Clear Aligners vs. Braces - My Thoughts

I'm 20 months into my aligner journey. Such a tricky decision when you're in you 30's. At first, I tried to figure out which option was best for me: braces or clear aligners. Both have their pros and cons, and ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preference. 

Come with me while I take you through my thought process.

Appearance 

Braces are metal brackets and wires that are visible and tightened. Clear aligners, on the other hand, are made to be invisible and custom-made to fit your teeth. They are made of a clear, flexible plastic material that fits over the teeth and gradually moves them into the desired position. Biggest pro for me is that they can be taken off for eating and brushing. Both braces and clear aligners are effective at correcting teeth. 

Treatment time 

Braces typically take anywhere from 18 months to 3 years for treatment, depending on the severity of the case. Mine started at 22 months but I feel like I will have them on for longer. I personally feel like if I got metal it would have been a shorter time.

Maintenance 

Maintaining braces and clear aligners is an important part of the overall orthodontic treatment process. Braces require regular visits to the orthodontist for adjustments and tightening. Patients must also keep their braces clean by brushing around them and flossing carefully. Clear aligners need to be taken out before eating. Patients must wear the aligners for at least 22 hours a day and brush and floss regularly. I didn't want to cut certain foods out of my diet LOL- so clear aligners was the winner.

Cost 

The cost of braces and clear aligners can vary greatly. Traditional metal braces are often the most affordable option. Clear aligners, on the other hand, tend to be more expensive than traditional braces. The cost of clear aligners can range depending on the complexity. I already had to get my aligners corrected since I was having an issue with fitting.

Clear aligners can also be a great option if you wish to have a more discreet treatment option. BUT I know that the metal braces are the go -to if you're not consistent wearing your aligners.