If you are weighing up clear aligners against braces, this page explains how the two approaches differ, what each does well, and how we work at Dr Chalita le Roux Inc. in Roodepoort. We provide clear-aligner treatment. Where a case is genuinely better suited to fixed braces, we are honest about that and refer you to a registered specialist for orthodontic treatment, rather than stretch a treatment beyond what it does well.
Call us: +27 71 884 3204 · WhatsApp: 083 710 9131 · Email: info@drchalitaleroux.co.za
What clear aligners are
Clear aligners are a series of thin, transparent, removable trays that move teeth gradually. They are made from a digital scan of your mouth — no putty impressions — and you change to the next tray in the series every week or two as your teeth shift into their planned positions. Because the trays are clear and are taken out for eating and cleaning, many adults and older teenagers prefer them for mild to moderate concerns such as crowding, spacing, mild relapse after previous treatment, and minor bite issues.
Treatment is planned digitally from the outset, so you can usually see a preview of the projected result before you commit. You wear each set of trays for around 20 to 22 hours a day, removing them only to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush.
What braces are, and what we offer
Braces use small brackets bonded to the teeth and joined by a wire to apply continuous, controlled pressure over time. They are fixed in place for the duration of treatment and remain a strong option for more complex tooth movements and bite corrections. At our Roodepoort practice we focus on clear-aligner treatment. If your case clinically needs braces, we will tell you plainly and refer you to a registered specialist for orthodontic treatment so the result is not compromised.
Clear aligners vs braces: the practical differences
- Appearance. Aligners are nearly invisible; braces are visible on the front of the teeth.
- Comfort. Aligners have no brackets or wires to rub the cheeks and lips; braces can feel sharp until you adjust.
- Hygiene. Aligners come out so you brush and floss normally; braces need careful cleaning around the brackets and wires.
- Diet. With aligners you remove them to eat, so nothing is off-limits; braces restrict hard, crunchy and sticky foods.
- Discipline. Aligners only work if you wear them around 20–22 hours a day; braces keep working without you having to remember anything.
- Appointments. Aligner reviews are usually quick check-ins; braces need regular adjustment visits.
- Suitability. Aligners handle many mild to moderate cases well; some complex movements are better with braces.
How clear-aligner treatment works, step by step
First we take photographs and a digital scan and assess your bite and the health of your teeth and gums. From the scan we plan the tooth movements and the number of tray stages your case needs. You then wear each set of trays in turn, moving to the next set every week or two. We see you periodically to check progress. At the end of active treatment, retainers hold the teeth in their new positions — this step matters, because teeth naturally tend to drift back without retention.
Caring for your clear aligners
Aligners are easy to look after. Rinse them when you take them out, brush them gently, and store them in their case rather than wrapping them in a serviette where they are easily lost. Brush and floss your teeth before putting the trays back in, and drink only water while they are in place. Good daily care keeps the trays clear and your gums healthy throughout treatment.
Which option is right for you
The honest answer is that it depends on your specific teeth and what you want to change. At a consultation we take photographs and a digital scan, assess your bite, and talk through whether clear-aligner treatment will achieve your goal or whether your case is better referred for braces. You receive a written treatment plan with a transparent estimate before anything begins, so you can decide in your own time and without pressure.
Cost and treatment planning in Roodepoort
Every case is different, so we do not publish individual fees — the number of tray stages and the complexity of the movements vary from person to person. After your consultation you receive a written treatment plan with a transparent estimate before any treatment begins. We provide a detailed practice statement after appointments, which you submit to your medical scheme directly for reimbursement.
Who is a good candidate for clear aligners?
Clear aligners suit many people with mild to moderate crowding, spacing or mild relapse after previous alignment. Good candidates are willing to wear the trays around 20 to 22 hours a day and have healthy teeth and gums to begin with — we treat any decay or gum issues first. At your consultation we assess whether aligners will achieve your goal, or whether your case is better referred for braces, and we are honest either way.
What clear-aligner treatment can achieve
For suitable cases, clear-aligner treatment can close small gaps, ease crowding, level the teeth and improve both how your smile looks and how your teeth meet. It is not a fit for every situation — significant bite corrections and complex movements are better handled with braces — but for the cases it suits, the results can be excellent and the process is discreet.
- Mild to moderate crowding
- Spacing and small gaps between teeth
- Mild relapse after previous alignment
- Minor bite refinements in suitable cases
Clear aligners and your daily life
One reason people choose clear aligners is how little they interrupt daily life. Because the trays are removable, you eat and drink normally and brush and floss as usual — there are no wires to work around. They are discreet enough that most people will not notice them in conversation or photographs, which matters to many of our adult patients at work or social events. The trade-off is discipline: the trays only work while they are in, so they need to be worn consistently and taken out only to eat, drink anything other than water, and clean your teeth.
Retainers: keeping your result
Teeth naturally tend to drift over the years, so retention is part of the plan rather than an afterthought. Once your teeth are in their new positions, we provide retainers and explain how often to wear them. Wearing your retainer as advised is what protects the investment you have made in your smile.
Combining clear aligners with other cosmetic treatment
Aligning the teeth first often makes other cosmetic work simpler and more conservative. Once teeth are in a better position, lighter treatments such as whitening, edge bonding or thinner veneers can sometimes achieve the finish you want with less preparation. If your goal is a fuller smile makeover, we plan the sequence together — alignment first, then whitening, then any final shaping — so each step builds on the last. We map this out at your consultation and give you a written plan before anything begins.
What to expect at a consultation
A first visit is a conversation, not a sales pitch. We examine your teeth and gums, discuss your concerns and goals, and explain the realistic options and timeframes. We are in Amorosa Office Park, Roodepoort, with free on-site parking. Live directions: view on Google Maps.
Frequently asked questions
Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
For many mild to moderate cases, clear-aligner treatment achieves excellent results. Some complex movements are better suited to braces. We assess your case honestly and tell you which approach fits.
How long does clear-aligner treatment take?
It varies with the case. Simpler corrections can take a few months; more involved cases take longer. We give you an estimated timeline at your consultation after assessing your teeth.
Do clear aligners hurt?
Most people feel mild pressure for a day or two after changing to a new tray, which settles quickly. There are no brackets or wires to rub the cheeks and lips.
Can I eat normally with clear aligners?
Yes — you remove the trays to eat and drink anything other than water, so there are no food restrictions. You brush and put the trays back in afterwards.
Will my teeth move back afterwards?
Teeth naturally tend to drift over time, so we provide retainers to hold the result. Wearing your retainer as advised is what keeps your teeth in their new positions.
Can I get braces at your practice?
We focus on clear-aligner treatment. If your case clinically needs braces, we refer you to a registered specialist for orthodontic treatment and explain why.
How do I start?
Book a consultation in Roodepoort by phone, WhatsApp or email. We assess your teeth, explain your options and provide a written estimate before any treatment begins.
Ready to compare your options? WhatsApp us or call +27 71 884 3204 to book a consultation in Roodepoort.