When you think about straightening your teeth, traditional metal braces might be the first thing that comes to mind. But they’re not the only option.
Clear aligners have become a popular alternative for people looking for a more discreet and removable way to straighten their teeth. Depending on your teeth, bite and treatment needs, there may also be different types of braces worth considering.
So, what are the alternatives to traditional braces, and how do you know which option is right for you? Let’s take a look.
What Are the Alternatives to Traditional Braces?
If you’re looking to straighten your teeth without traditional metal braces, clear aligners are one of the main alternatives.
Clear aligners use a series of custom-made, transparent trays to gradually move your teeth according to your treatment plan. You move through different sets of aligners as treatment progresses, with each one designed to make specific tooth movements.
Other orthodontic options can include ceramic braces and different types of fixed braces. The right choice depends on what needs to be treated, as well as your individual preferences.
At Urban Smile, we focus exclusively on clear aligner treatment, with every treatment plan individually designed by one of our Specialist Orthodontists.
How Do Clear Aligners Work?
Clear aligners fit closely over your teeth and apply controlled forces to gradually change their position.
Your treatment begins with a detailed assessment of your teeth and bite. At Urban Smile, this includes digital photos, X-rays, a 3D scan and an oral health assessment. Your clinical records are then reviewed by one of our Specialist Orthodontists, who designs your individual treatment plan if clear aligners are suitable for you.
Once treatment begins, you’ll wear each set of aligners according to the instructions provided by your clinical team before moving on to the next set.
Depending on your treatment plan, you may also need small tooth-coloured attachments placed on certain teeth to help achieve specific movements.
Why Do People Choose Clear Aligners Instead of Braces?
There’s no single orthodontic treatment that’s right for everyone. But clear aligners offer some practical differences that can make them an appealing alternative to fixed braces.
They’re Discreet
Clear aligners are made from transparent material and fit closely over your teeth, making them less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
You may still need attachments during treatment, so they’re not completely invisible, but they offer a more discreet option for people who would prefer not to wear fixed braces.
They’re Removable
Unlike braces, clear aligners aren’t permanently attached to your teeth.
You remove them to eat and drink anything other than water, so you don’t have the same food restrictions that come with fixed braces. Being able to remove your aligners also means you can continue brushing and flossing without brackets or wires getting in the way.
The trade-off? You need to wear them consistently. Clear aligners rely on you following the wear schedule provided by your orthodontic team.
They Can Fit Around a Busy Lifestyle
Clear aligners can be a convenient option if you have work, study, family commitments or plenty happening in your calendar.
At Urban Smile, we use Dental Monitoring throughout clear aligner treatment. You complete regular scans using your phone from home, allowing our clinical team to monitor your treatment between studio visits.
You’ll still need to come into the studio when an in-person appointment is required, but remote monitoring can reduce the number of routine visits needed during treatment.
There Are No Brackets or Wires
Clear aligners use removable plastic trays rather than fixed brackets and wires.
You can experience pressure or temporary discomfort as your teeth move, particularly when changing to a new set of aligners, but there are no brackets or wires to manage.
What Can Clear Aligners Treat?
Clear aligners can be used to address a range of orthodontic concerns, including certain cases of:
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overjet
- Overbite
- Crossbite
- Other tooth alignment concerns
Clear aligners aren’t suitable for every orthodontic problem, and the complexity of the movements required can influence which treatment is recommended.
That’s why an assessment of your whole bite, rather than simply the teeth you’d like to straighten, is an important part of choosing an orthodontic treatment.
Are Clear Aligners Better Than Braces?
Not necessarily. They’re different treatment options with different advantages and considerations.
Braces are fixed to your teeth, so you don’t have to remember to put them back in after eating. They can also be recommended for orthodontic concerns where fixed appliances give the orthodontist the control required for particular tooth movements.
Clear aligners, on the other hand, are removable and less noticeable. For suitable patients, they can provide an effective way to straighten teeth without fixed brackets and wires.
Rather than asking which treatment is universally “better”, a more useful question is:
Which option is appropriate for your teeth and bite?
A Specialist Orthodontist can assess your individual needs and recommend an appropriate treatment option.
Can Teenagers Have Clear Aligners Instead of Braces?
Clear aligners aren’t just for adults. They can also be an option for some teenagers and younger patients.
Suitability isn’t based on age alone. Your orthodontist will consider factors such as which teeth have erupted, your child’s dental and jaw development, the orthodontic concern being treated and whether they’ll be able to manage the responsibilities that come with removable aligners.
For teens, that last point matters. Aligners need to be worn as directed, removed and stored safely when eating, and cleaned regularly.
If you’re considering clear aligners for your teen, an orthodontic assessment can help determine whether they’re an appropriate option and whether it’s the right time to begin treatment.
How Long Do Clear Aligners Take Compared With Braces?
Treatment time varies for both clear aligners and braces.
It depends on factors such as your starting tooth position, bite, the complexity of the movements required and your individual treatment plan. With removable aligners, following your prescribed wear schedule is also an important part of treatment.
Rather than choosing an orthodontic treatment based on promises of faster results, your orthodontist can provide an estimated timeframe after assessing your teeth and bite.
How Much Do Clear Aligners Cost?
The cost of clear aligner treatment depends on your individual treatment needs.
At Urban Smile, you’ll receive a personalised treatment plan and clear breakdown of your treatment costs before deciding whether to proceed. We also offer a range of payment options, including interest-free payment plans.
If you have private health insurance with orthodontic cover, you may also be able to claim part of your treatment cost. Your level of cover and available benefits will depend on your individual policy, so we recommend checking directly with your health fund.
How Do I Know If Clear Aligners Are Right for Me?
The best way to know is to have your teeth and bite assessed.
At your free Urban Smile consultation, we’ll talk about what you’d like to address and take the clinical records needed to assess your teeth and bite. Your records are reviewed by one of our Specialist Orthodontists, Dr Igor Lavrin or Dr Sarah Lawrence, who will determine whether clear aligners are appropriate and design your treatment plan if you decide to proceed.
If you’re considering an alternative to traditional braces, book a free consultation at your nearest Urban Smile studio to find out whether clear aligners could be an option for you.
Consultation required to assess suitability. Our Specialist Orthodontists will advise whether clear aligner treatment is appropriate for your individual needs.