Clear aligner treatment is one of the most popular orthodontic treatments for adults and teens. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, about 4 million people wear braces to correct misalignment. Many of those people choose clear aligner treatment instead of traditional metal braces. Of course, one of the most asked questions about clear aligner treatment is if it is as effective as metal braces. Keep reading to learn more.

What Can They Do?

Clear aligners are proven as effective as metal braces for many different corrections. The short answer is yes, clear aligners are as effective as metal braces. Of course, every situation is different, and clear aligners may not be the right solution for your specific condition. Due to their plastic nature, they are not as effective for severe orthodontic cases. However, in all cases where clear aligners are an option for the patient, the results are comparable to the results for traditional metal braces.

Who Can Wear Them?

Clear aligner treatment is best for simple-moderate corrections. It is estimated that about 90% of orthodontic corrections are classified as “simple-moderate non-extraction” corrections. This means roughly 10% of brace wearers have conditions that are too complex to have invisible aligners as a treatment option. If you fall into the 90% category of brace wearers, then you can choose invisible aligners as a treatment option and expect to get the same results you would get with metal braces. Your orthodontist is the best judge of whether your specific misalignment would respond well to clear aligner corrections.

Why is it Popular?

Clear aligner trays offer unique benefits that are not available with traditional metal braces. For example, you don’t have to make dietary changes to wear these clear aligners. You remove the trays to eat and drink, which means you can continue to eat and drink what you want. With these trays, no one has to know that you are making corrections. They have a barely-there aesthetic that is hard to spot unless you point them out. They make it easier to care for your teeth because they can be removed during brushing and flossing.

There are many benefits that come with clear aligner treatment that many patients enjoy. You get great results and none of the negative drawbacks that metal braces bring to the table. Make an appointment with Dr. Bret Orthodontics for a consultation today to learn about your options.