearly two decades of experience in dentistry. He is the only dual-trained Oral and Maxillofacial Radiologist...

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