Invisible or traditional braces: which is right for you?
Your smile is unique and each case has its own needs. If you’re thinking of aligning your teeth, you need to weigh up your options. On the one hand, you have traditional fixed braces (metal), and on the other, invisible aligners (such as Smilers, the brand we use at Clinicalvor). Invisible aligners stand out for their aesthetics and comfort, while fixed braces remain the benchmark in very complex cases (difficult movements to torque, precise adjustments). In this practical article we’ll compare effectiveness, comfort, aesthetics, maintenance, treatment duration and cost, to help you choose the one that suits you best.
Eficácia e duração do tratamento
Both correct most misalignments well, but they work differently. Fixed braces guarantee very precise movements (useful if you need large rotations or complex adjustments). Aligners, on the other hand, effectively treat moderate cases with the advantage of completing treatment more quickly. Studies show that, on average, invisible aligners are completed a few months earlier than fixed braces in similar cases. In short, if your case is simple or moderate, both work well; in severe cases or those that require a lot of tooth movement, metal braces are usually more reliable.
Comfort and experience
Invisible aligners stand out for their comfort. As they are made of thin plastic and have no wires, they cause less initial pain in the teeth and gums. A clinical trial compared adults with fixed and invisible braces and found that although the initial pain was similar, patients with fixed braces reported significantly more discomfort in the first week and used more painkillers. In contrast, those wearing aligners quickly got used to the slight pressure of each change. What’s more, with invisible braces you don’t run the risk of cuts from the metal, as sometimes happens with brackets or loose wires. Of course, you will feel some discomfort when you start any treatment, but with aligners this discomfort tends to be milder and more temporary.
Aesthetics and discretion
Here the aligners win clearly: they are almost unnoticeable. As they are transparent and fit to the teeth, you pass through people without attracting attention. In fact, a study showed that transparent aligners were elected the most attractive appliances compared to metal brackets. That is, if you are looking for a discreet smile during the treatment, the aligner is unbeatable. The traditional devices have already improved (there are ceramic/ dark versions to disguise the metal), but they are still more visible than the aligners. In practice, if you opt for the invisible aligner (at Clinicalvor we use the Smilers brand), only you will know that you are wearing it.
maintenance and hygiene
Invisible aligners also facilitate oral hygiene. Because they are removable, you can brush your teeth and floss normally at every meal without hindrance. With the appliance fixed, on the other hand, you will have to brush meticulously around each braid and wire, as well as use special dental floss to not leave any remains stuck. This requires more patience and regular cleaning consultations. In practice, aligners promote better gingival health during treatment, and studies show that they generate fewer emergency visits (by broken wires or loose brackets) than the traditional appliance.
costs
Costs vary depending on the clinic and complexity of the case. In general, the invisible aligners tend to cost as much or a little more than the traditional fixed device, mainly due to the technology involved (digital plane and 3D manufacturing). However, this difference is not always large: in many simple cases, prices are close. Studies indicate that most patients are not willing to pay much more just for the superior aesthetics of aligners. In the end, it is worth discussing budgets and payment plans. At Clinicalvor we have financing solutions to make treatment more affordable, and we can help you find the best option within your budget.
Conclusion
In short, there is no one-size-fits-all solution – it depends on your needs and expectations. The invisible aligners (Smilers) are ideal if you value comfort, aesthetics and practicality in hygiene, and if your case does not require very complex movements. The fixed device is the right choice in difficult cases or when you are looking for maximum precision in the final details of alignment. The most important thing is to make an informed decision. For this, nothing better than a professional assessment. Schedule your personalized orthodontic assessment appointment at Clínica Clinicalvor – we will examine your smile, ask questions and design the ideal plan for you.
References
Ke et al. A comparison of treatment effectiveness between clear aligner and fixed appliance therapies
White et al. Discomfort associated with Invisalign and traditional brackets: A randomized trial
Katib et al. Clear Aligners in Orthodontics: A Narrative Review of Stability and Success
Bezerra et al. Esthetic perception and economic value of orthodontic appliances by lay adults
