Orthodontic Treatment Process: Comparison of Braces and Clear Aligners

Curious about the orthodontic treatment process? Compare braces and clear aligners to discover their advantages, disadvantages, and treatment journey.

What is Orthodontics? What Does an Orthodontist Do?

Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry focused on ensuring teeth are properly aligned on the dental bones (alveolar crests) and diagnosing and treating facial irregularities. The term originates from the Greek words “ortho” (straight) and “odons” (teeth).

Although it literally means straight teeth, today orthodontics addresses not only the teeth but also irregularities in the lower jaw and midface. This field examines and adjusts the three-dimensional relationship between the upper and lower jaws relative to the skull base and each other, as well as the alignment of the teeth.

With new advancements in orthodontics since the 2000s, age restrictions for many treatments have been eliminated. Treatment options are now available for adult patients as well, with aesthetic approaches prioritizing patient satisfaction and comfort, enabling successful orthodontic treatments.

In the 2000s, particularly around 2007, orthodontic treatments in the U.S. began using clear aligners that encase the teeth without the need for braces. This method arrived in Turkey around 2010-2011, and recently, aligner treatments—known as “wireless orthodontics”—have become a routine practice applied by orthodontic specialists. With their widespread adoption and development, not only simple aesthetic cases but also functional treatments, treatments for young and pediatric patients, and even highly complex cases are now successfully managed with clear aligners.

Anyone with healthy teeth and gums, regardless of age, can seek orthodontic care to address crowding or jaw misalignment issues.

When Should the First Orthodontic Examination Take Place?

Generally, the first orthodontic examination for children should occur around ages 6-7, when baby teeth begin to fall out and permanent teeth start to emerge. In other words, this is around the time the first permanent molar erupts, often coinciding with the start of first grade.

Scheduling this initial check-up—without worrying whether it’s too early, too late, or the right time to start treatment—is crucial for understanding potential future issues your child may face and ensuring they receive the right treatment at the right time.

Some short-term appliance treatments or early interventions with clear aligners can address skeletal and dental issues in children before they worsen or become more complex. This approach also shortens the duration of future treatments, such as braces or the increasingly preferred clear aligners, if needed. Having straighter teeth between childhood and adolescence also boosts children’s self-confidence.

In short, there’s no fixed age to begin orthodontic treatment, as it varies depending on the dental or skeletal issue. Since this can only be determined through an orthodontist’s examination, don’t neglect that first visit.

When Should You Visit an Orthodontist?

If your child breathes through their mouth or has adenoid issues, this can affect midface development, so consulting an orthodontist is essential.

If your child continues using a pacifier beyond 2.5-3 years of age or still uses a bottle at that age, an orthodontic examination is necessary.

If your child has parafunctional habits like thumb-sucking, lip-biting, or pencil-chewing, an orthodontic check-up is required.

Considering genetic factors, if there’s a family history of severe jaw protrusion or retrusion, crowding, or significant dental irregularities, your child should be evaluated to determine if they exhibit similar traits.

What Are Removable Orthodontic Appliances?

Unlike braces, these are appliances that can be inserted and removed. They are particularly used in early-stage treatments.

Removable space maintainers, screw-based appliances for jaw expansion, habit-breaking appliances, and retention appliances fall under this category. These intraoral removable appliances are custom-designed by an orthodontist to meet the patient’s specific needs, ensuring a perfect fit. They are highly effective in guiding growth and development correctly during early treatments and are preferred for treating positional irregularities of the lower and/or upper jaw and narrow jaw conditions.

The ability to remove these appliances at will offers a significant advantage, especially during meals. They can also be cleaned outside the mouth, making hygiene easier. They can be washed under running water with a brush or cleaned using denture-cleaning tablets available at pharmacies.

Treatment duration with removable appliances varies based on the patient’s issue, purpose, age, and gender, typically ranging from 6 months to 1 year.

What Are Clear Aligners?

Clear aligner treatment, also known as wireless orthodontics, is an orthodontic option that uses a series of nearly invisible, removable, custom-made aligners to straighten teeth. Throughout your treatment, it allows you to smile with the same comfort and confidence as you will post-treatment. Clear aligners are produced using 3D computer technology and have proven effective for treating a wide range of issues.

With these aligners, your teeth gradually shift into their proper positions comfortably, without the need for metal brackets or tightening wires.

Appointment frequency and duration are significantly lower and shorter compared to traditional braces, making the process more comfortable. Unless you mention it, people won’t even notice you’re undergoing treatment. We’d be delighted to examine you at our clinic to determine if any treatment can be addressed with aligners.

Differences Between Clear Aligners and Braces

Clear aligners rarely require emergency appointments. There’s no need for urgent visits due to broken brackets or poking wires.

Clear aligners offer a more comfortable treatment process, avoiding injuries caused by wires in the mouth.

With clear aligners, you can see the treatment outcome before starting.

Clear aligners save you time, with fewer and less frequent appointments, meaning less time in the dentist’s chair.

The risk of new cavities is much lower with clear aligners. You can brush your teeth as easily as if you weren’t in treatment, with no food trapped between brackets.

There are no dietary restrictions with clear aligners. You can eat and drink whatever you want, then brush your teeth and reinsert your aligners.

Treatment duration with braces is longer compared to clear aligners, which can reduce compliance and increase the likelihood of gum issues and cavities.

When worn for the recommended 20-22 hours daily, clear aligners successfully straighten teeth without disrupting your social life.