Choosing the best path towards a straighter smile is a big decision, and with the ongoing advancements in orthodontic technology, patients have more options than ever. Between traditional braces and modern clear aligners, both treatments offer unique benefits depending on your goals, lifestyle, and dental needs.
While both options straighten teeth and improve oral health, they differ significantly in appearance, comfort, maintenance, and the impact they have on your day-to-day life. Understanding these differences helps you find the right fit for your smile journey.
At Kleinheinz Dentistry, we’re committed to helping you make an informed choice with expert guidance and personalized care. If you’ve been considering cosmetic dentistry in Charlotte, NC, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about clear aligners vs. braces, so you can confidently take your first step towards your best smile yet.
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a type of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and smile. Usually, cosmetic dentistry in Charlotte, NC, involves procedures that enhance the aesthetic appearance of your teeth, like correcting color, shape, position, or alignment.
This type of dentistry can boost your confidence and help you feel more comfortable with your smile. Even though cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, correcting the shape, position, and alignment still provides oral health benefits.
The main cosmetic dentistry procedure we’ll be looking at in this blog is alignment procedures, such as clear aligners and braces.
What are clear aligners?
Clear aligners are sets of thin, plastic-like teeth trays that are custom-formed to fit a patient’s mouth. They apply pressure to move and guide teeth into the right position over time, using trays that are slightly different in shape.
Clear aligners are removable throughout the treatment process, allowing patients to maintain their usual diet and oral hygiene routine. However, it is critical to wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day to ensure that they can effectively reposition the out-of-place teeth.
People typically wear each set of plastic aligners for about 1 to 2 weeks before switching to the next set of trays. The total number of aligners needed will depend on how much your teeth need to shift to be in an ideal position.
What are braces?
Traditional metal braces are used to straighten teeth, just like clear aligners. However, there are significant differences in their installation and how they work.
Braces apply mild, constant pressure to shift your teeth into the proper position using brackets, wires, and stainless steel bands. First, the brackets are adhered to each tooth, then flexible wires are attached to the brackets. Last, your dentist installs elastic bands to keep the wires firmly in place.
Braces are also visible when you smile and cannot be removed. There are some foods you should avoid after getting traditional braces, including nuts, caramels, and crunchy fruits and vegetables.
A Side-by-Side Comparison
When determining which cosmetic dentistry in Charlotte, NC, procedure is the best option for you and your smile, understanding the core differences help you make an informed decision on your oral health journey.
Here’s a comparison between clear aligners and traditional braces at a glance:
| Feature |
Clear Aligners |
Traditional Braces |
| Appearance | Nearly invisible | Noticeable |
| Comfort | Smooth, clear plastic. No wires or metal. |
Wires can irritate the cheeks and lips until your mouth forms calluses. |
| Removability | Removable for eating and brushing | Fixed until removed by a dentist |
| Eating Restrictions | None | Must avoid sticky, hard, and crunchy foods |
| Maintenance | New trays every 1 to 2 weeks | Adjustments by a dentist every 4 to 6 weeks |
| Treatment Time | 6 to 18 months (can vary) | 12 to 24 months (can vary) |
We can break down the differences between clear aligners and traditional braces into a few categories: aesthetic considerations, comfort, and lifestyle.
Aesthetic considerations include how visible each treatment option is and how it affects your smile while realigning your teeth. Clear aligners are nearly invisible and are a great option for those looking for a discreet option to align their teeth. Braces will be visible, as they require wires and bands to do their job properly.
The comfort of clear aligners and braces is different. Clear aligners are made of a smooth plastic material, which causes minimal to no irritation. Braces with metal brackets can cause discomfort and irritation to the cheeks and lips, especially when they’re freshly installed.
However, your mouth should callus up, and you should receive wax to cover the more irritating brackets and wires to help with the discomfort.
Both treatments alter the patient’s lifestyle in different ways. Clear aligners are removable, which means patients don’t have to change their diet, but they do have to remove the trays to eat and clean daily. Traditional braces remain fixed in place and require specific eating habits and oral care adjustments.
Dr. Kleinheinz can work with you to determine the best treatment options for your cosmetic dentistry in Charlotte, NC, because every patient’s needs are unique. Our team at Kleinheinz Dentistry always strives to find the best oral health solutions for our patients, one that fits with their lifestyle and their needs.
Who is a good candidate for clear aligners?
You may be a good candidate for clear aligners if you:
- Have mild-to-moderate alignment issues, like crooked teeth, gaps, or bite issues
- Are committed to wearing your aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours per day
- Understand that the treatment requires check-in treatments every 4 to 8 weeks so your dentist can monitor your progress
- Have healthy teeth and gums without untreated cavities or gum disease
Even though you don’t have to worry about getting food stuck in your clear aligners, you still need to be diligent about cleaning your teeth and the plastic trays. Being a good candidate means you are willing to commit to:
- Brushing your teeth 2 to 3 times a day
- Flossing at least 2 times per day
- Cleaning and brushing your aligners daily
- Soaking your aligners using a non-abrasive cleaning solution. A combination of water and crystals makes up this cleaning solution—your dentist will provide this.
- Rinsing and drying your trays before storing to minimize bacteria from building up.
When beginning an alignment journey with clear aligners, patients start with a consultation. This allows Dr. Kleinheinz to perform a comprehensive exam and determine if clear aligners are right for you.
What to Expect From Clear Aligner Treatment at Kleinheinz Dentistry
The first step in your journey with cosmetic dentistry in Charlotte, NC, is an in-depth consultation where Dr. Kleinheinz will determine if clear aligners are right for you and your smile. If your needs align with what clear aligners can provide, you’ll be able to move on to your initial appointment.
Your First Appointment
At this first appointment, our team makes a 3D scan of your mouth. Using this scan, we establish a plan to straighten your teeth.
You won’t need to do anything special to prepare for this appointment; just make sure you have good oral hygiene practices, as you must not have any current gum disease or cavities to begin treatment.
At Kleinheinz Dentistry, our most popular option is Suresmile. If these aren’t good matches, we have 6 to 10 different brands we can choose from for clear aligners.
Beginning Your Clear Aligner Treatment
When you receive your first set of aligners, Dr. Kleinheinz will provide instructions on their use and proper care. Remember to:
- Wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day
- Switch to your new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks, as prescribed by Dr. Kleinheinz
- Maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing before inserting your aligners
- Clean your aligners regularly
- Remove your aligners when eating or drinking anything other than water
Our team at Kleinheinz Dentistry is always available to answer questions that you have during your clear aligner journey, so never hesitate to call our office.
What to Expect in the Weeks Following
When you first begin wearing your aligners, it will take some getting used to. The adjustment period typically lasts for 3 to 7 days. Commonly, patients are very aware of their aligners at first, but this diminishes over time.
Along with that, your speech may seem a little different. This resolves as you become more accustomed to wearing your aligners. These experiences are normal and temporary.
In the weeks and months following your initial appointment, you’ll have ongoing appointments So Dr. Kleinheinz can monitor your progress. Then, he can make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.
If at any point you break or misplace your clear aligners, don’t worry. Call the office for a replacement, and read our blog on clear teeth retainers for more information.
Completing Your Clear Aligner Treatment
Everyone’s journey with clear aligners is a little different, and this includes the length of time it takes to complete the treatment. It can take months to years to align all teeth properly and correct an underbite or overbite.
If you want to learn more about the importance of correcting overbites, read our blog on our favorite overbite treatment for more information.
You’ll have a general idea of how long realignment should take based on how many trays your dentist creates for you. As you near the end of your treatment for cosmetic dentistry in Charlotte, NC, you should notice significant improvements in your smile.
At the end of your treatment plan, Dr. Kleinheinz will confirm that your teeth are in the right position. Then, he will discuss the next steps you should take and retention options for maintaining your results.
Let’s Create a Smile You Love, Together
Choosing between clear aligners and braces is more than just a cosmetic decision, it’s about finding a solution that fits with your lifestyle, goals, and long-term oral health. Both treatments offer effective results, but understanding the pros and cons of each helps you move forward with confidence.
At Kleinheinz Dentistry, we combine advanced technology with personalized care to help you choose the option that’s right for you. If you’re thinking about cosmetic dentistry in Charlotte, NC, our team is ready to help you achieve a straighter, more confident smile in a way that’s best for you.
Book an appointment to learn more about clear aligners and your options for cosmetic dentistry.
