Clear Aligners vs. Braces
One of the most common questions we get from new patients is, “Are clear aligners or braces the best treatment for me?” Since every person is unique, the answer to this question depends on you. Orthodontic treatment involves the movement of teeth, jaws, or both. In order to achieve these movements, we need to apply forces to the teeth or jaws with orthodontic appliances. The most common appliances are removable clear aligners, such as Invisalign® and SureSmile®, and of course, braces.
Despite what you may have heard from television commercials, read in advertisements, or been told by a “smile consultant” or online self-diagnosis site, only an orthodontist who has taken the necessary records, completed a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation, and is experienced in offering treatment with both clear aligners and braces can perform a proper assessment and recommend the appropriate treatment for you.
Although clear aligners can be the best option for many cases, certain types of tooth movement and bite correction are not well suited for clear aligners, and in some cases, should not be used at all.
Dr. Carroll and Dr. Sutton have completed thousands of treatments with braces, clear aligners, and combinations of both. They will be happy to discuss the pros and cons of each with you.