For suitable cases after assessment and records.
Treatment comparison
Removable convenience or fixed control.
Both approaches move teeth. The useful comparison is which movements need control, whether daily wear is realistic, how hygiene will be managed, and whether the case belongs with a general dentist or orthodontist.
Ivy does not provide braces. Specialist quotes vary.
Teeth can move after either treatment method.
The aligner simulation is a planning tool, not a guaranteed result. Fixed braces, other appliances, or surgical-orthodontic care may be indicated for some cases.
Side by side
The appliance should match the movement.
Price and visibility matter, but they should not override case selection. Costs for braces are external estimates because Ivy Dental does not provide fixed orthodontic treatment.
| Compare | Clear aligners | Fixed braces |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Clear trays can be less noticeable, but trays and attachments may show | Brackets and wires are visible |
| Removability | Removed for meals and oral hygiene | Fixed in place throughout active treatment |
| Daily compliance | Requires 20 to 22 hours of wear as directed | Does not depend on remembering to insert the appliance |
| Case range | Suitable for many selected movements, but not every complex bite or jaw relationship | Can manage a broad range of movements and complex cases |
| Hygiene | Brush and floss without trays, then clean teeth before replacing them | Clean carefully around brackets and wires with additional tools |
| Food | Remove trays for food and drinks other than water | Avoid foods that can damage brackets and wires |
| Typical timing | Often about 6 to 18 months at Ivy, but varies | Often about 12 to 24 months, but varies by external provider and case |
| Price | From $6,500 at Ivy | External estimate from $5,000, provider quote required |
Case selection
A discreet option is not useful if it cannot control the case.
Aligners may be discussed
- Selected mild to moderate crowding or spacing
- Relapse after previous orthodontic treatment
- Patients able to maintain 20 to 22 hours of wear
- Cases where planned attachments and movements are suitable
Braces may be discussed
- Severe rotations or complex movement
- Significant bite correction or anchorage needs
- Cases where removable-appliance compliance is unlikely
- Treatment requiring specialist orthodontic control
Specialist assessment may matter
- Jaw discrepancies or skeletal bite concerns
- Complex growth, missing teeth, impacted teeth, or surgical planning
- Cases outside the predictable range of general-dental aligner care
Illustrative scenarios
Lifestyle can break a clinical tie, but not replace diagnosis.
Aligners may fit
Selected mild crowding with reliable daily wear
Removability and lower visibility may suit the routine if the proposed movements can be controlled and hygiene is maintained.
Fixed braces may fit
Complex bite correction with uncertain compliance
A fixed appliance may provide control without depending on daily insertion. An orthodontic assessment can define the plan.
Records decide
A case that appears mild from the front
Roots, bone, bite contacts, jaw relationship, and existing restorations can reveal complexity that photographs do not show.
Different responsibilities
Neither option is passive.
With aligners
- Wear trays for 20 to 22 hours each day
- Remove for meals and clean teeth before reinsertion
- Accept that attachments may be visible and IPR may be irreversible
- Attend reviews and refinements when indicated
With braces
- Clean carefully around brackets and wires
- Avoid foods that can damage the appliance
- Attend adjustment and repair appointments
- Use protective equipment where advised
After either
- Wear retainers as directed over the long term
- Replace or repair retainers when needed
- Maintain dental and gum reviews
- Expect that timing and results vary
Before choosing
Five questions for the consultation.
- 01
What exact movements and bite changes are required?
Ask for the clinical problem, not only a simulated cosmetic endpoint.
- 02
Which part of this case favours one appliance?
The recommendation should connect to control, anchorage, compliance, growth, or hygiene.
- 03
Are attachments, IPR, elastics, or other aids expected?
These can change visibility, responsibility, and irreversibility.
- 04
What happens if progress does not follow the plan?
Clarify refinements, referral thresholds, additional stages, and cost.
- 05
What retention and future replacement should I expect?
Both methods need long-term retention and recurring review.
Ivy's scope
Aligners here, referral when braces are better.
No fixed braces at Ivy
Ivy Dental assesses and treats suitable clear aligner cases. It does not provide fixed metal or ceramic braces.
If case complexity, jaw relationship, growth, appliance control, or likely compliance makes fixed treatment more appropriate, the team can discuss referral rather than trying to fit the case into aligners.
Related decisions
Read the mechanics around the quote.
Common questions
Aligners and braces, without appliance bias.
Can clear aligners correct an overbite?
Selected dental overbites can be treated with aligners, but significant skeletal relationships, complex vertical movement, and some bite corrections may be better managed with fixed braces, other appliances, or specialist care. Records and assessment are required.
Are aligners faster than braces?
Not inherently. Selected mild cases may be shorter with aligners, while fixed braces can be more efficient for some complex movements. Timing depends on the planned movement, biology, attendance, appliance management, and aligner wear where applicable.
Do I need a retainer after either option?
Yes. Teeth can shift after any orthodontic treatment. Retainers need to be worn as directed over the long term and eventually reviewed or replaced.
Are aligners invisible?
No. Clear trays may be less noticeable than fixed metal braces, but trays and tooth-coloured attachments can still be seen, especially at close range.
Does Ivy Dental provide braces?
No. Ivy Dental provides clear aligner assessment and treatment for suitable cases. If fixed braces or specialist orthodontic care is more appropriate, the team can discuss referral.
Which option is easier to keep clean?
Aligners are removed for brushing and flossing, but teeth must be cleaned before trays are replaced. Fixed braces require careful cleaning around brackets and wires. Either option can increase decay or gum risk when oral hygiene is poor.
A considered first step
Find the appliance that fits the movement.
We can assess whether clear aligners are suitable and explain when fixed braces or specialist orthodontic care deserves the referral.