The answer depends on your daily routine, aesthetic preferences, and treatment goals. Both 3M Clarity Aligners and traditional braces effectively straighten teeth, but they fit differently into your life. Your schedule, activities, and personal preferences all play a role in determining which option works best for you.
Our orthodontic treatment options at Lazzara Orthodontics include both clear aligner systems and traditional braces. Dr. John Lazzara earned his dental degree from LSU in 1996 and completed his orthodontic residency at St. Louis University, while Dr. Amy Poblenz graduated from Nova Southeastern University and completed specialized training in craniofacial research before earning her orthodontic certification in 2012. Both doctors are board-certified Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontics, a distinction held by only a small percentage of orthodontists.
How Your Daily Schedule Affects Treatment Choice
Your typical day matters when choosing between aligners and braces. Most patients wear clear aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only for meals and oral hygiene. Traditional braces stay fixed to your teeth throughout treatment, requiring no daily management beyond brushing and flossing.
Business professionals who attend frequent meetings often appreciate the discretion of clear aligners. The removable trays allow you to present yourself exactly as you choose. However, this flexibility requires discipline. You need to commit to wearing your aligners for the recommended hours each day for treatment to progress on schedule.
Parents with busy households sometimes prefer traditional braces for their children because there’s no risk of losing or forgetting to wear appliances. Teens juggling school, sports, and social activities may benefit from the simplicity of braces without constant attention to wear time.
Appearance and Confidence Considerations
Visual discretion ranks high for many patients. 3M Clarity Aligners use clear plastic that matches your teeth, making them nearly invisible in most lighting. Traditional metal braces remain visible, though modern versions are smaller and sleeker than older designs.
Some patients embrace the look of braces, particularly younger teens who enjoy customizing their treatment with colored bands. Others value the professional appearance clear aligners provide during important life events like weddings, graduations, or job interviews.
Eating and Daily Activities
Food restrictions differ significantly between these options. With clear aligners, you remove your trays before eating or drinking anything except water. This means no dietary limitations. You can enjoy popcorn, apples, corn on the cob, and sticky candies without concern.
Traditional braces require avoiding certain foods, causing potential damage to brackets or wires. Hard, sticky, or chewy foods can break appliances, leading to unexpected appointments for repairs. Many patients adapt easily to these guidelines, while others find the restrictions challenging during social gatherings or when traveling.
Clear aligners can be removed during contact sports, allowing you to wear a properly fitted mouthguard that protects your teeth and jaw. Athletes in football, hockey, martial arts, or boxing often prefer this flexibility. Traditional braces stay in place during all activities, and you can wear an orthodontic mouthguard designed to fit over braces.
Maintenance and Oral Hygiene
Keeping your teeth clean during treatment affects long-term oral health. Clear aligners come out for brushing and flossing, letting you maintain your normal hygiene routine without working around hardware. You also need to clean the aligners themselves daily using lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser.
Traditional braces require more attention during brushing and flossing. You brush around brackets and under wires, which takes additional time and technique. Flossing requires threading between wires or using special floss threaders. We provide detailed instructions and demonstrations at your initial appointment so you feel confident in caring for your braces.
Treatment Duration and Results
Both options effectively straighten teeth and correct bite issues. Treatment length depends on your specific case rather than the type of appliance you choose. Simple corrections may take 12 to 18 months with either method, while complex cases requiring significant tooth movement might extend to two years or longer.
Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate spacing issues, crowding, and bite corrections. Traditional braces handle a broader range of complex orthodontic needs, including severe rotations, significant bite problems, and cases requiring precise tooth positioning for other dental work.
Compliance affects clear aligner results more than braces. If you forget to wear your aligners or frequently remove them beyond meal times, treatment extends and results suffer. Braces work continuously regardless of patient action, making them more predictable for some cases.
Cost Considerations
Investment ranges vary based on treatment complexity rather than appliance type. At our practice, 3M Clarity Aligners typically cost between $4,000 and $7,500, while traditional metal braces range from $3,000 to $6,750. Your specific case determines the exact cost.
We work with most major insurance providers and maximize your benefits regardless of which treatment you choose. Beyond our in-network providers, we work with various union plans and specialty insurance programs. While we may not be in-network with your insurance, we process benefits on behalf of all PPO providers. Payment plans are available to fit treatment into your budget comfortably.
Begin Your Smile Journey With Lazzara Orthodontics
Choosing between 3M Clarity Aligners and traditional braces comes down to an honest assessment of your lifestyle, preferences, and needs. Both options create beautiful, healthy smiles. The right choice is the one that fits seamlessly into your life while achieving your orthodontic goals. We help you evaluate these factors during your consultation, examining your teeth, discussing your goals, and recommending the option best serving your orthodontic needs and lifestyle.
Finding quality orthodontic care has never been more convenient. Our Jacksonville Beach office serves residents from Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach, while our Ponte Vedra location offers easy access for Nocatee and Ponte Vedra Beach families. Ready to explore your options? Contact us to schedule a consultation and determine which treatment option aligns with your lifestyle and smile goals.
