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When it comes to orthodontics and achieving a glorious smile, the two most commonly thought of options are braces and aligners. However, many patients (or their parents) ponder the most suitable option.
When it comes to orthodontics and achieving a glorious smile, the two most commonly thought of options are braces and aligners. However, many patients (or their parents) ponder the most suitable option.
So whether you’re an adult looking into how to straighten teeth without braces or the parent of a teenager wondering if you can trust them with an investment set to cost thousands of dollars - this one’s for you.
In the case of Aligners vs. Braces, let’s first look at what each is before we judge and compare the two.
Braces are made from porcelain or metal and are attached to your teeth and threaded together using metal wires. Depending on the severity of the case, rubber bands may be used to provide a force to help the teeth move into alignment.
Aligners are made from a transparent thermoplastic such as Zendura FLX that is customisable and removable. They are typically changed every 14 days, allowing small, safe and conservative movements to be made, giving your body time to adapt to the remodelling of the bone.
Orthodontic Treatment Duration and Process
Be honest, is the duration your number one deciding factor for future orthodontic treatment? Us too, friend!
Orthodontic treatment varies based on individual patient needs and the complexity of dental issues, significantly influencing treatment duration. Some include the severity of an underbite or overbite and crowded or spaced teeth. But we can give you a rough idea:
Braces: According to a medically reviewed article on healthline.com, “The average amount of time for braces typically ranges from 18 to 24 months based on the complexity of dental issues.
Anywho… braces work when the orthodontist attaches metal brackets to your teeth and uses metal wire to thread them together. Once on, you will be required to visit the orthodontist in person every few weeks, and they will tighten these wires to align your teeth slowly.
Aligners: According to our expert team at bitesoft (we’re not biased at all, LOL), clear aligner results vary between 4-12 months. Again, these estimated times depend on the severity of your alignment and in the case of aligners, whether or not you are disciplined enough to stick to your treatment plan. Unlike braces, most aligner treatments are self-managed, and you can remove them for things like eating and brushing your teeth.
Aligners must be worn for 22 hours daily to allow your teeth ample time to adjust to the movements without returning crooked teeth to their previous position. If you forget to put them back in before sleep or you’re just lazy, you may need to wear your aligners for additional time.
Effectiveness of Clear Aligners in Straightening Teeth
Obviously, aligners and braces are both effective at straightening teeth. However, there are some limitations, so let’s chat about them.
Braces: The fantastic thing about braces is that they are applicable to all cases. Underbite, overbite, spaced teeth or a crowded mouth - braces can treat them all.
Aligners: Now you know that we are massive advocates of clear aligners, but we also want you to be well-informed about their limitations. Aligners facilitate gradual tooth movement through a series of custom-fitted aligners, helping to align teeth over time. Aligners can treat MOST cases, but unfortunately, not all of them. Aligners aren’t often used to treat underbites or highly complex cases.
Level of Comfort and Convenience
Is either option convenient? The honest answer is no. Any form of orthodontic treatment isn’t going to be a stroll in the park. But we make the hard choices to reap the incredible rewards. Which, in this case, is a Hollywood-worthy smile that’ll have people turning their heads. Just check out our feed to see why!
Braces: Braces are most often made out of metal and metal wires. We all know what metal feels like, right? Now run your tongue across your top teeth (you’re doing it, aren’t you?). Smooth right? Now imagine they’re covered in metal attachments, and you tell me whether you think they’re comfortable. Ummm, no.
In all seriousness, braces are likely to cause discomfort as they rub on the lips and cheeks. There’s also the fact that you will have another person inside your mouth every few weeks making adjustments, which is less than convenient, in our humble opinion.
Aligners: Now, we’re not saying aligners offer zero discomfort, but in comparison to traditional braces, it’s very minimal due to our aligners being lightweight and designed to fit snugly without covering the gums, which helps avoid complications like gum recession. After the initial few days of a new set of aligners, the discomfort lessens; you usually won’t notice them until your next set of aligners.
Unlike the braces treatment, aligners are mostly self-managed. Depending on who you’ve sought to complete your treatment, you’re often provided with all of your aligners at once and are remotely monitored using some very clever tech like our bitesoftmonitoring which is a remote scanner that we use at bitesoft (Check it out here). This remote scanner means you don’t have to leave your house. You simply submit your progress through the app, and your orthodontist will contact you if they have any recommendations.
Appearance and Aesthetics
Braces: You know how embarrassing it is when you have something stuck in your teeth while in a social setting, and someone has to awkwardly let you know? Maintaining dental hygiene with braces is challenging because you cannot remove them during treatment. Everyone recognises that braces are not the epitome of a desirable aesthetic; however, the fact that you’re constantly picking food out of your teeth and praying that no one notices will also take a toll on your confidence.
Your brushing regime will also increase to ensure your hygiene doesn’t suffer along with your confidence. You’ll brush after every meal and get very well acquainted with mouthwash to keep your breath minty fresh. Cleaning around braces is the most challenging part of this treatment type.
Aligners: VIRTUALLY INVISIBLE—need we say more? We don’t think so, but we will for your sake.
Aligners are clear and custom-made to fit your teeth, so in most cases, they are undetectable, and people are none the wiser that you’re undergoing treatment. This makes them highly desirable for folks who aren’t into sporting a metal mouth for years or even celebrities who’d prefer to keep their treatment on the downlow (Justin Bieber and Katy Perry are among celebrities who have benefited from an aligner treatment).
Regarding oral hygiene, aligners are completely removable, allowing you to brush and floss normally.
Aligners Vs Traditional Braces Cost Comparison
When it comes to cost comparison, this is highly dependent on the severity of each case, the treatment duration and how often you’ll need to visit the orthodontist. So take our comparison with a grain of salt and don’t hold it against us if you find a lower or higher price by doing your own research - we haven’t seen what’s in your mouth, so until that time, we won’t be able to give you an exact dollar amount.
Braces: Based on our research and a quick Google search on ‘how much do braces cost?’ You’re looking at somewhere between $4,500 and $8,000. And that’s based on traditional metal braces. If you’re looking into ceramic or lingual braces, the cost can be up to a whopping $15,000.
Aligners: The average cost of a clear aligner treatment ranges between $2,900 and $4,000. As we mentioned, these prices are case-by-case dependent, along with who you choose as your provider.
Maintenance and Adjustments
Braces: Braces require manual adjustments administered by your orthodontist every few weeks, meaning patients who wear braces need to commit to regular adjustments and follow-up visits.
Aligners: Aligners require much less effort, allowing you to maintain your treatment mostly from home. In most cases, you’ll be sent all of your aligners upfront, so you’ll have everything you need to complete your treatment remotely (exclusions may apply in some cases).
We can’t speak for other clear aligner providers but bitesoft offers innovative technology that allows you to track your progress from home. Your progress is monitored through the use of our bitesoftmonitoring scanbox and submitted through an app that is reviewed by bitesoft professionals, who will offer recommendations on when to change your aligner to the next set.
Expert Opinions and Patient Reviews
You don’t need to just take our word for it, though. Let us enlighten you with some of our most recent reviews from patients who have undergone treatment with bitesoft:
“This was the best option for me straightening my teeth as I was travelling overseas and wasn’t able to attend dentist appointments in person and all scans were done on the bite soft app. My teeth feel a lot better and it was great during pregnancy as I could take them in and out during my first trimester (morning sickness and vomiting). I was able to complete my straightening at my own pace as I am a busy mum of two under 3! I would recommend this company as they were great to deal with and not as expensive as permanent braces. Easy and convenient ✌🏼”
“I have recently completed my Bitesoft Co journey and I am so happy with my results. The whole process was easy from start to finish, and customer service was always really helpful if I needed it. I loved being able to do everything from home, it made the whole process even easier. I am so glad I chose to invest in Bitesoft and would recommend them to anyone wanting to improve their smile!”
“Right at the end of my treatment and I couldn’t be happier, we have never been able to afford braces. Even as a child I wanted my gap closed and now I was able to do it and it be super affordable! I’m very stoked and over the moon. The staff at Bitesoft co have been great and easy. The whole process has been great, and i couldn’t be happier. Thanks, guys.”
If you want to keep reading, visit our Reviews page here.
Summary: Making an Educated Decision
Choosing between traditional braces and clear aligners is no small feat. There are several factors to consider, and each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Aesthetics: If you’re concerned about how you’ll look during treatment, clear aligners are the way to go. They are virtually invisible, making them a popular choice for adults and teens alike. Traditional braces, while effective, are more noticeable, especially metal ones.
Comfort: Clear aligners are generally more comfortable because they are smooth and custom-fitted to your teeth. Traditional braces, on the other hand, can cause discomfort as the metal brackets and wires may rub against your lips and cheeks.
Treatment Duration: Traditional braces typically range from 1 to 3 years, depending on the complexity of your case. Clear aligners usually have shorter treatment durations, ranging from 4 to 12 months, but this also depends on how disciplined you are in wearing them & how complex your treatment is.
Patient Compliance: Clear aligners require a high level of patient compliance. You need to wear them consistently and follow the treatment plan to achieve the desired results. Traditional braces, once attached, do not require the same level of daily commitment.
By weighing these factors, you can make an educated decision that aligns with your lifestyle and dental needs.