What are the Differences Between ClearCorrect Aligners and Braces?

Dentist in Littleton

Braces have been a staple in not only cosmetic dentistry but also in popular culture for years on end. From movies mocking bulky dental hardware to the dread that filled most middle schoolers’ hearts when the word orthodontist was spoken in the 1990s, everyone is familiar with the shiny metal mouth wear.

New cosmetic dentistry innovations have been changing the teeth correcting game as of late, though. Of these new correction methods, ClearCorrect is a popular choice, and for good reason. If you’re familiar with these stellar new aligners, you likely already know the tremendous benefits they offer. If a viable metal braces alternative is news to you, then you’ve come to the right place!

Read on to discover the differences between ClearCorrect aligners and braces!

Appearance

Let’s start with one of the more obvious differences—appearance. As we noted earlier, braces are known for their telltale looks. You can’t ignore them if you try. Granted, modern braces are more subtle than their counterparts of the past, but they will always be noticeable. For some people, this may not be an issue; others may be self-conscious about or embarrassed by their braces.

On the other end of the spectrum, ClearCorrect aligners live up to their name. Because they are made of stain-resistant material and don’t use any wires or brackets, they are almost completely invisible. The majority of people probably wouldn’t even notice you are wearing anything on your teeth! 

How it Works

Did you say no wires?! You bet we did!

ClearCorrect uses aligners to correct misaligned teeth. Each aligner is custom fit to your teeth throughout the process of straightening. In other words, as your teeth shift, you continually move to new custom-fit aligners that help your progress. No tightening wires, no cemented metal parts, no brackets, and nothing visible!

Comfort and Timing

A common complaint associated with braces is the hard metal parts and how they can hurt the inside of your mouth. ClearCorrect aligners eliminate that particular issue by using only smooth plastics and precision custom fitting. 

ClearCorrect aligners also cut down on the total time of correction, as their treatment plans usually last between six months and a year. In contrast, braces often include plans for two years!

Cost

As with any medical treatment, cost will be determined by the complexity of the case and the length of the treatment plan. That being said, braces and ClearCorrect aligners are typically comparable in total treatment costs.

Qualifications

ClearCorrect aligners are not for every patient. If you have severe issues with alignment, you may not be a good candidate for ClearCorrect. We recommend speaking to your dentist to receive an accurate evaluation and professional recommendation unique to your situation!

Cosmetic dentistry is about more than correcting crooked teeth—it’s about instilling confidence and improving oral health. If you have questions or are interested in ClearCorrect, feel free to contact us—we’d love to hear from you and help you on your journey to a smile you feel happy to share!