Choosing between clear aligners and metal braces can feel a bit like deciding between paddleboarding at Lake Killarney or strolling the shops at Lakeside Village Center—both can get you where you want to go, but the experience is totally different! Families across Orlando and Windermere often ask Dr. Lauris Johnson and the team at MyFamily Orthodontics which option works better, and the answer depends on more than just appearance. Let’s break it down and compare how each option fits into real life, starting with what makes clear aligners such a popular choice.
Low Profile, High Flexibility
Clear aligners (like Invisalign and Spark) are a favorite for teens and adults who want their orthodontic treatment to stay under the radar. These custom-molded trays fit snugly over your teeth and are virtually invisible, which makes them a great option for work presentations, school photos, or brunch at Maple Street Biscuit Company!
Patients at MyFamily Orthodontics love that aligners are:
- Removable – Take them out for meals, drinks, or brushing
- Comfortable – Made from smooth, BPA-free plastic
- Discreet – Hardly noticeable when worn
- Custom-fit – Designed using digital scans for a precise fit
Each set of aligners is worn for about one to two weeks, slowly guiding teeth into place. You’ll swing by for a quick check-in with Dr. Johnson every six to eight weeks to make sure everything’s on track.
While aligners are convenient, they do require consistency. Let’s look at how traditional metal braces compare in both structure and day-to-day routine.
Classic, Reliable, and Built to Last
Metal braces may be the original orthodontic option, but there’s nothing old-school about the way they work now. The brackets are smaller, the wires are lighter, and the results speak for themselves. For many patients at MyFamily Orthodontics, especially kids and teens, braces are a dependable way to take on complex alignment needs with confidence.
Here’s why metal braces remain a top pick:
- Always working – You can’t take them off, which means no skipping wear time
- Strong and durable – Built to handle tough cases and active lifestyles
- Budget-friendly – Often more affordable than other options
- Customizable – WildSmiles brackets add a fun twist with shapes like stars, hearts, and footballs!
Adjustments are made during regular check-ins with Dr. Lauris Johnson, and patients often enjoy seeing steady progress after each visit.
While you won’t be popping them out for meals, braces are still manageable with a few simple changes to your routine. Now that you’ve seen how each treatment works, let’s explore how they fit into everyday life.
Life with Braces vs. Life with Aligners
Both clear aligners and metal braces get the job done, but the day-to-day experience can look pretty different depending on which one you choose. Here’s how they stack up when it comes to food, hygiene, and keeping up with your routine.
Eating and Drinking
With aligners, you’ll need to remove them before every meal or snack (even that quick smoothie stop in Winter Garden). The upside? No food restrictions. Just pop them out, eat what you like, brush, and pop them back in.
Braces, on the other hand, come with a few ground rules. Say goodbye to caramel popcorn and sticky candy, and be gentle with crunchy foods. Soft meals (think mashed potatoes, eggs, and pasta) are great go-tos, especially in the first few days after adjustments.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Aligners make brushing and flossing feel familiar since there’s nothing in the way. Just clean your trays and brush as usual.
Braces need a bit more effort—floss threaders, water flossers, and extra brushing around the brackets all help keep things clean and cavity-free.
Staying Active
For athletes and active kids, both options can work. Braces may require a mouthguard during contact sports, while aligners can be removed completely (just don’t forget to put them back in after the game).
Next, let’s look at the bigger picture: cost, treatment time, and how often you’ll need to visit MyFamily Orthodontics.
Cost, Treatment Time & Check-Ins
When comparing clear aligners and metal braces, you also have to consider how they fit into your schedule, budget, and overall treatment timeline. Here’s what you can expect on the practical side of things at MyFamily Orthodontics.
- Cost:
Both options are priced similarly for most cases, but metal braces are often the more budget-friendly choice, especially for complex needs. MyFamily Orthodontics offers flexible payment options for both, making treatment accessible for families throughout Windermere and Orlando.
- Treatment Time:
Clear aligners and braces typically take around the same amount of time to complete—about 12 to 24 months on average. The exact timeline depends on your case and how well treatment is followed.
- Appointments:
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- Clear Aligners: You’ll visit Dr. Johnson every 6 to 8 weeks for a quick progress check.
- Braces: Regular adjustments are also scheduled every 6 to 8 weeks, with slightly more hands-on time during visits.
- Responsibility:
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- Clear Aligners: You’ll need to wear them for 22 hours a day and stay on track with changing trays.
- Braces: They’re always working! No need to remember anything except keeping them clean and showing up for appointments.
Now that we’ve compared the logistics, let’s talk about how Dr. Lauris Johnson helps patients decide which option fits best.
Finding the Right Fit with Dr. Johnson
Neither clear aligners or braces is necessarily “better”, but one may fit into your lifestyle easier. Dr. Lauris Johnson takes time to get to know each patient and walks you through every option based on your needs, goals, and lifestyle. Whether you’re a teen balancing school and sports or an adult juggling Zoom calls and coffee breaks, MyFamily Orthodontics will help you find what fits.
No pressure, no guesswork—just honest advice and expert care. Once you’re ready, the team will handle the details so you can feel confident moving forward with treatment that works for you!
Ready to Decide?
Now that you’ve seen the options side-by-side, the next step is yours! Dr. Lauris Johnson and the team at MyFamily Orthodontics are here to make that decision feel easy, not overwhelming. With honest insight, flexible options, and two convenient locations in Windermere and Orlando, your new smile starts with one simple step. Schedule your free consultation and let’s start shaping the smile you’ve been dreaming of.