When it comes to straightening your teeth, clear aligners and braces are the two most common options. Both are effective—but they work differently, and the right choice depends on your needs, lifestyle, and treatment goals.
Factors like visibility, comfort, daily care, and cost all play a role in the decision. Understanding how each option works can help you feel more confident moving forward.
At Elizabeth L. Wakim DDS, we guide patients through these choices every day. This comparison will walk you through the key differences between clear aligners and braces—so you can make the best decision for your smile.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are removable, plastic trays designed to gradually shift your teeth into place. Each set is custom-made based on digital scans to target your unique alignment needs.
They’re best suited for mild to moderate alignment issues—like crowding, spacing, and minor bite corrections—and have shown a success rate of 80–90% in these cases. Because they’re nearly invisible and can be taken out for meals and brushing, many patients—especially teens and adults—find them more convenient and discreet than braces.
Average Duration: 6–18 months for most mild to moderate cases
Adjustments and Follow-Ups: New trays every 1–2 weeks; check-ins every 6–10 weeks
Consistency and Compliance: Must be worn 20–22 hours daily to stay on track
What Are Traditional Braces?
Traditional braces use a system of brackets, wires, and bands to gradually move your teeth into alignment. The brackets are bonded directly to the teeth and adjusted over time by your dentist to guide movement.
Braces are highly effective for treating more complex cases—such as significant crowding, bite issues, or jaw alignment problems. Unlike clear aligners, they stay in place 24/7, which can be helpful for patients who need consistent correction without the option to remove their appliance.
Modern braces come in metal or ceramic options, and while they’re more visible than aligners, they remain one of the most reliable tools in orthodontic care.
Average Duration: 12–24 months depending on complexity
Adjustments and Follow-Ups: In-office wire adjustments every 4–6 weeks
Consistency and Compliance: Work continuously since they’re fixed in place
Key Differences to Consider
| Feature | Clear Aligners | Traditional Braces |
| Visibility | Nearly invisible | More noticeable (metal or ceramic brackets) |
| Removability | Removable for eating and brushing | Fixed in place throughout treatment |
| Hygiene | Easier to brush and floss without appliances | Brushing and flossing around brackets is harder |
| Diet | No food restrictions (remove aligners to eat) | Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic trays; minimal irritation | May cause irritation from brackets or wires |
| Compliance | Requires self-discipline to wear as directed | No compliance issues—braces stay on |
| Best for | Mild to moderate alignment issues | Moderate to severe or complex alignment needs |
Cost and Insurance Considerations
The cost of clear aligners vs braces depends on several factors—including case complexity, materials, and treatment duration. Below is a breakdown to help you understand what to expect from each option.
Clear Aligners (e.g., Invisalign)
- Average cost ranges from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the brand and provider
- Made from transparent material that’s virtually invisible when worn
- May have additional costs for replacing lost or damaged clear trays
- Covered by many dental insurance plans, similar to braces
- Offered by many providers with monthly payment plans
Braces (Metal, Ceramic, or Lingual)
- Metal braces typically cost $3,000 to $6,500; ceramic braces and lingual braces can cost more
- Use metal brackets, metal wires, and sometimes rubber bands to move teeth
- Can require repairs if brackets break or wires loosen
- Usually covered by insurance and widely accepted as a traditional form of orthodontic care
Before starting any orthodontic treatment, your dentist or orthodontist will review your goals, walk you through the costs, and create a customized treatment plan. Ask about coverage, financing options, and which method will help you straighten teeth effectively while supporting your oral health.
What’s Best for Kids and Teens?
When choosing between braces and clear aligners for kids or teens, it’s important to look beyond the appliance itself. The decision should reflect their habits, maturity, and long-term commitment to their orthodontic treatment.
Traditional metal braces are often the preferred option for younger patients who may need more structure and less responsibility in managing their care. Because they’re fixed in place, there’s no risk of forgetting to wear them or losing parts—making them a reliable choice for guiding teeth into the correct position over time. In fact, orthodontic treatment remains common in adolescence, with 67.6% of individuals under 18 reportedly receiving braces or similar interventions.
On the other hand, invisible aligners like Invisalign aligners may appeal to teens who are more image-conscious and ready to follow a consistent routine. These clear plastic aligners are barely noticeable and can be removed, but success depends on wearing them with proper aligner grip and hygiene.
Ultimately, both braces and clear aligners are designed to gently shift teeth into a straight smile—but the best option for your child depends on their ability to stay engaged in the process.
Talk with Your Dentist to Decide What’s Right for You
When it comes to choosing between clear aligners vs braces, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. A personalized evaluation is the best way to understand what will work best for your smile, routine, and goals.
- Your dentist will assess your teeth, bite alignment, and jaw positioning to understand the full picture
- X-rays and scans help identify orthodontic issues that aren’t always visible
- They’ll talk through your lifestyle, preferences, and what kind of care routine fits you best
From clear aligners like Invisalign to traditional metal braces, your provider will walk you through the pros and cons so you can make a confident, informed choice. The goal isn’t just straight teeth—it’s a treatment plan that supports your long-term oral health.
Braces and Aligners Both Get You to the Finish Line
Both dental braces and clear aligners can help you achieve a healthier, straighter smile—but the right choice depends on a few factors, including your lifestyle, treatment goals, and how involved you want to be in daily care. Braces treatment offers consistent correction with traditional brackets, while Invisalign treatment uses plastic replicas to apply gentle pressure and gradually shift teeth into the desired position.
We combine the latest in orthodontic technology with personalized care to help you choose between clear aligners and traditional braces with confidence. Our consultations include digital scans, bite assessments, and tailored treatment planning—so you know exactly what to expect.
Call us at (724) 558-8222 or contact us online to schedule your visit. We’re here to help you take the next step toward a straighter, healthier smile.