
Did you know that nearly 60% of the population suffers from misaligned teeth? With so many people struggling with this issue, it’s no wonder that many are turning to orthodontic treatments like braces to solve the problem.
The main concern most individuals face is the unappealing appearance and discomfort caused by metal braces. The cosmetic concerns can cause people to delay getting important dental care or to skip getting it altogether!
One solution to this problem is clear braces. If you’re considering getting a clear braces treatment, this guide is for you. In this guide, we will explore the different types of clear braces to help you understand better and make an informed decision.
What Are Clear Braces?
There are different types of clear braces, including ceramic and invisible aligners. Each type has its own composition, benefits, and level of effectiveness. Due to the material they’re made out of, a clear braces treatment can be a great way to straighten your teeth without the obvious appearance of brackets. All the types of clear braces are explained below to give you a better understanding of each.
Clear Aligners

One of the most popular types of braces is clear aligners. Clear aligners are composed of transparent plastic material that wraps around the teeth. They can treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, including mild to moderate crowding, spacing, and bite problems. Since clear aligners don’t use metal wires or brackets, they’re often considered more comfortable than traditional braces and are less likely to irritate your lips or gums.
One important thing to remember is that clear aligners need to be worn consistently, usually 20 to 22 hours a day, for the treatment to be effective. Because they’re removable, it takes discipline to stay on track, but when worn as directed, they can deliver excellent, long-lasting results.
Benefits of Clear Aligners
Barely Visible
Clear aligners are composed of transparent plastic material, which means you can go unnoticed while getting your teeth straightened. An ideal escape for anyone wanting to correct their teeth alignment without getting noticed.
Easy to Remove
Aligners are not fixed on the surface of teeth like metal braces. They can be removed without the supervision of an expert. This means you can take them out before meals, important events, or whenever needed.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Since aligners can be removed easily on your own. This helps prevent plaque buildup, reduces the risk of cavities, and keeps your breath fresh throughout your treatment.
Ceramic Braces

Another type of clear braces includes ceramic braces. This type of brace is composed of tooth-colored brackets and wires, which make it less visible compared to metal braces. The level of effectiveness of ceramic braces is similar to that of metal braces, which means you can get your severe misalignments treated with ceramic braces.
Benefits of Ceramic Braces
Discreet Appearance
Ceramic braces are tooth-colored, which makes them less visible than metal braces. A perfect way for individuals who are conscious of their appearance, even during a smile makeover.
Effectiveness
Ceramic braces are as effective as metal ones, which means they can treat mild, moderate, to even complex dental malalignments.
Clear Braces VS Metal Braces
Here is a table of the different types of clear braces in comparison to metal braces. The tabular formation will help you get a quick understanding of clear braces vs metal braces.
Features | Metal Braces | Ceramic Braces | Smilepath Clear Aligners | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Composition | Metal brackets and wires | Tooth-colored brackets and wires | Invisible plastic trays | |
Visibility | Visible | Less noticeable | Barely visible | |
Effectivity | Can treat severe cases | Can treat severe cases | Mild to moderate cases | |
Hygiene maintenance | Gets challenging | Hard to clean | Easy to maintain | |
Removable | Fixed | Fixed | Easy to remove | |
Treatment duration | 1 - 3 years | 1 - 3 years | 4 - 6 months | |
Cost | $6,000 - $10,000 | $6,500 – $10,500 | $1,849 |
Straighter Teeth: The Smilepath Way

Smilepath offers clear aligners, one of the discreet types of clear braces. Our invisible aligners are composed of BPA-free plastic material that makes them barely visible. With our different treatment plans, day and night, you can get the type of treatment that best suits your lifestyle.
What are the Benefits of Smilepath Clear Aligners?

Affordable Plans
Smilepath offers affordable clear aligner plans, which means you do not have to stress over the hefty amounts. Whereas get your smile transformed within your budget.
Customized Clear Aligners
Our clear aligners are custom-fit, which means they are made according to your dental structure. They help to exert a directed pressure on the teeth in your case.
How Smilepath Clear Aligners Work?
Here is the simple process on how to get your Smilepath Clear Aligners online.
- Initial Smile Assessment: Take a free online assessment to see if you're a candidate.
- Create Your Impressions: Order an impression kit and take dental impressions at home.
- Treatment Plan: Our licensed dentists create a personalized 3D treatment plan for you.
- Aligner Fabrication: Once approved, your custom clear aligners are manufactured.
- Begin Your Journey: Receive your aligners and start straightening your teeth at home.
Which Clear Braces Are Best for Adults?
When it comes to straightening your teeth, you have a few clear options, like ceramic braces or invisible aligners. Each type works differently and comes with its pros and cons. The best choice for you depends on how serious your case is and what suits your daily routine. A quick chat with your orthodontist can help you figure out the best clear braces for your smile and lifestyle.
FAQs
The different types of clear braces include ceramic braces and invisible aligners. Each type has its pros and cons, and you can opt for the one that best suits your dental misalignment.
Yes, clear aligners are an effective approach to teeth straightening, just like metal braces. However, they are best recommended for mild to moderate dental misalignments.
Yes, clear aligners can help fix mild to moderate tooth gaps. They exert a gentle pressure on the teeth over time and move teeth to a desirable position.
Citations:
American Association of Orthodontists. Adult Orthodontics (https://www3.aaoinfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Adult_Orthodontics15-cons-hl-1.pdf). Accessed 1/13/2023.
American Dental Association. Braces (https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/braces). Accessed 1/13/2023.
Lin E, Julien K, Kesterke M, Buschang PH. Differences in finished case quality between Invisalign and traditional fixed appliances (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35168256/). Angle Orthod. 2022 Mar 1;92(2):173-179. Accessed 1/13/2023.
Turner S, Harrison JE, Sharif FN, Owens D, Millett DT. Orthodontic treatment for crowded teeth in children (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34970995/). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Dec 31;12(12): CD003453. Accessed 1/13/2023.
Watson, K. (2020, March 20). Who needs braces? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/do-i-need-braces
deLeeuw, A. (2022, June 22). Ceramic braces: Pros, cons, and cost. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/ceramic-braces
Jewell, T. (2019, May 17). Ceramic braces: How do they compare? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/ceramic-braces