5 Reasons to Choose Clear Aligners Over Braces

In the not-too-distant past, straightening teeth meant just one thing – awkward, uncomfortable metal braces and embarrassing headgear. Thankfully those days are in the rearview mirror and have been replaced by new treatment options like clear aligners that don’t show the world that you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Clear aligners have been a game-changer, particularly for adults who put off orthodontic treatment when they were younger. But how do you know if clear aligners are right for you? In this blog, Dr. Marcano at Orlando Center for Cosmetic Dentistry shares his thoughts on 5 reasons to choose clear aligners over braces.

Clear aligners versus braces

Let’s jump into this topic by discussing the similarities and differences between these two tried and true orthodontic treatment options. Both braces and clear aligners can address a variety of bite and alignment issues. Each gently moves teeth into optimal position over time. That’s where the similarities end.

The most significant difference between clear aligners and braces is a material one. Braces rely on materials like stainless steel brackets and wires. Some braces are made from a combination of materials such as ceramic tooth-colored or clear brackets and ligatures with metal wires. Patients make frequent trips to their dental provider to monitor progress and tighten braces.

Clear aligners are removable transparent, custom-made plastic trays that fit over your teeth. Each treatment plan uses a unique series of aligners to guide teeth properly. Patients swap out aligners using a prescribed timeframe spelled out in the treatment plan and visit their dental provider periodically to monitor progress.

When weighing whether clear aligners are right for most patients, it comes down to personal preferences about aesthetics, treatment time, and overall convenience.

1. Discreet and almost undetectable

The leading reason many patients pursue clear aligners as opposed to traditional braces is that they are virtually invisible. If you don’t tell people that you are wearing clear aligners, most people won’t know. Here at Orlando Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we use ClearCorrect aligners.

ClearCorrect is made from a proprietary ClearQuartz™ tri-layer material that’s nearly invisible, durable, stain resistant and requires fewer “engagers” to create optimal grip. As a result, ClearCorrect creates the perfect storm for providing a discrete orthodontic treatment that looks good on you. 

2. Convenient and comfortable

Because clear aligners are made from thin plastic material and not metal brackets and wires, you can say goodbye to uncomfortable metal wires that poke the sides of your mouth. Plus, since you can remove clear aligners when you eat and drink, you don’t have to spend endless hours cleaning food from your brackets and braces after every meal.

You don’t have to worry about wires that can cut into your cheek or pick food out of your braces after every meal. Now that’s more comfortable and convenient. Just wear your clear aligners for about 22 hours each day, and you’ll be well on your way to the smile you’ve always wanted. 

3. No messy wax issues

Similarly, since you don’t have to contend with uncomfortable wires, you also don’t have to deal with caking brackets with messy wax to protect your mouth. With clear aligners, you can say goodbye to those daily battles between poking wires, messy wax, and how to keep the sides of your mouth and gums from irritation. 

4. Easier to brush and floss

Another great benefit that comes with the fact that clear aligners are a removable appliance is that brushing and flossing your teeth while you’re going through orthodontic treatment is infinitely easier with clear aligners as opposed to traditional braces. Keeping your teeth clean and healthy is as simple as flossing and brushing as you normally would.

5. Fewer appointments, shorter treatment time

Although comfort and convenience are definite pluses, clear aligners orthodontic treatment typically plays out in an expedited treatment timeline compared to traditional braces. Although it differs from patient to patient depending on how many teeth need to be moved, we find that clear aligner treatment plans generally take anywhere from six to 12 months.

Throughout your treatment, you’ll return to our office every few weeks for periodic checkups to track your progress and switch to a new set of aligners. But because the treatment timeline is shorter, you can spend more time thinking about how amazing your new smile will be instead of tying up your time at office appointments.

If you’re ready to capture your dream smile and want to know if clear aligners are right for you, contact us at Orlando Center For Cosmetic Dentistry for a consultation. Click the online booking tool or call the office today at 689-220-2651.