Clear Aligners vs. Braces – Which is Right for Your Smile?
At Westview Orthodontics, we are proud to offer a range of braces and clear aligners for patients looking to straighten their teeth and correct bite issues.
Both braces and clear aligners have their roles in orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist will discuss with you which means may serve you better.
During your consultation, Dr. Moonen or Dr. Louie will work with you to determine the best option for resolving your orthodontic issues. Read through the information below to find out what braces and clear aligners have to offer.
Complimentary Initial Consultation
Westview Orthodontics offers complimentary, no-obligation consultations so you can sit down with our specialists, discuss treatment options, and discover what orthodontics can do for your smile.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners straighten teeth by applying gentle, consistent pressure to them over a period of time.
Treatment consists of a series of custom-made clear aligners. Each aligner plays a specific role in the treatment process and is then switched out for the next one in the series until the desired results are achieved.
Virtually Invisible
Clear aligners are made of a lightweight, transparent material, making them almost invisible when worn.
Convenient & Removable
Another benefit of clear aligners is the convenience of being removable. Clear aligners are removed when it comes time for eating, brushing and flossing.
Comfortable
No matter whether you are treated with braces or aligners, you should expect to experience some discomfort at certain points of your orthodontic treatment as your teeth move into their new positions.
That said, the smooth construction of clear aligners means you may adjust more quickly to the appliance compared to braces.
Clear Aligners & Braces in North Vancouver
At Westview Orthodontics, we offer treatment with traditional braces for all ages and clear aligners for adults and teens. Dr. Moonen or Dr. Louie will help you choose which treatment option is right for you.
Benefits of Braces
Traditional braces use brackets, wires and elastic bands to gently shift and straighten teeth over time.
The braces of today are not the clunky, uncomfortable face-full-of-metal that you might be picturing from decades ago. Today's braces are more streamlined, more comfortable, and (dare we say?) cooler than ever before.
Versatility
Braces can be used to resolve virtually any misalignment, no matter how complex. This is because of their ability to apply strong, consistent pressure to the teeth.
Clear aligners are often unable to create the force required for more complex tooth movements, such as rotating large back teeth, lengthening them, or paralleling roots in extraction cases. When these types of movements are necessary, braces are often the best treatment option.
Efficiency & Cost Effectiveness
Braces can apply greater force than clear aligners for more efficient tooth movements, meaning treatment with braces may take less time in certain moderate or complex cases.
In addition, the more complex the movement required, the greater the number of clear aligners it will take to accomplish it. This can significantly increase the cost of clear aligner treatment if you have a complex misalignment. In these cases, braces may be the more affordable choice.
Ease of Compliance
Because they are held securely in place throughout the duration of treatment, braces can be an easier orthodontic treatment option for some patients.
Clear aligners offer lots of lifestyle benefits, but it's important to consider how likely it is that you will always wear them as prescribed. It can be surprisingly easy to forget to put them back in or to give yourself more 'breaks' than might be wise if you are feeling sore.
If you think you may have trouble sticking closely to your treatment plan, fixed dental braces may be the better choice. They will keep you honest, and get you through treatment on time.