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Braces vs. Clear Aligners: WHICH IS BEST?

more than smiles

“The question at the top of the list is often which type of appliance to use to correct their orthodontic problem – braces vs clear aligners? How do they decide?”

People who are considering orthodontic treatment usually come prepared with great questions when they arrive for a consultation. The question at the top of the list is often which type of appliance to use to correct their orthodontic problem – braces vs clear aligners? How do they decide?

First, keep in mind that there is not a single “right way” for orthodontic treatment to be done. An accurate diagnosis is the starting place, and that’s something that orthodontists are especially well-trained at, after obtaining orthodontic records (x-rays, photos and models). The orthodontist pinpoints the problem, and then crafts a customized correction.

One appliance is not inherently better than another. What is used for an individual’s correction will be based on the goals of treatment, and the patient’s lifestyle needs. Some things, however, apply to all patients, regardless of type of appliance. For example, all patients must brush and floss their teeth daily and will need to wear retainers post-treatment. Now, let’s examine some common treatment factors to consider for both braces and clear aligners.

Braces

Most orthodontic problems can be successfully treated using braces. Braces have been the traditional form of treatment used by orthodontists for decades, but today’s streamlined braces come in a variety of models – stainless steel, tooth-colored ceramic and even gold-colored.

Visibility

While there are more inconspicuous options (tooth colored brackets, braces that go behind the teeth), other elements remain visible (rubber bands, wires or gold colored brackets). You can, however, choose the colors of your rubber bands.

Removability

For a stable and functional result, braces remain affixed to the teeth throughout the course of treatment. On the bright side, you can’t lose them, unless you eat hard and sticky foods.

Comfort

There may be some initial discomfort when braces are placed or adjusted, and brackets and wires can temporarily irritate mouth tissue. Overall, the discomfort is short-lived and easily managed. Once patients become accustomed to their braces, they may even forget they have them on.

Hygiene

Patients will need to keep teeth, gums and braces free of plaque and food debris so bacteria can’t attack tooth enamel or cause inflamed gums. Food debris and plaque must be removed by frequent brushing and flossing.

Diet

Those with braces must steer clear of foods that are hard, sticky, crunchy and chewy to avoid breaking a bracket or popping a wire out of the bracket. Patients should opt for water instead of carbonated drinks, flavored waters, or sports drinks – these can contain acids and sugars, and both are bad for tooth enamel.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are plastic replicas of your teeth. Wearing them puts gentle pressure on the teeth, ever-so-slightly repositioning them. Aligners are one of many technological advancements that have made orthodontic treatment less conspicuous and one of the many appliances orthodontists use to move teeth and align jaws.

Visibility

Aligners are clear, thin, plastic-like trays, making them virtually invisible and allowing an individual to inconspicuously achieve a straight smile. Tooth colored attachments are frequently placed on the teeth to help guide the teeth into place.  Aligners are designed to minimize the appearance of the appliance to better fit any lifestyle.

Removability

Many patients appreciate that aligners are removable. Take them out to eat, to brush and floss, or for short periods for work or social occasions. The key responsibility is wearing them as prescribed. That typically means a minimum of 22 hours a day and in the correct sequence.

Because they are removable, aligners can be easily lost or damaged. They fall out of pockets and purses and may even get wrapped in a napkin and thrown away.

Comfort

While there may be some initial discomfort when a patient switches to a new set of aligners, the discomfort can be easily managed. Removing aligners because they are uncomfortable defeats their purpose. Aligners can’t work unless they are in the mouth.

Hygiene

It is critical to avoid drinking soft drinks, flavored waters or sports drinks of any kind with aligners in. Liquids seep into aligners and if they contain acid, sugar, or both, it can rapidly lead to staining of the teeth and extensive decay. Teeth need to be spotless when aligners are placed in the mouth.

The type of appliance used in orthodontic treatment is far less important than the skill in the hands of the person who is providing the treatment. Rely on the skills of our awesome team, who has the education, experience and expertise to evaluate diagnostic findings, and translate those into a treatment plan that will help you or your child achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.

As members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) we are recognized at top specialists in our field. The only doctors who can call themselves “orthodontists” have graduated from dental school and then successfully completed the additional two-to-three years of education in an accredited orthodontic residency program.

When you choose our team, you can be assured that you have selected a specialist orthodontist, an expert in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics who possesses the skills and experience to give you your best smile.


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patient testimonials

Every Smile Tells a Story

We love it when our patients smile, and we love it even more when want they want to tell the world! Check out what our patients have to say about their 5-star experience with us.
Cassandra C.
I transferred my care to this location after moving and I’m impressed ! They’re very kind and professional. The office is so cute. I definitely recommend !
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Cassandra! We're thrilled to hear you feel welcomed and impressed by our team. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again!
Alicia C.
My daughter just got braces at Sherman and Balhoff Prairieville's office. We are very pleased with the way the entire process. The staff are excellent! Very friendly, caring, and professional. They took great care of us by explaining every part of the process, and that put all our concerns to rest. I will always highly recommend Sherman and Balhoff. They're the best!!!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your daughter had a positive experience with our team. Your recommendations mean a lot to us. We look forward to seeing you again!
Rebecca
Five of our children have received treatment from Dr. Balhoff. We wouldn’t go anywhere else. The entire staff at Sherman and Balhoff Orthodontics has been wonderful.
Response from the owner:Thank you for trusting us with your family! We love having all of you here.
Gannon B.
It was easy to make an appointment and I was seen quickly by their professional and knowledgeable staff.
I had a great experience and would highly recommend them to any family or friends.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your review Gannon!! Patients like you make our day brighter!
Jenn G.
Really great, honest people who are fantastic at what they do. The whole staff is so kind, personable and friendly.
Response from the owner:Thank you Jenn. We love what we do and people like you make our day even better!
MDU U.
From the very first time you walk though the door, it is a wonderful experience. The staff are all friendly, kind and knowledgeable. We have a wonderful experience every time and cannot recommend this practice highly enough.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind review. Having wonderful people like you in our office makes our days spectacular!
Jimbo T.
My daughter loved going to Sherman & Balhhoff. The office staff / Ashley Mannino were Awesome!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Jimbo! We're thrilled to hear that your daughter enjoyed her visits and that our staff, especially Ashley, made a positive impression. Your support means a lot to us!
Sunset C.
Everything went very smooth. The atmosphere is very relaxing and welcoming! I just them 100% with daughter!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had a smooth experience and found our atmosphere relaxing. It's great to know you and your daughter felt welcome. We look forward to seeing you both again!
Chadwick C.
We have had the best experience. Their team has made my daughter very comfortable which is so important to us.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback, Chadwick! We're thrilled to hear that your daughter felt comfortable with our team. Providing a positive experience for our patients is our top priority. We appreciate your support!
Gabriella R.
I went in for Invisalign and the process was great. We started to notice one tooth wasn’t shifting as well so they ended up trying to refit the Invisalign. When that didn’t work they offered braces to help correct what wasn’t working even though it wasn’t their fault. Start to finish was awesome. If you’re debating between orthodontics- Sherman and balhoff is the place to go because they are on your team and will do what it takes to get the results you want !!!
Although I am not a patient there anymore due to moving states, I still think about this process often and how their entire time really put the patient first even when it probably wasn’t as profitable for them.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review, Gabriella! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with us and that you felt supported throughout the process. Your kind words about our commitment to patients mean a lot to our team. We wish you all the best in your new state, and thank you for recommending us!
Davia W.
The absolute best! We were recommended by my children’s dentist and the office was directly next door (Prairieville location). The entire office staff is amazing and very personable which had me sold from the consultation. My son started treatment in Aug 2024 and so did I Dec 2024. The reviews definitely match the experience and I’d recommend over and over again!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Davia! We're thrilled to hear that you and your son have had such positive experiences with us. Our team strives to provide exceptional service, and your recommendation means the world to us. We look forward to continuing to support you both throughout your treatment!
Carly D.
After having my braces off for only 7 months from a previous orthodontist, I switched to S&B after not being happy with my results and incomplete treatment. One of the best decisions I've made. Great with time management, quick and easy appointments, friendly staff. Definitely recommend.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your positive experience, Carly! We're thrilled to hear that switching to Sherman & Balhoff Orthodontics has made such a difference for you. Our team is dedicated to providing efficient and friendly service, and your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to continuing to support your orthodontic journey!
Scott D.
I recently completed my second go-round with braces (my first was many years ago as a teenager), as a 60 year old patient of S&B.
I want to express my most sincere appreciation for the results I see when I look in the mirror...the results have exceeded my expectations.
Additionally, I was very impressed with the way I was treated (as a patient) each and every time I had an appointment.
Yet, I believe one of the most impactful (and unexpected) memories of this journey was the way I felt each time I left the building (at the end of each appointment.) With no exception, each time I was there, I felt a genuine teamwork atmosphere. To the person, they not only expressed care for me (the patient) but they expressed care for each other (the employee.)
Thank you, S&B, for not only leaving me with a visual example of success but, moreover, an emotional example of success.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words about us and our staff. We work diligently day in and day out to provide the best patient experience possible, so it’s wonderful to hear when we meet our goals!
Allison K.
They are amazing with everyone. My daughter just had braces put on in May and they have been wonderful with questions, etc.
Response from the owner:Allison thank you for your kind words about us and our staff. We work diligently day in and day out to provide the best patient experience possible, so it’s wonderful to hear when we meet our goals!
Dana G.
I used Sherman and Balhoff myself as an adult and now my daughter is a patient there. They are the best and go above and beyond for their patients. Dr. Sherman even came back after closing because my daughter was having an issue with her bite after getting her braces put on. He was so very nice and professional. I would recommend them to anyone.
Response from the owner:Dana thank you for your kind words! Your vote of confidence in our practice is why we do what we do!

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You don’t need an excuse to smile more, but we would like to give you a few extra reasons! We have four locations for your convenience, and each of them have friendly doctors and teams ready to serve you. We can’t wait to meet you!

Prairieville

Central

Baton Rouge

Addis

Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge

Addis

Addis

Prairieville

Prairieville

Central

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Locations

  • BATON ROUGE8311 Bluebonnet Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70810
  • ADDIS6715 LA Highway 1 S.Addis, LA 70710
  • PRAIRIEVILLE14154 LA Hwy. 73Prairieville, LA 70769
  • CENTRAL14465 Wax Rd.Central, LA 70818

Phone

  • (225) 769-1276

Office Hours

Monday 7:30am – 4:30pm
Tuesday 7:10am – 4:30pm
Wednesday 7:10am – 4:00pm
Thursday 7:30am – 3:30pm
Friday 8:00am – 12:00pm (Admin Only)
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