Treatment Comparisons
Clear Aligners vs. Braces
Clear aligners and braces both move teeth into better alignment, using different tools. Aligners are a series of clear, removable trays, while braces use brackets and wires attached to the teeth. Smile Art provides clear aligners and retainers, and Dr. Jaime Lee evaluates whether aligners can achieve the tooth movement you need.
What is the difference between clear aligners and braces?
Clear aligners are custom trays you wear over your teeth and switch for a new set on a regular schedule, each one moving the teeth a small step. Braces are fixed brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by a wire that is adjusted over time. Aligners come out to eat and clean, while braces stay on throughout treatment.
How do clear aligners work?
Dr. Lee records your teeth and bite and plans the movement of each tooth in a digital treatment plan. You then wear each set of aligners for most of the day and night, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and clean your teeth. Regular check-ins let Dr. Lee confirm that your teeth are moving as planned.
How do braces work?
Braces apply steady pressure through a wire attached to brackets on each tooth. An orthodontist adjusts the wire at regular visits to guide the teeth into position. Because braces are fixed, they work continuously without needing to be put in or taken out.
How do they compare?
| Clear aligners | Braces | |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear trays that are hard to notice | Visible brackets and wires, with tooth-colored options |
| Removable | Yes, for eating and cleaning | No |
| Daily wear | Most of the day and night, set by your plan | Continuous |
| Eating | No food limits; aligners come out to eat | Hard and sticky foods are avoided |
| Cleaning teeth | Brush and floss as usual | Extra care around brackets and wires |
| Best suited to | Many mild to moderate alignment needs | Complex movements and some bite corrections |
Who are clear aligners a good fit for?
Clear aligners often fit adults and teens with crowding, spacing, or mild to moderate bite concerns who prefer a discreet option. They work best for patients who will wear the trays for the full daily time their plan calls for. Dr. Lee also checks that your teeth and gums are healthy before treatment begins.
When are braces a better fit?
Some tooth movements or bite corrections are better treated with braces or other specialist orthodontic care. These can include significant rotations, large bite discrepancies, or cases that also involve jaw growth. If Dr. Lee finds that aligners would not reach your goals, she explains why and discusses other orthodontic options with you.
How does Dr. Lee evaluate your case?
Dr. Lee examines your teeth, gums, and bite and reviews records of how your teeth fit together. She explains what aligners can achieve for your teeth, how long treatment may take, and what your part in wearing them involves.
What affects the cost?
The cost of aligner treatment depends on how much movement is needed, how many sets of aligners your plan requires, and the retainers that follow. Some dental plans include orthodontic benefits. Our team will verify your benefits before your appointment and review the expected cost with you.
Frequently asked questions
Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
For many mild to moderate alignment needs, aligners can achieve results comparable to braces when worn as directed. Some complex movements are better treated with braces, and Dr. Lee explains which fits your case.
Does Smile Art provide braces?
Smile Art provides clear aligners and retainers. If braces would serve you better, Dr. Lee explains why and discusses other orthodontic options with you.
Will I need a retainer afterward?
Yes. Retention is part of orthodontic treatment because teeth can move after active alignment is complete.
Do aligners hurt?
Many people feel pressure for a day or two when they switch to a new set of aligners, which is a sign the teeth are moving. The pressure usually eases as the teeth adjust.
Related pages
Where is our Seattle dental office?
Smile Art is at 901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030, Seattle, WA 98104. We welcome new patients from Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Seattle, WA 98104
HoursMonday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm
Phone(206) 325-7200
The Cabrini Medical Tower garage entrance is at 1010 Marion St. The building entrance is on Boren Ave; Dr. Lee is in Suite 1030. Parking for a Smile Art visit does not require validation. Directions to the garage. Check posted rates when you park.