Aligners vs. Braces: A Side-by-Side Comparison

The first step on your journey to a new smile is to learn about each teeth straightening device and understand what makes them unique.

What Are Aligners?

An aligner is a clear dental device that uses gradual pressure to move misaligned teeth into a more desirable position. This device resembles a plastic-like tray that is perfectly fitted to your bite. Aligners are worn for up to 22 hours per day and removed for the remainder of the time. They are a welcome option for individuals who are candidates for a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment to straighten their teeth.

What Are Braces?

Individuals with overcrowded teeth, chronic jaw discomfort, and missing or extra teeth are often advised to wear braces for correction. A dentist applies the braces, which can only be removed by them since they are bonded to the teeth using a special adhesive. The braces also include wires, which are manually tightened to move the teeth into a better position gradually.  

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Teeth Straightening Options

Consider the following factors if you’re on the fence when it comes to choosing aligners vs. braces.  

Appearance

Braces come in different styles. The metal type is made of stainless steel and is the traditional wired kind. Ceramic braces are either clear or match the color of your teeth, making them less noticeable. Sublingual braces are the least visible because they are hidden behind the teeth.

Aligners are clear and fit snugly to the teeth, making them appear nearly invisible.

Comfort

When it comes to comfort, aligners are generally preferred. Braces can feel very tight and require regular tightening to maintain enough pressure on the teeth, constantly moving them into position. Aligners apply gentle pressure to the teeth, which may feel uncomfortable but never painful.

Braces and aligners may also impede your speech for a short time after they are fitted. This occurs as your tongue is forced to temporarily shift its position. Although your speech will return to normal, some people may experience lingering discomfort when wearing braces, especially if they are wearing sublingual braces.

Maintenance

Braces require more maintenance than aligners. Most individuals with braces will need to visit their dentist every six to eight weeks until the braces are removed, a process that typically takes between one and three years. These appointments can range from a simple checkup to tightening and adjusting the braces.

Aligners, on the other hand, need to be changed on average every one to two weeks for the duration of treatment, which can range from six to 18 months. You will only need to visit your dentist for routine cleanings during your treatment.

Affordability

Traditional aligners can range in cost from $4,000 to $7,400. However, more affordable options exist with SmileSet, where a standard aligner treatment costs $1,495. Braces can vary in price based on the material and generally range from $3,000 to $10,000, according to Oral-B.

Medical Need

This is the most important factor when deciding between aligners and braces.

If you have mildly to moderately misaligned teeth, aligners can be a viable option for straightening them. However, if you have a jaw or dental bone deformity, seriously overcrowded teeth, or a dental injury, braces may be the best option.  

Is It Possible to Wear Both Teeth Straightening Options for the Best Result?

It is not recommended to wear an aligner over your braces. However, if you’re reluctant to wear braces or you’re not in a financially stable position to purchase them, you may want to start your teeth straightening journey with an aligner.

Aligners are generally more affordable and less complicated to wear. However, it’s always best to consult with a specialist to create a personalized treatment plan for optimal results. They can help you decide how long to wear the aligner before switching over to a pair of braces. They may also suggest one device over another to help you achieve your treatment goals.

Can You Wear an Aligner After Having Braces Removed?

After wearing braces and having them removed, you may worry that your teeth could move out of alignment — and it is possible — but you won’t need to wear an aligner to prevent this. An aligner wouldn’t be appropriate for this stage in your dental care. Instead, you should consider wearing a retainer.

A retainer is a device that resembles an aligner, but it is lighter in weight and designed specifically to maintain your teeth’s new position.

Selecting Your First Aligner

Although your local dentist can assist you in selecting a set of braces, you can acquire aligners without their help.

SmileSet offers an easy way to start your aligner treatment by scheduling a virtual consultation with a board-certified dentist within our network, fitting you for your aligners, and shipping them all from one convenient location. We also offer a subscription service to ensure your next set of aligners arrives on time without any gaps in treatment.  

To find out more or to see if you’re a candidate for a SmileSet aligner treatment, schedule a 15-minute consultation with one of our Smile Experts today.