Clear Aligners Vs Metal Braces: Which Will Suit You Better?

Table of Contents

Metal Braces vs. Clear Aligners: Definitions

Braces and clear aligners are popular orthodontic options designed to correct misaligned teeth and create a straight smile. Both work by applying controlled forces to shift teeth into their proper positions.

Braces and clear aligners are popular orthodontic options designed to correct misaligned teeth and create a straight smile. Both work by applying controlled forces to shift teeth into their proper positions.

Clear Aligners Vs Metal Braces

Metal Braces

Metal braces, as the name implies, consist of metal components. Metal brackets are affixed to the front surfaces of your teeth, with metal archwires running through them. 

For a more subtle appearance, you can choose ceramic braces, which use tooth-colored brackets that blend with your teeth. Alternatively, metal braces can be placed on the inner surfaces of your teeth, known as lingual braces, for a more discreet option.

Teeth Aligners

Teeth aligners are removable appliances made from clear thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material. They fit securely over the teeth, gradually achieving the desired tooth movements.

Differences Between Metal Braces vs. Clear Aligners

Benefits

  • Suitable for both mild and complex cases
  • Slightly more affordable than aligners
  • Nearly invisible for a discreet look
  • Removable, making oral hygiene simple
  • No dietary restrictions
  • Comfortable to wear and easy to remove

Challenges

  • Noticeable metallic appearance
  • Requires dietary adjustments
  • Fixed design makes oral hygiene challenging
  • Can be uncomfortable, potentially causing mouth ulcers
  • Treatment outcomes depend on patient compliance
  • Slightly more expensive than traditional braces

Treatment Procedure

Metal Braces

  1. Your doctor will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, including necessary X-rays and photographs.
  2. Based on the results, a tailored treatment plan will be created.
  3. Once approved, brackets are bonded to the teeth using dental cement, and metal wires are threaded through the brackets, secured with elastics or ligature wires.
  4. Regular monthly follow-ups are scheduled to adjust and tighten the wires as needed.

Teeth Aligners

  1. The initial dental examination for clear aligners is similar to that of traditional braces. An intraoral 3D scanner is typically used to create a 3D image of the teeth, although traditional impressions may also be taken.
  2. Using these digital scans or impressions, a personalized treatment plan is developed. After the plan is approved, customized clear aligners are created specifically for the patient.
  3. Once the aligners are ready, you’ll attend an initial fitting session, where your doctor will provide the aligners and detailed instructions. If required, interproximal reduction (IPR) and attachment placement will be performed according to the treatment plan.
  4. You’ll change to a new aligner every one to two weeks, depending on the case, to advance the treatment. Follow-up appointments are scheduled every few months—or more frequently for complex cases—to monitor aligner fit and treatment progress.

Material Comparison

Metal Braces

Traditional braces use archwires made from metals such as stainless steel or titanium, with brackets crafted from stainless steel or ceramic.

Teeth Aligners

Aligner materials play a crucial role in the effectiveness and comfort of clear aligner treatments. Engineered with advanced technology, these materials are designed to ensure precise tooth movement, durability, and a seamless patient experience. With innovations like dual-shell structures and enhanced elasticity, modern aligner materials offer superior performance, making orthodontic care more efficient and discreet.

Color & Appearance

Metal Braces

These have a noticeable dark metallic appearance, which can be visually unappealing and less aesthetic.

Teeth Aligners

Made from transparent plastic material, clear aligners are nearly invisible, offering a more discreet and aesthetic option.

Ease and Discomfort

Metal Braces

Metal braces can often cause discomfort due to the risk of traumatic ulcers on the inner lips and cheeks. Metal brackets and loose wire ends may rub against soft tissues, making braces uncomfortable and sometimes painful to wear.

Teeth Aligners

Made from smooth plastic, aligners are much more comfortable to wear. Some tightness or pressure may be felt for the first 1-2 days as the aligners apply force to move the teeth. However, this discomfort typically subsides within a few days as the mouth adjusts to the aligners.

Removability

Metal Braces

Fixed by the orthodontist, metal braces remain in place throughout the treatment and cannot be removed by the patient.

Teeth Aligners

Clear aligners are easily removable by the patient, making activities like eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing much more convenient.

Care, maintenance, and Diet

Metal Braces

Maintaining oral hygiene with metal braces can be challenging. A special toothbrush is needed to clean your teeth without damaging the brackets. Hard and crunchy foods should be avoided as they can break wires or dislodge brackets.

Teeth Aligners

Caring for your teeth with aligners is easy. Simply remove them before brushing or flossing and clean your teeth as usual. Enjoy any food or drink by taking off the aligners, except for water. Cleaning aligners is hassle-free—just rinse them with soap and running water.

Teeth Movement

Metal BracesIdeal for addressing complex orthodontic issues, such as severe crowding, tooth rotations, or crossbite.

Teeth AlignersWith advancements like attachments and elastics, clear aligners can now manage a wider range of orthodontic cases. With proper clinical training and expertise, even challenging conditions like impacted teeth or severe crowding can be effectively treated using these auxiliaries.

Follow-Up Visits

Metal BracesCurious about how long you’ll need to wear braces? Treatment with metal braces typically takes longer than with clear aligners and requires monthly follow-up visits, which can be inconvenient.

Teeth AlignersClear aligners generally straighten teeth within 8 to 10 months and need fewer follow-up appointments compared to braces. So, if you’re wondering, “Are clear aligners faster than braces?” the answer is yes! Consult your orthodontist for an accurate treatment timeline tailored to your case.

How to Select the Right Method for You?

With advancements in technology, the range of treatments possible with clear aligners has expanded significantly. Clear aligners have proven effective in addressing issues such as:

  • Crowding
  • Spacing
  • Open bite
  • Crossbite
  • Deep bite
  • Increased overjet
With proper training and the use of auxiliaries like attachments and elastics, experienced Eon-certified doctors can now manage more advanced cases, including:
 
  • Extraction cases
  • Severely rotated teeth
  • Class II and Class III malocclusions
  • The suitability of clear aligners depends on various factors, including case complexity and the orthodontist’s expertise.

Key Factors to Consider: What’s Most Important to You?

Both braces and clear aligners are excellent treatment options, but here are some factors to help you decide:

  • Aesthetics: If appearance is a priority, clear aligners are a better choice as they are nearly invisible.
  • Ease of Maintenance: Braces can make oral hygiene challenging, while clear aligners are removable, making cleaning and maintenance much simpler.
  • Cost: Check with your health insurance provider to determine coverage for your treatment. Many aligner providers also offer flexible payment plans to ease financial considerations.

Consult with your doctor to determine which treatment option is best suited to your needs.

Why Choose TAC Aligner?

What Sets TAC Aligner Apart from Generic Aligner Brands:

  • Expert Orthodontist-Led Team: Our clinical team comprises certified doctors with specialized aligner training and resources.
  • Personalized Treatment Plans: Each treatment is tailored to meet the unique needs of every patient.
  • In-Clinic Support: Benefit from in-person consultations and follow-up visits for comprehensive care.
  • Dynamic Attachments: Designed for better aligner grip and enhanced predictability of challenging tooth movements.
  • IPR Procedures: Create space for tooth movements without extractions, ensuring effective and minimally invasive treatment.
    Complimentary
  • Retainers: Enjoy free retainers based on your package.

Every case is unique and requires a personalized approach. Contact us to connect with an Eon-certified doctor and discuss your treatment plan.