Which is better, clear aligners or braces?

Braces use brackets attached to the teeth and a wire that is adjusted over time to move teeth into place. Clear aligners use a series of clear, removable trays, each one shifting the teeth a little further.

• Nearly invisible. Clear aligners are hard to notice.
• Removable. Take them out to eat, brush, and floss.
• No food restrictions. Because you remove them to eat.
• Fewer rough edges. Smooth plastic instead of brackets and wires.

• No need to remember. They stay on, so they work all day without effort.
• Complex cases. Braces can handle some tooth movements that aligners cannot.
• No aligners to lose or forget.

Clear aligners only work when the aligners are worn most of the day, usually around 20 to 22 hours. If you are confident you will wear them consistently, clear aligners can be a great fit. If that sounds hard to keep up, braces may be the more reliable choice.

At our office, we offer clear aligners. At your visit, Dr. Balani will check whether your teeth are a good fit for aligners. If braces would serve you better, we will help you find the right next step.