Straightening your teeth is not only about appearance. Crowded or crooked teeth can be harder to clean, and some bite problems can put extra wear on teeth or strain on the jaw. Today, most people choosing orthodontic treatment are deciding between two main options: traditional braces and clear aligners. Both can work well. The right choice depends on your teeth, your bite and your lifestyle. Here is a balanced look at how they compare.
How each option works
Braces
Braces use small brackets bonded to the teeth, connected by a wire. The dentist adjusts the wire at regular appointments to gradually guide teeth into position. Brackets can be metal or tooth-coloured ceramic. Because they are fixed to the teeth, braces work around the clock without the patient having to do anything to keep them in.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners are a series of thin, removable plastic trays custom-made from a digital scan of your teeth. Each set moves the teeth slightly, and you switch to the next set on a schedule, usually every one to two weeks. Small tooth-coloured bumps called attachments are often bonded to some teeth to help the aligners grip and move them. Aligners only work when they are being worn – typically about 20 to 22 hours a day.
Side-by-side comparison
| Braces | Clear aligners | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Visible; ceramic brackets are less noticeable than metal | Much less noticeable when worn |
| Removable? | No | Yes – removed to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush |
| Depends on patient wearing them? | No – always working | Yes – results depend on wearing them as directed |
| Eating | Avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods that can break brackets | No food restrictions, since aligners come out for meals |
| Cleaning | Takes extra time and tools to clean around brackets and wires | Brush and floss normally; aligners also need to be cleaned |
| Comfort | Brackets can rub cheeks at first; soreness after adjustments | Pressure for a day or two with each new set |
| Range of cases | Suitable for a wide range, including many complex cases | Suitable for many cases; some complex movements may be better suited to braces |
Who might be a better fit for braces?
Braces may be the better choice if:
- Your case involves complex tooth movements or significant bite correction
- You know you would find it hard to wear removable trays for most of the day
- You prefer not to have to remember to switch trays or keep track of them
- The patient is a younger child or teen who may not wear aligners consistently
Who might be a better fit for clear aligners?
Clear aligners may suit you well if:
- You have mild to moderate crowding or spacing
- Appearance during treatment is important to you, for example for work
- You are disciplined about wearing them and putting them back in after meals
- You want to keep eating the foods you enjoy without restrictions
Many adults who had braces as teenagers find their teeth have shifted over the years. If the relapse is mild, aligners are often a practical option for them.
The part people don’t always hear about: compliance
The biggest difference between the two is who is in control. With braces, the appliance does the work. With aligners, you do. Aligners that spend too much time in a case do not move teeth, and treatment can take longer or not go as planned. Before choosing aligners, think honestly about your daily routine – snacking, coffee throughout the day and busy schedules all mean more time with the trays out.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment time depends on how much movement is needed, not just on which option you choose. Simple cases may take several months; more complex cases can take a year or two or longer. Your dentist can give you an estimated timeline after assessing your teeth and bite. Keep in mind that any estimate is just that – how your teeth respond, and how consistently aligners are worn, both affect the actual time.
Don’t forget retainers
Whatever you choose, teeth naturally tend to drift back after treatment. A retainer, worn as your dentist directs, is what keeps your result in place. For many people, some form of retainer wear is a long-term commitment.
What about cost and coverage?
Costs vary based on the complexity of the case and the length of treatment, so it is hard to compare prices without an assessment. If you have private dental insurance, check whether your plan includes orthodontic coverage and whether it has a lifetime maximum. Note that the Canadian Dental Care Plan currently lists orthodontic services as not available.
The first step: an assessment
The only way to know which option suits you is an examination. An orthodontic assessment usually includes a look at your teeth, gums and bite, X-rays and scans or photos. Your teeth and gums need to be healthy before orthodontic treatment starts, so any cavities or gum problems are treated first. The dentist will then explain which options are suitable for your case, the pros and cons of each, the estimated timeline and the cost, so you can decide what works for you.
Frequently asked questions
Am I too old for orthodontic treatment?
Adults can have orthodontic treatment as long as their teeth and gums are healthy.
Do aligners hurt less than braces?
Both involve some pressure and soreness, especially at the start and after adjustments or new trays. Experiences vary from person to person.
Can I switch from aligners to braces if they don’t work for me?
In some cases a treatment plan can be changed. Talk to your dentist if you are having trouble keeping up with aligner wear.
Book a consultation
Occlura Dental offers both braces and clear aligners. If you are thinking about straightening your teeth, we can assess your smile and talk through your options. We are at 136 Winges Road, Unit 10, in Woodbridge. Call (905) 851-0075, email care@occluradental.com or request an appointment online.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for an examination or advice from your dentist. Results of orthodontic treatment vary from person to person.