Braces or Clear Aligners Orthodontic Treatment? We Break Down How They Compare

Straightening your smile is a months-long commitment, so we understand that you want to be sure you’ve made the right choice. Should you go with braces? Or will clear aligners orthodontic treatment work for you? 

At Sonoma Smiles, we want you to get the right treatment and the right information. To that end, we’ve put together a guide to each option to help you narrow down the right path to your new smile. 

How Orthodontic Treatment Works

No matter what form of treatment you pick, the mechanism is the same: pressure. Orthodontics uses consistent pressure over time to move your teeth into a new alignment. The difference lies in how that pressure is applied. 

• Clear Aligners: You receive a series of clear, plastic trays, each one in a slightly new alignment that’s closer to your goal. The trays force your teeth into position.
• Braces: A dentist attaches wires to brackets on your teeth. The wires are then tightened over time to change alignment. 

Clear Aligner Orthodontic Treatment

At Sonoma Smiles, we use CandidPro™ aligners. We’ll scan your teeth, create a timeline based on what we see, and have your series of custom trays created. 

Benefits of Clear Aligners

• Virtually Invisible: This makes them particularly appealing to adults and teens who want to improve their smile without the noticeable appearance of traditional braces.
• Removable: You can remove clear aligners for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. This eliminates dietary restrictions and makes it easier to maintain oral hygiene. 
• Comfort and Smooth Feel: Aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth, with smooth edges that won’t irritate your cheeks or gums. 
• Predictable Results: Advanced computer modeling allows you to see your expected results before treatment begins. It can be motivating throughout your journey.
• Fewer Office Visits: Clear aligner treatment typically requires fewer adjustment appointments compared to traditional braces. 

Limitations of Clear Aligners

• Compliance Requirements: Success depends heavily on wearing aligners 20-22 hours per day. Forgetting them or removing them too frequently can extend treatment time.
• Not Suitable for All Cases: Clear aligner orthodontic treatment may not be the best choice for severe crowding, significant bite problems, or complex tooth movements. 
• Cost Considerations: Clear aligners can cost more than traditional braces, though the price difference has narrowed in recent years. Insurance coverage varies.

Metal, Ceramic, and Lingual Braces

Braces don’t just come in the form of visible brackets and wires. Ceramic braces, sometimes called clear braces, are more discreet. Lingual braces attach to the back of teeth for an even subtler option. 

Advantages of Traditional Braces

• Effective for Complex Cases: Traditional braces are great for severe orthodontic problems—significant crowding, spacing issues, and complex bite misalignments. 
• No Compliance Issues: Since braces are permanently attached to your teeth, there’s no risk of forgetting to wear them or losing them. 
• Cost-Effective: Traditional braces typically cost less than clear aligners, making them an accessible option for many families. Most insurance plans also provide coverage. 

Disadvantages of Traditional Braces

• Visible Appearance: While ceramic and lingual braces are more hidden, braces in general are still more visible. This may not be ideal for adults or self-conscious teens.
• Dietary Restrictions: You have to avoid certain foods that could cause damage, including sticky candies, hard foods, and anything that might get caught in the brackets.
• Oral Hygiene Challenges: Cleaning around brackets and wires requires extra time and special tools. Poor hygiene can cause tooth decay, gum disease, or staining.
• Discomfort and Irritation: Metal brackets and wires can cause irritation to the cheeks and lips, especially during the initial adjustment period. 

Braces or Clear Aligner Orthodontic Treatment? Making the Call

Consider Your Age and Lifestyle

Adults who frequently interact with clients or colleagues might want more discretion and choose clear aligners. Active teenagers involved in contact sports can also potentially benefit from removable aligners that can be temporarily removed during games.

Evaluate Your Commitment Level

Be honest with yourself. If you know you’re likely to forget to wear aligners or might be tempted to remove them frequently, traditional braces might be the best way to go.

On the other hand, if you know you’ll struggle with keeping braces clean, aligners could be easier. One study showed that the best way to keep them clean is to simply use cleaning crystals and brushing, which can be less of a commitment than braces. 

Assess Your Orthodontic Needs

While clear aligners continue to improve and can now address more complex cases, traditional braces might still be the better choice to tackle severe crowding, significant bite issues, or complex tooth movements.

Factor in Your Budget

Don’t just consider the initial cost but also potential additional expenses. Clear aligners might require replacement sets if lost or damaged. Traditional braces might need emergency visits for broken brackets or wires.

Straighten Your Smile Right with Sonoma

Get answers to any of your questions on clear aligners, orthodontic treatment, or braces. Our Rohnert Park dentist can give you personalized advice based on your smile, your goals, and your personality—that’s how custom our services are. Book a visit to Sonoma Smiles today to start your straightening journey.

Dr. Wayne Sutton

Connect with Dr. Wayne Sutton on Linkedin

A renowned cosmetic dentist in Sonoma County, Dr. Sutton has over 20 years of experience and maintains a standard of excellence at his implant center using the strongest dental implant bridge currently available to provide predictable full mouth dental implant reconstructions.

Dr. Sutton received his postgraduate at The Pacific Aesthetic Continuum in San Francisco and his doctorate and three years of experience as a clinical instructor from UCSF School of Dentistry in 1997, where he was the only one to receive the “Clinical Excellence Award”. He also studied Advanced Occlusion at the Hornbrook Group and earned his Fellowship in the Academy of Comprehensive Esthetics.

Today, Dr. Sutton takes over 4 times the annual continuing education requirements to maintain his license. He is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (awarded his Fellowship), the Academy of General Dentistry (Fellowships status), the American Dental Implant Association (Diplomat status), the American Dental Association, the American Academy for Dental Sleep Medicine, and is a select cosmetic dentist recognized as an Official Dentist of the Mrs. Globe – Mrs. USA Pageants.