Clear Aligners vs. Braces – What's Right for Your Smile?
At Waldman Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer both braces and clear aligners, two highly effective options for creating a healthier, more balanced smile.
The right choice depends on more than just your orthodontic needs. It’s also about your lifestyle, daily habits, and personal preferences.
Both treatments offer unique advantages, and one isn’t necessarily better than the other. During your consultation, Dr. Waldman will take the time to understand your goals and recommend the option that aligns with your smile journey.
Explore the information below to learn more about what each treatment has to offer.
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Benefits of Clear Aligners
Clear aligners straighten teeth by applying gentle, consistent pressure to them over a period of time.
Treatment with clear aligners consists of a series of custom-made trays designed to fit your mouth and adjust your teeth slowly. You wear each set for about one week before switching to the next set in the series until the desired results are achieved. Each aligner is designed to play a specific role in your treatment process.
Virtually Invisible
Clear aligners are made of a lightweight, transparent material, making them nearly invisible when worn.
Although we offer LightForce™ braces as a more subtle option, we have found that clear aligners are the most discreet orthodontic treatment.
Convenient & Removable
For some, the biggest benefit to clear aligners is that they are removable. Clear aligners are designed to be removed when eating, and when brushing and flossing.
Additionally, because clear aligners are removed when eating, there are no dietary restrictions associated with their use. They can also be removed for pictures, date night, and whenever you need, as long as you have them in for at least 22 hours a day.
One of the great advantages of clear aligners is that they’re pre-programmed for your smile journey, meaning fewer in-office visits are needed. Even better—thanks to the Dental Monitoring app, Dr. Waldman can track your progress remotely. You can stay on schedule and move on to your next set of aligners without having to come into the office, making treatment more convenient and flexible than ever.
Comfortable
Whether you choose braces or clear aligners, you should expect some discomfort at certain points of your orthodontic treatment as your teeth move into their new positions.
That said, because clear aligners are designed to be smooth, it is likely that you will hardly notice you're wearing them.
Clear Aligners & Braces in Beverly Hills
At Waldman Orthodontics, we offer treatment with braces for all ages and clear aligners for adults and teens. Our orthodontist will help you choose which treatment option is right for you.
Benefits of Braces
Braces use brackets, wires and elastic bands to shift teeth into the desired positions.
Modern braces aren't the clunky, uncomfortable, face-full-of-metal that you might be picturing from decades ago. Today's braces are more streamlined and comfortable than ever before.
Versatility
Because of their ability to apply strong, consistent pressure to the teeth, braces can be used to resolve almost any misalignment, no matter how complex.
Efficiency & Cost Effectiveness
Braces apply a great level of force to teeth, moving them quickly and shortening treatment times.
Braces are also cost effective in complex cases, because a patient will only get one set of braces.
Ease of Compliance
It's important to consider your own habits. Are you likely to forget to put aligners in or leave them at home?
If you think you may have trouble sticking closely to your treatment plan, fixed braces may help, as you cannot remove them. They'll keep you honest, and get you through treatment on time.