Are Clear Aligners Better Than Braces?

Clear aligners, such as ClearCorrect and SureSmile, are growing in popularity, and are particularly appealing to older adults who wish to straighten their teeth without the social stigma of wearing braces. But are they a “better” choice than braces? Find out in this blog from Oak Creek Dental Care.

Clear Aligners Like SureSmile Have Unique Benefits Compared To Braces

Clear aligners use a series of custom-built aligners, which look similar to a night guard or a retainer, to shift your teeth over time without the use of traditional metal braces. Because of this, clear aligner treatments such as SureSmile have some very appealing benefits when compared to braces. 

  • Subtle treatment – The most appealing benefit of ClearCorrect and SureSmile is that your aligners are completely invisible and do not affect speech when worn. Nobody has to know that you’re wearing clear aligners unless you want them to know.
  • Removable to eat, brush, and floss – Unlike braces, clear aligners are fully removable. You can eat without dietary restrictions, and brush and floss without having to clean around bulky metal braces.
  • More comfortable – There are no metal bits to poke at your mouth, and clear aligners shift your teeth more gradually compared to braces, so they’re more comfortable.  
  • Spend less time at the dentist – You’ll just need a quick checkup every 4-6 weeks, as opposed to a lengthy braces adjustment every 2-4 weeks, which means you won’t spend as long in the dentist’s chair.

Clear Aligners Are Not Always The Best Choice For All Patients

So, are clear aligners better than braces? If you qualify for treatment with SureSmile or ClearCorrect, the answer may be “yes,” but this is not the case for everyone. In fact, many patients will find that ceramic braces or traditional metal braces are a better option.

Why? Because braces are more powerful and versatile than clear aligners, and can treat a larger variety of orthodontic issues. Clear aligners can’t treat severe problems with the alignment of the teeth or the jaw, but braces can.

For example, a patient with extremely crooked teeth or a very serious overbite would not be able to get orthodontic correction with clear aligners, but could straighten their smile with braces, so braces would be a better option, in this case.

SureSmile and ClearCorrect definitely have advantages, like a more convenient and comfortable treatment, but it’s not a “one-size-fits-all” treatment. It’s a great option for some patients, but not everyone is a good candidate for clear aligner treatment.

Clear Aligners Are Not “Better” Than Braces, But Can Be A Great Choice! 

As you can see, clear aligners are not always a “better” choice compared to braces, but they are an excellent alternative to braces for patients with minor-to-moderate orthodontic problems. 

So, how can you know what the best option is for you? We recommend that you schedule an orthodontic consultation with Dr. Ehsan Saleki. At your appointment, he will perform a comprehensive oral exam, and help you understand if you’re a candidate for treatment with SureSmile or ClearCorrect, or if braces may be a better choice. Contact us online or give us a call at (414) 762-9010 to schedule an appointment right away.

ready to schedule an appointment? contact us today!

contact us