What takes longer: Clear Aligners or Braces?

Clear Aligners vs. Braces

When it comes time to achieve your straightest smile, you may be torn between clear aligners vs. braces. Boasting a shorter treatment time, many patients are keen on clear orthodontic aligners, but are they effective? KZoo Family Dental is here to uncover the specifics of clear aligners vs. braces to help you make the best decision for your smile.

How Clear Aligners Work

Clear orthodontic aligners involve a series of durable, plastic trays that are created based on 3D imaging of a patient’s teeth. Every few weeks, the patient is required to change to the next tray in their series to continuously shift the teeth. This can correct mild to moderate crowding or crookedness, along with other types of orthodontic problems. Severe conditions can also be treated with clear aligners but may involve longer treatment times.

How Braces Work

Metal braces include brackets that are attached to the teeth and pulled tight using a series of wire and rubber bands that help to move the teeth into position. With braces, the patient is required to visit the dentist each month to have their braces tightened and adjusted. Braces can correct mild to severe crookedness or crowding.

Clear Aligners vs. Braces: Which is Faster?

The exact timeline of a patient’s treatment with both clear aligners and traditional braces is challenging to determine as it depends entirely on the severity of the patient’s teeth and facial concerns. However, on average, clear aligners offer a treatment time of approximately six to eighteen months, whereas metal braces require between 20 and 24 months.

How Do Aligners Work Faster Than Braces?

Clear aligners offer a more convenient treatment time because they apply even pressure to all the patient’s teeth. In contrast, metal braces apply pressure to each individual tooth. Therefore, when a patient follows the clear aligner treatment requirements, they can expect faster teeth straightening results.

Are Clear Aligners Better Than Braces?

Both clear orthodontic aligners and braces are highly effective at treating misalignment issues. However, determining which is more effective will rely entirely on the starting condition of your teeth. A consultation with our dentist will help you determine the most effective teeth straightening method to correct your smile alignment.

Clear Orthodontic Aligners vs. Braces: What Do They Treat?

Clear aligners and metal braces both provide gentle pressure that guides teeth into the desired position, allowing them both to be a suitable option for the following:

• Overbites
• Underbites
• Crossbites
• Gap teeth
• Open bites
• Crowded teeth
• Crooked teeth

The Benefits of Clear Orthodontic Aligners

Clear aligners offer an array of benefits, including the following:

• Discreet and subtle wear that is virtually undetectable
• Increased confidence in your smile
• Minimized risk of discomfort and sores
• No food restrictions
• Better ability to practice a strong oral health regimen
• Prompt and effective treatment time

How Do I Choose The Right Treatment?

When you’re ready to choose between clear orthodontic aligners and braces, don’t worry, you will not be on your own. At KZoo Family Dental, our dental professionals conduct a comprehensive evaluation where we assess the current state of your smile to determine the most effective teeth straightening treatment plan for your unique needs.

Choose KZoo Family Dental for Teeth Straightening

At KZoo Family Dental, we lead with the comfort and satisfaction of our patients at the forefront of all we do, ensuring optimal oral health and dental care for each patient that instills their trust in us. Our dental team takes the time to explain your options to curate a dental treatment plan that helps you achieve your goals.

Let’s Discuss Your Teeth Straightening Options Today!

When you’re ready to explore your teeth straightening options, KZoo Family Dental is here to help you weigh out the pros and cons of clear orthodontic aligners vs. braces to determine which treatment is best for your unique case. Contact our friendly team today to schedule a consultation with our dental professionals.