Selecting the correct orthodontic treatment for you can feel daunting – especially when you’re choosing between clear aligners and traditional braces.
They both work well in fixing crooked teeth, but the two are as different as night and day when it comes to how they look, how they feel, how they’ll impact your life, and how long they’ll take to do their job. It’s important to understand these differences when choosing the solution that is right for you.
For patients that are interested in more discreet and contemporary orthodontic solutions, Clear Aligners in Ottawa are becoming more and more desirable. These clear, custom preferred trays provide an almost unseen way to straighten and align teeth—perfect for teens and adults who hope to avoid traditional braces’ metal brackets and wires.
The most significant benefit of clear aligners is their look. They're made from clear, medical-grade plastic so they are nearly invisible while you wear them - great for patients who are self-conscious during treatment. Compare that with braces, which are far more visible though also a very effective option for more involved cases.
As far as comfort is concerned, clear aligners usually result in less cheek and gum irritability, since they lack sharp metal parts. They are also removable, which makes it easier to eat, brush and floss your teeth. But for them to work, patients need to wear them 20 to 22 hours a day, a level of compliance not every patient may have.
As far as length of time before treatment, it depends of course on the complexity of a case. For many patients who opt for clear braces in Ottawa, you may achieve results in as few as 6–12 months, although more complex cases may need more time—just like traditional braces (which generally take 18–24 months or more).
The effectiveness is also important. Traditional braces have a long history of treating patients and are very useful in the treatment of severely crowded, (see reference to Crazy Crooked Case) bite and rotated teeth. Clear aligners are a great orthodontic solution for less severe cases of misalignment and are constantly getting better as they evolve with newer technology, allowing you to treat more and more orthodontic cases.
Here at Bytown Orthodontics, we provide both traditional braces and Clear Aligners in Ottawa which are designed to fit your dental needs individualized to your lifestyle preference. During an orthodontic consultation, you get to know the ins and outs of both ways and then you are left to decide what is best for you in collaboration with a dental professional who knows exactly what he is doing.
In this post, we'll provide you with an in-depth analysis of clear aligners vs. braces, breaking it down into aesthetics, comfort, maintenance, cost, and results—so you can choose confidently between in-person or at-home orthodontic care.