Braces or clear aligners?
The honest answer is that it depends on your case. Braces are the most versatile option and handle everything from simple to complex. Clear aligners are near invisible and removable, and suit a lot of milder cases and adults. As a specialist practice we recommend whichever gives you the better result, and both start from $7,900. Your first Smile Assessment is free.
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Reviewed by Dr Shaz MacAvoy, Specialist Orthodontist. Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics), registered with the Dental Council of New Zealand.
How they compare
Two great ways to straighten teeth. Here is what each one is best at.
Braces
Best for complex cases, growing teens, and anyone who wants a fit and forget option.
- Handle everything from simple to the most complex
- Fixed on, so there is nothing to remember and nothing to lose
- Smaller and more comfortable than the braces you remember
- Tooth-coloured and custom LightForce options if you want them discreet
- A dependable choice for teenagers
Clear aligners
Best for milder cases and adults who want something near invisible and removable.
- Near invisible, so most people barely notice them
- Come out for eating, brushing, sport and photos
- Lovely for milder crowding and spacing, and a confidence lift
- Only work when worn about twenty two hours a day
- Specialist-planned in-house with Clarity and Angel Aligners
Not sure which fits? The right choice comes down to your case, your lifestyle and your goals, and that is exactly what your free assessment sorts out.
What actually decides it
Your case
Complex bites and big movements are more reliable with braces. Milder crowding and spacing often suit aligners beautifully.
Your lifestyle
Aligners are removable but need discipline, about twenty two hours a day. Braces are fit and forget, with nothing to remember.
A specialist either way
Both are planned and delivered by a specialist orthodontist, with the same all-inclusive pricing from $7,900 and interest-free plans.
Braces vs clear aligners, answered
Are clear aligners as good as braces?
It depends on your case. Clear aligners are excellent for milder crowding and spacing and for adults who want something discreet and removable. Braces are more reliable for complex movements. As a specialist practice we will recommend whichever gives you the better result, not a particular product.
Which is cheaper, braces or clear aligners in Auckland?
The fee is driven by how complex your case is, not by whether you choose braces or aligners. As a guide, simple and cosmetic treatment starts from $7,900 and comprehensive treatment from $9,900, individually quoted after a specialist assessment. Interest free payment plans are available and we are a Southern Cross Affiliated Provider.
Which is faster?
Speed depends on the case, not the appliance. For an equivalent problem, braces and aligners take a similar time. Aligners only stay on track if they are worn about twenty two hours a day. Your specialist will give you a realistic timeframe at your assessment.
Which is better for teenagers?
Braces are the reliable fit and forget choice for teenagers because there is nothing to remember. Clear aligners can work well for a teen who is disciplined about wearing them all day. At the assessment we give you a straight answer about which suits your teen.
Can I switch from braces to clear aligners, or the other way?
Sometimes, yes. Some cases start one way and finish another, and we can talk it through at your reviews. The most important thing is finishing with a healthy, stable bite.
How do I decide?
Take our two minute smile quiz for a friendly starting point, or book a free Smile Assessment. A specialist will look at your teeth and give you an honest recommendation, with no obligation and no referral needed. See our pricing for the full breakdown.
Still not sure? Let us help you decide
Book a complimentary Smile Assessment and a specialist will tell you honestly whether braces or clear aligners give you the better result. In clinic or over Zoom, no obligation.