Clear braces vs metal: Which ones are for you?

A woman at the dentist smiling while holding her clear braces.

Having straight teeth prevents food and debris from collecting in the spaces between the teeth and makes it easier for you to clean and maintain good oral hygiene. Without this, you are at greater risk of tooth decay. Straighter teeth not only improve the appearance of your smile but also help prevent decay.

If you want to straighten your teeth, you may be presented with two choices: clear braces/aligners or metal braces. There are many factors to consider before you make a decision about which teeth straightening treatment to use. In order for you to make an informed decision, let’s discuss details about clear braces/aligners and metal braces, specifically their advantages and disadvantages.

Metal Braces

If you have teeth that need more correction, metal braces may be more appropriate to fix your problem. Metal wires and brackets are highly durable and effective in making big adjustments to teeth.

Advantages

  • Metal braces are durable because they are constructed with materials that are strong and difficult to manipulate without special tools
  • Metal braces remain in place; you don’t need to take them out of your mouth
  • They are less likely to get stained from colored foods and drinks

Disadvantages

  • Metal braces are not discreet, which can be a source of discomfort or embarrassment
  • They can cause sores to develop in the mouth after each adjustment
  • They are more challenging to clean, which is why patients are advised to avoid hard nuts, raw vegetables, sticky candies, hard candies, apples, and more

Clear Aligners

For minor to moderate corrections, clear braces or aligners can be very effective in straightening teeth. Clear aligners are constructed with polyurethane resins or clear plastic, which makes them virtually invisible. They are made according to initial impressions or digital scans of your teeth.

Advantages

  • Clear aligners allow you to straighten teeth discreetly, which makes them popular among teens and adults
  • Clear aligners are more aesthetically pleasing
  • The absence of metal wires and brackets means the gums are less likely to be irritated
  • Clear aligners can straighten the teeth in half the time it would usually take
  • They are comfortable and removable – you can remove them before eating

Disadvantages

  • Clear aligners can be more costly than metal braces, depending on the clear aligner system used
  • You need to brush and floss your teeth after eating before putting the aligners back in

When choosing a teeth-straightening system, consult a highly experienced dentist to help you make the best decision.

Braces and Clear Aligners in Eugene, OR

Dr. Ari Binder at 360 Dental specializes in general, cosmetic, and restorative solutions to improve the dental health of our patients in Eugene. To straighten teeth discreetly and in as short a time as possible, we use SureSmile® Aligner trays. They are a more affordable alternative to braces and Invisalign. It is our goal to make having straighter teeth easier to achieve for our patients.

To consult with Dr. Binder on teeth straightening with clear aligners, call our dental clinic in Eugene today at (541) 689-1645 or use our appointment request form.