Best Clear Braces for Adults in 2023 - Invisible Aligners Reviews

What are Clear Braces for Adults?

Clear braces, also known as invisible aligners, are a popular alternative to traditional metal braces for adults seeking straighter teeth. As the name suggests, clear braces are transparent and blend in with your natural teeth, making them difficult to notice.

Clear braces apply gentle pressure to teeth to gradually shift them into alignment over time. Each set of clear aligners is worn for 1-2 weeks before switching to the next set in the treatment plan. Treatment typically lasts between 6-24 months depending on the complexity of the case.

Some of the top brands of clear braces systems for adults include Invisalign, SmileDirectClub, Byte, and Candid Co. These companies use slightly different materials and technologies, but all aim to provide discreet teeth straightening.

Benefits of Clear Braces

There are many reasons clear aligners have become a popular teeth straightening option among adults:

• Aesthetics - Clear braces are practically invisible, making them a discreet approach.
• Removable - Aligners can be taken out for eating, brushing, flossing, or important events.
• Comfort - Aligners are smooth and comfortable rather than abrasive metal.
• Shorter treatment times - Some cases can be completed in just 6 months.
• Hygiene - Being removable makes it easier to maintain excellent oral hygiene.

Factors to Consider

There are several factors you should keep in mind when considering clear aligners as an adult:

Your case complexity

Clear aligners work best for minor to moderate alignment issues such as small spaces or crooked teeth. More complex cases involving bite issues or severely crooked teeth may still require traditional braces or aligners plus attachments.

Your dental health

You'll need to have healthy gums and teeth without extensive decay or gum disease to be a good candidate for clear braces. Issues like gum disease must be addressed first before starting treatment.

Your compliance

As clear aligners are removable, success depends on wearing them consistently for 22+ hours per day. You'll need commitment to keep them in and switch aligners on schedule. Teens or less motivated patients may do better with fixed braces.

Provider options

You can get clear aligners through an orthodontist, dentist, or mail-order company. Orthodontists have the most training and can treat complex cases. Dentists and mail-order provide more affordable options for straightforward teeth alignment.

Costs

Clear braces typically range from $1,500-$8,000 depending on provider and treatment length. On average they are more expensive than traditional braces but have no ongoing visits or supplies to purchase.

Top Clear Braces Brands Compared

If you've decided clear aligners are right for your needs, choosing a brand is the next important decision. Here is an overview of some top clear braces systems for adults:

Invisalign

As the most well-known brand, Invisalign has treated over 10 million patients worldwide. Treatment involves custom-made aligners changed weekly to gradually shift teeth. An orthodontist monitors progress with in-office checkups every 4-6 weeks.

Pros:

• Experienced company with over 25 years perfecting clear aligner technology
• Works for even complex cases like bite issues
• Precise 3D imaging and movement tracking

Cons:

• On the pricier side, averaging $5,000-$8,000
• In-office visits can be inconvenient
• Relies on orthodontist expertise

SmileDirectClub

SmileDirectClub offers a more affordable and convenient option by shipping custom aligners straight to your door. You begin by taking dental impressions or photos at home to create a treatment plan. Average treatment is 4-6 months with new aligners shipped every 2 weeks.

Pros:

• Convenient home impressions and virtual monitoring
• Affordable prices averaging $1,850
• Flexibility to get aligners shipped anywhere

Cons:

• Must be diligent getting progress check-ins
• Not recommended for complex cases
• Cannot consult orthodontist directly

Byte

Byte uses a similar model to SmileDirectClub with at-home impressions to create aligners. Byte sets itself apart with its special brightening technology claiming to whiten teeth up to 2 shades in just 3 months with aligners.

Pros:

• Convenient impression kits and aligners shipped to you
• Brightens teeth while straightening
• All-day customer service and support

Cons:

• Not suitable for complex cases needing orthodontist oversight
• Some users report longer treatment times than expected
• Must keep up with progress check-ins

Candid Co.

Candid offers clear aligners overseen remotely by an orthodontist combined with at-home impressions and aligners shipped directly to you. Treatment times average just 6 months due to use of specialized movement tracking software.

Pros:

• Discreet aligners and impressions done at home
• Orthodontist monitoring with remote check-ins
• Advanced software for faster results

Cons:

• Must keep all appointments and submit check-ins
• Not suitable for complex dental issues
• Higher cost than some mail-order options

What to Expect With Clear Braces Treatment

The clear braces process involves several key steps:

Impressions and scan

The first step is taking molds or images of your teeth to map out their current position. This may involve dental impressions, photos, or intraoral scanner.

Treatment plan

Your provider will create a customized treatment plan mapping out the step-by-step tooth movements needed. Total treatment time depends on complexity.

Receiving aligners

Once approved, your full set of custom aligners will be created and delivered to you. Each set is worn for 1-2 weeks before switching.

Wearing aligners

Aligners must be worn 20-22 hours per day. You take them out only for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Treatment relies on your compliance.

Progress checks

Your provider will monitor your progress and make sure teeth are tracking properly. This may involve in-office visits or remote check-ins depending on your plan.

Additional aligners

If teeth don't track to plan, you may need additional aligners called mid-course corrections at an additional cost.

Caring for Clear Braces

To keep your aligners working and teeth healthy during treatment, excellent oral care is a must:

• Brush after eating - Brush and floss after meals before putting aligners back in.
• Clean aligners daily - Soak aligners in cleaning solution or brush with toothpaste.
• Don't drink staining drinks - Avoid coffee, tea, wine, and other staining drinks while wearing aligners.
• Watch what you eat - Take aligners out for sticky, crunchy, or hard foods that could dislodge them.
• Stay hydrated - Drink lots of water to support the movement process and oral health.

Clear Braces vs Traditional Braces

Clear aligners offer an excellent alternative to traditional metal braces for adults and teens. Here's a comparison of the two options:

Treatment process

Clear braces involve swapping out aligners every 1-2 weeks while braces apply steady pressure through wires and brackets. Braces require frequent adjustments at orthodontic visits.

Appearance

Clear aligners are practically invisible while metal braces are highly visible. Ceramic braces offer a less visible option.

Lifestyle impact

Clear aligners are removable, have no dietary restrictions, and don't irritate cheeks. Braces make eating uncomfortable and restrict some foods.

Oral hygiene

Aligners are easier to keep teeth clean with than braces where you must take extra care brushing around wires and brackets.

Treatment time

For simple cases, aligners may have shorter overall treatment times. But braces are usually faster for complex cases.

Discomfort

Aligners involve some soreness switching to new sets. Braces cause irritation of cheeks and lips which takes some adjustment.

Cost

On average, clear aligners cost $1,000-$2,000 more than metal braces for total treatment. But aligners have no ongoing costs for adjustments.

FAQs

How long until clear braces show results?

Most patients start seeing subtle alignment improvements in the first 1-2 months. Dramatic straightening typically occurs between month 3-6, but total treatment times vary.

Can clear braces fix overbites?

In some cases yes, but severe overbites and other complex bite issues are better handled by braces or aligners plus attachments. Consult your orthodontist.

What are the downsides to clear braces?

The main downsides are the need for discipline to wear aligners full-time, avoiding staining foods/drinks, and watching for speech impediments. They also won't work well for certain complex cases.

Do clear braces hurt?

There can be mild soreness when you switch to a new aligner putting pressure on your teeth. This discomfort typically lasts only 2-4 days as you get used to the new set.

Can clear braces replace missing teeth?

No, clear aligners can only straighten existing natural teeth. If you are missing teeth, braces or dental implants are required to shift other teeth into the space.

The Bottom Line

Clear aligners provide an excellent teeth straightening option for adults with mild to moderate alignment issues. They have advantages in terms of aesthetics, lifestyle impact, and oral hygiene compared to traditional braces. With options from orthodontists or more convenient mail-order kits, clear braces make it easy to achieve the smile you want discreetly.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.