Clear aligners or braces? Cost, time and daily life compared
Clear aligners and braces both straighten teeth, but they work differently, cost differently and suit different people. This guide compares them side by side, with starting prices at Healthpoint, so you know what to ask at your consultation.
The short answer
Braces are fixed to your teeth, treat almost any case and have the lowest starting price. Clear aligners are nearly invisible and removable, but they only work if you wear them about 22 hours a day, and not every bite suits them. At Healthpoint, metal braces start from AED 249 plus adjustment visits at AED 150 each, and clear aligners start from AED 999. Our orthodontist, Dr. Poojit, tells you which suits your teeth at a free consultation.
Side by side
| Braces | Clear aligners | |
|---|---|---|
| How they work | Brackets and a wire, adjusted every 4 to 6 weeks | A new set of clear trays every 1 to 2 weeks |
| Looks | Visible; ceramic brackets are less noticeable | Hard to notice |
| Starting price at Healthpoint | From AED 249 (metal), plus AED 150 per adjustment | From AED 999 |
| Usual treatment time | 18 to 24 months | 6 to 18 months, for suitable cases |
| Clinic visits | Every 4 to 6 weeks | Every 6 to 10 weeks |
| Eating | Avoid hard and sticky food | Take the trays out to eat |
| Cleaning | Brushing around brackets takes longer | Brush and floss as normal |
| Depends on you | Less: they work all the time | More: about 22 hours of wear a day |
| Suits | Almost every case, including complex bites | Mild to moderate crowding, gaps and many mild bite problems |
Which costs less overall?
Metal braces have the lowest starting price, but each adjustment visit adds AED 150, so the total grows with treatment time. Aligners start higher, and the price depends on how many trays you need. Both need retainers at the end. Compare the total for the whole treatment, not the starting price: our guide to the total cost of braces shows how. You can split either into 4 payments with Tabby or Tamara, subject to their approval.
What each one can treat
Braces can move teeth in every direction with fine control, which makes them the reliable choice for severe crowding, large bite problems and teeth that need to turn a long way. Aligners handle mild to moderate crowding, gaps and many mild bite problems well, and are a good fit for teeth that have moved back after braces. Some aligner cases need extra trays to finish, and a few switch to braces part-way.
Daily life with each
- With bracesNo need to remember anything, but you avoid hard and sticky food, clean carefully around the brackets and expect some soreness after each adjustment.
- With alignersYou eat what you like and clean your teeth as normal, but you take the trays out for every meal and drink other than water, and brush before putting them back.
Questions to ask at your consultation
- Can my bite be treated well with aligners, or do I need braces?
- How long should each option take for my teeth?
- What is the total cost of each, including adjustments, extra trays and retainers?
- What happens if my treatment takes longer than planned?
- Which retainers will I need afterwards, and for how long?
Frequently asked questions
Are aligners faster than braces?
Not always. Simple cases can finish faster with aligners, but for complex cases braces are often quicker and more predictable. Aligners only stay on schedule if you wear them about 22 hours a day.
Which is cheaper, aligners or braces?
Metal braces have the lowest starting price at Healthpoint, from AED 249, while clear aligners start from AED 999. Braces adjustments are charged per visit, so compare the total for the whole treatment.
Can I switch from braces to aligners part-way through?
Sometimes, once the more difficult tooth movements are done. The orthodontist decides whether it suits your case, and the switch needs a new plan and price.
Do aligners work as well as braces?
For suitable cases, yes, if they are worn as instructed. For severe crowding or complex bites, braces usually give more reliable results.
Medical review: to be completed by a Healthpoint dentist, whose name and title will be shown here. This guide is general information, not a diagnosis; your dentist will advise on your own teeth.