Alternatives to metal braces: what are the advantages of clear aligners?

If you want a convenient way to straighten your teeth that offers a fairly quick, painless and impressive transformation, take a look at the alternatives to braces right here.

Common problems with braces

When we talk about metal braces, we immediately think of a mouth full of metal. Although braces are a very effective way to correct certain complications, such as crowding, bite problems, gaps, etc., this type of orthodontics has drawbacks.

Among other things, braces aren’t very discreet, so many people leave their dental problems unresolved and face complications later on. Aside from poor aesthetics, braces can cause greater difficulty in maintaining good oral hygiene, since they make it difficult to use dental floss and a toothbrush.

It's also quite a pain for patients who must avoid hard foods or those that involve major use of the incisors and canines, since the braces could come off.

Finally, braces also tend to cause discomfort when they are adjusted in the clinic, resulting in pain in the jaw and teeth. They also often produce sores by rubbing against the soft tissues of the oral cavity, such as the cheeks and tongue.

But luckily, other options besides braces have emerged that are just as effective and that, in turn, eliminate some of those drawbacks.

Technology and your options have rapidly evolved. Good oral health improves the quality of sleep, chewing and digestion, and prevents migraines that can arise as a result of bite problems, among other things. So take a look at your alternatives, because you don't have to choose braces to see results.

Alternatives options to metal braces

Here is the list of ways to straighten your teeth other than with braces these we have:

Clear braces

Clear braces can be made of various materials, but the most common are sapphire and ceramic. These are fixed apparatuses that are placed on the front of the teeth and, unlike traditional braces, are similar in colour to the tooth’s enamel.

They are advantageous in that they go more unnoticed than the metal braces. However, although they are more discreet, they are not entirely invisible. They have a metal arch that makes them not totally invisible.

In addition, like traditional braces, being fixed makes daily dental hygiene difficult and can cause some discomfort.

Self-ligating braces

Self-ligating braces, unlike other types of brackets, don’t use rubber bands to attach to the metal arch. The wire is woven directly through the braces on each tooth.

Additionally, they are smaller than the traditional ones, so they’re also somewhat more discreet. But, like the traditional and clear ones, the fact that it is fixed orthodontics implies the drawbacks mentioned above.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces, but the main difference is that they are fixed on the back of the teeth, on their lingual side. This means that, on the one hand, they are completely invisible to the naked eye, but the drawbacks are that they’re more uncomfortable and that they can cause sores on the tongue due to constant friction.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners, an orthodontic alternative to braces that are totally different and that have numerous advantages. First of all, the material of the aligners is different from that of the braces. They are made from rigid polyurethane, a special plastic made with the latest medical technology.

The aligners are removable, which eases dental cleaning and makes many of the limitations surrounding eating with traditional orthodontics disappear, but that’s just one of the advantages of clear aligners. They’re also transparent, meaning they go completely unnoticed.

The fact that they are different from braces does not mean that they are less effective, quite the opposite: you can achieve the same results in even less time, making them a great alternative to braces, especially for adults.

What are the benefits of clear aligners?

Several aligner benefits make them a fantastic orthodontic alternative to braces, like their ability to treat both normal and complex cases, for example. Since clear aligners have many advantages over other types of orthodontics, we’ve compiled them into a list of typical questions to help you choose if you're considering treatment.

Are aligners visible?

Being made from a transparent medical plastic, perception is almost undetectable since aligners go unnoticed when you smile. This is one of the most sought-after benefits of clear aligners. They’re the perfect option for people who work with the public or whose image is very important to their career, such as actors or actresses. But career aside, the advantage of invisibility that comes with clear aligners makes them so popular among adults in general.

How long do aligners take to work?

The average duration of treatment with invisible aligners is usually between 6 and 14 months depending on the difficulty of the case. In general, they’re a great alternative to metal braces, which are usually needed for approximately 18 months.

Do clear aligners hurt?

As we’ve mentioned, one of the most important benefits of clear aligners as an alternative option to braces is that they are removable and comfortable to wear. Any discomfort is minimal for the first couple of days while your mouth adjusts to a new aligner.

Just as well, because although you can take them out to eat, and clean them, etc., it’s important to wear them for a minimum of 22 hours so that they make the necessary movements in the predicted time.

They don’t change your lifestyle

Thanks to removable orthodontics, you don't have to change your lifestyle. You can continue eating your favourite foods without issue and can avoid the risk of hitting your braces when practising your favourite sport - you can even remove them whenever needed.

Aligners are a great alternative because they allow you to keep living your life as before unlike with braces and other orthodontic options.

Are aligners less painful?

Another factor that makes clear aligners a better way to straighten teeth over braces is that they are generally less painful. In addition, by not needing braces attached to the tooth’s surface, it’s less likely that you’ll get sores or any other type of injury inside the mouth.

Because the tooth movements are progressive, you’ll only notice a slight pressure with each change of aligners. The lack of pain or discomfort that comes with invisible orthodontics is an aspect that makes them an attractive alternative to metal braces.

More hygienic

The aligners are easy to remove and clean which is a huge benefit. You only need a brush, water and neutral soap to keep them clean. Oral hygiene is also simple thanks to the fact that you can better access all corners of the mouth, since you can just take out your aligners to brush your teeth.

Enjoy advantages of clear aligners with invisible orthodontics

Clear aligners indeed have many benefits, but Impress offers even more than other companies. In addition to the advantages mentioned above, with Impress, you can also enjoy the following:

Experienced orthodontists

We have a first-class medical team that specialises in the field of removable invisible orthodontics and that is constantly undergoing additional training. Most importantly, you’ll always have access to the Impress orthodontic experts during your treatment.

We’ll address all your concerns through the Impress app at any time. You’ll have the best professionals following the progress of your treatment, always.

Orthodontic digital diagnosis 

At Impress, we are committed to the digitisation of orthodontics, so our clinics are equipped with the latest technology to diagnose each case in a precise and highly professional manner. During the first visit, we’ll perform a full 3D scan to get a comprehensive status report of your oral cavity. 

Aligners treatment and advanced technology

We have the most modern tools in the orthodontic sector. We use 3D printing technology to manufacture the aligners, which are made from robust, high-quality medical-grade rigid plastic, among other things.

Pay monthly aligners = affordable treatment

Impress prices are fixed. At Impress we have different types of treatments, with completely closed prices. What does it mean that the prices are closed? Basically, from the very beginning you’ll know the total cost of your treatment, no surprises. We also offer the options of paying for the treatment at once or in instalments, to make it easier for you.

Global clinics, support when it counts

Worried about starting an orthodontic treatment because you don't know if you can continue in the same city? No problem. With Impress, you can start your orthodontic treatment in one city and finish it in another, since we have clinics throughout the country and in several other European countries.

Impress kit

At the beginning of your treatment we will give you a kit with everything you’ll need throughout the entirety of the process, so from the very first day you’ll have everything you need to successfully complete the treatment.

24/7 patient care

At Impress we have a patient care service that will answer all your questions at any time during the treatment. You can contact us whenever you want through our app, email or patient service phone.

Fewer clinic visits

Thanks to our app, you’ll be able to carry out the majority of your check-ups from the comfort of your home or wherever you are - you’re able to follow along with your orthodontic treatment from anywhere in the world, giving you more freedom.

Ready to enjoy all the advantages of Impress invisible orthodontics?

These and many other advantages are what make Impress invisible aligners the perfect orthodontic alternative to traditional braces for adults and teens alike. Come to Impress and find out what our invisible orthodontic specialists can do for you.

Contact us by phone at +44 20 3808 1072 or via WhatsApp. You can also jump straight to book an appointment online through our website.

Want to find your local clinic? Find your nearest Impress clinic to learn about our prices, with no obligation. We can’t wait to meet you!