Braces or aligners 101

It’s important to know your treatment options before you decide.
Get familiar with the key differences among the treatment options.

Please scroll to view more options. →

	Metal Brackets	Ceramic/Clear Brackets	Lingual Brackets	Clear Aligners
What Are My Options?	Metal brackets attached to the teeth	Clear brackets that blend in with teeth	Highly discreet due to placement on the tongue side of the teeth	Clear plastic aligners that fit over your teeth, like a mouthguard May not be applicable for more serious bite cases
Is It Noticeable?	Yes	Less noticeable	Highly discreet due to placement on the tongue side of teeth	Less noticeable May be more noticeable if attachments (small white buttons) are needed on the teeth
Is It Removable? Does It Affect My Daily Routine?	Not removable Important to keep brackets clean with daily brushing and flossing May require elastics	Not removable Important to keep brackets clean with daily brushing and flossing May require elastics	Not removable Important to keep brackets clean with daily brushing and flossing May require elastics	Removable Requires compliance of wearing aligners approximately 22 hours a day Important to keep aligners and brackets clean with daily brushing and flossing May require elastics
Cost	Most cost-effective About $5,000 to $7,000*	May be slightly more expensive than metal braces	More expensive than metal braces	Costs vary widely based on level of doctor supervision
How Long Will It Take?	A few months to a couple of years, depending on patient's complexity*	A few months to a couple of years, depending on patient's complexity*	A few months to a couple of years, depending on patient's complexity*	A few months to a couple of years, depending on patient's complexity* Can take longer, if not worn approximately 22 hours daily

*Source: American Association of Orthodontists