Adult Braces or Clear Aligners? Choosing Your Path to a Straighter Smile

Feeling self-conscious about your smile doesn’t have to be a lifelong challenge. Thanks to modern orthodontic solutions, adults now have several discreet and effective ways to achieve straighter teeth without traditional metal braces. 

At Century Dental, Dr. Call and Dr. Simnitt understand that your lifestyle, comfort, and confidence all play a role in deciding the best path forward. Let’s walk through the key differences between adult braces and clear aligners so you can choose the option that fits you best.

Understanding Your Options: Adult Braces vs. Clear Aligners

Both adult braces and clear aligners aim to correct alignment issues, but they differ in appearance, maintenance, and treatment time. Here's a closer look:

• Traditional Braces: These use metal brackets and wires to gradually shift teeth. They offer unmatched control and are typically ideal for more complex dental corrections.
• Clear Aligners (like Invisalign): These are custom-fitted, removable trays made from smooth, nearly invisible material. They’re a popular choice for those wanting an unnoticeable and flexible treatment option.

Each comes with its own set of benefits, which is why our team at Century Dental takes time to understand your specific concerns and goals before recommending a treatment plan.

What to Consider When Choosing

Deciding between adult braces and clear aligners isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s also about how the treatment fits into your everyday life. Our team takes a personalized approach to help you weigh the factors that matter most to you:

• Appearance: If discreet treatment is important, clear aligners win. Braces are more visible but now come in tooth-colored options for a less noticeable look.
• Comfort: Clear aligners are generally more comfortable as they lack wires or brackets that can irritate your gums or cheeks.
• Convenience: Aligners can be removed for eating or special events. Braces, being fixed, don’t offer that flexibility but don’t require the discipline of wearing aligners 22+ hours a day. After all, you’ll never forget to wear them or lose them!
• Complexity of Case: For more severe alignment issues or bite problems, braces may be more effective.

We’re here to guide you, not just treat you. By listening to your needs and explaining every detail, Dr. Call and Dr. Simnitt ensure you feel confident in whatever path you choose.

How Century Dental Helps Along the Way

Our commitment to local, patient-centered care means your journey to a better smile doesn’t feel like a chore. It feels personal. Here’s how we stand out:

• Advanced Imaging and Diagnostics: We use precise digital scans to plan your treatment, which also helps reduce time in the chair.
• Same-Day Crowns: Need a crown during orthodontic treatment? Our in-house technology allows us to craft durable, custom crowns in a single visit.
• Transparent Pricing & Membership Options: Our $660/year in-house membership covers preventive care, making orthodontic planning more manageable without relying on insurance.

Because Dr. Call and Dr. Simnitt grew up in Oregon and have been treating smiles in Hillsboro for over 25 years, many of our adult patients feel like family. And we wouldn’t want it any other way.

Results That Last

Orthodontic treatment isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s an important step in improving overall oral health. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, reducing risks of gum disease and tooth decay. Whether you choose braces or clear aligners, your long-term health is always our goal.

• We monitor retention carefully to ensure your results last.
• Custom retainers are included in your treatment plan to maintain alignment after active treatment ends.
• We also check in routinely to track your progress and make adjustments when needed.

No two smiles are exactly the same, and at Century Dental, you never have to settle for cookie-cutter treatment. We’re passionate about precision and your comfort every step of the way.

Schedule Your Orthodontic Consultation in Hillsboro

If you're considering adult braces or clear aligners, the best place to start is with a personalized consultation. At Century Dental in Hillsboro, we’ll take the time to understand your unique smile goals and help you explore the best path forward. Call us at (503) 642-5800 to schedule your visit with Dr. Call or Dr. Simnitt. We’re here to help you love your smile again.