You’re an adult. You have crooked teeth. And you’ve decided to finally do something about it. There are a variety of teeth straightening options available. Each has pros and cons. How do you determine which option is best for you? The complexity of your orthodontic needs is the first thing that should be taken into consideration when evaluating potential treatment modalities. Your doctor can help with that. From there, the option you choose will likely be determined by what you value the most in terms of:
- Affordability
- Quality of outcome
- Convenience of the process
- Discretion of the appliance
- Degree of direct doctor oversight
Let’s take a look at the common orthodontic treatment modalities and some reasons why they may – or may not – be the right teeth straightening option for you.
Metal braces
Comprised of metal brackets and wires, these are what most of us think of when we hear the word “braces.” We’re accustomed to seeing them on adolescents, but most adults aren’t super excited about that look.
| Pros | Cons |
| · They’re effective! That’s why they’ve stuck around for so long
· They allow for comprehensive orthodontic care to correct most orthodontic conditions including underbite and overbite · In-person doctor oversight |
· Require regular doctor visits
· Are not discreet · Expensive (average around $5500) · Treatment durations can be 2+ years · Hard to clean |
Ceramic braces (or “invisible” braces)
Ceramic braces rely on brackets and wires like traditional metal braces, but the brackets are crafted using clear materials making them transparent and perfect for those who want a less noticeable look.
| Pros | Cons |
| · They’re effective! That’s why they’ve stuck around for so long
· They allow for comprehensive orthodontic care to correct most orthodontic conditions including underbite and overbite · More discreet than metal braces · In-person doctor oversight |
· Require regular doctor visits
· Not as discreet as aligners · Cost – typically a little more expensive than metal braces · Treatment durations can be 2+ years · Hard to clean |
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces have the same components as conventional braces, but they’re fixed to the back of your teeth, on the tongue — or lingual — side of the teeth. Because they’re behind your teeth, they’re nearly invisible.
Pros |
Cons |
| · Visually discreet
· In-person doctor oversight |
· Can’t do everything that traditional braces can do
· Typically causes a lisp · Often irritate the tongue · Require regular doctor visits · Not as discreet as aligners · Cost – typically the most expensive orthodontic option · Treatment duration can be even longer than traditional braces · Hard to clean |
Clear Aligners (in office)
With advancements in technology, clear aligners have become the treatment option of choice for many patients and providers alike.
| Pros | Cons |
| · They’re discreet
· They’re removable and easy to keep clean · Can do more things than at-home aligners using buttons/attachments and IRP · In-person doctor oversight |
· Requires office visits
· The routine. You have to take them out to eat and drink · Can’t do all the things that traditional braces can do · Cost – usually 2-4x the cost of at-home aligners options |
Clear Aligners (at home)
With advancements in technology, clear aligners have become the treatment option of choice for many patients and providers alike.
| Pros | Cons |
| · Affordable (70% less than other options)
· Discreet · Removeable and easy to keep clean · No office visits are required |
· Only suitable for mild to moderate cases
· The routine. You have to take them out to eat and drink · No in-person doctor oversight |
Doctors' office visits during the treatment process can be either a pro or a con depending on your perspective. Our lives are busier than they’ve ever been. Most people don’t have time for regular office visits, or the inclination to pay 2-3x's as much just to have a doctor checking in on their progress in person. However, some people like to have additional peace of mind and are willing to pay extra for it. For most people with mild to moderate alignment needs, at-home clear aligners are a clear winner.
