What’s the Difference Between Clear Braces and Clear Aligners?

You’re probably looking into more discreet orthodontic treatments if you’re an adult seeking to correct misaligned teeth due to never having braces or teeth that have moved from their adjusted position. Or maybe your teen needs a realigned bite and wants a more invisible treatment method.

Whatever the case is, clear braces and clear aligners are two choices that allow you the benefits of orthodontic treatment without the obviousness of traditional metal braces. 

Even though clear aligners often get referred to as clear braces, there are quite a few differences between these two smile-shifting tools. 

Our team, led by Nodesh Shyamsunder, BDS, and Jasleen Raina, DDS, offer both these treatments at Beaches Dentistry in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, and we want you to understand the difference so you can select the best one for you.

Defining clear braces vs. clear aligners

When you think of braces, you probably immediately picture stainless steel bands, brackets, and wires. Clear braces are like metal braces. The only difference is that clear braces use ceramic brackets and frosted wiring to blend in with the natural color of your teeth, making them much less noticeable. 

On the other hand, clear aligners are a series of customized, tight-fitting mouthpieces made of clear plastic that slip right over your teeth. Because they are clear plastic, you can hardly tell you have anything in your mouth.

Benefits of clear braces vs. clear aligners

Clear aligners have a lot more advantages over clear braces. Aligners have a much lower risk of oral health issues since you can remove them for optimal brushing and flossing. Food can get stuck in the braces brackets, leading to tooth decay. 

Because clear aligners don’t have any brackets or wires, they’re much less likely to break, which would require fewer emergency trips to have them fixed. 

In addition, clear aligners are much more discreet than clear braces. Even though clear braces have tooth-colored hardware, they’re not nearly as invisible as the aligners.

Effectiveness of clear braces vs. clear aligners

Whether braces are stainless steel or clear, they are more effective at straightening teeth than aligners because they are fixed and guaranteed to correct even complicated orthodontic issues such as severe bites or overcrowding.

However, you can remove clear aligners. Because of that, it’s easy to forget to put them back in after eating or brushing your teeth. They get lost much easier, and the longer you go without wearing them, the harder it is to correct your smile.

If you’d like to learn more about our orthodontic treatment options or want to see if you’d be a good candidate for clear braces or clear aligners, contact our office for more information. Give us a call at 904-246-6714 or book online today.