Orthodontics

Braces or clear aligners: which to choose

Braces and clear aligners both straighten teeth, but living with them is very different. How they differ, who each one suits, how long treatment takes and where to start.

A model of jaws with braces and clear aligners in a case
Updated: 8 min read
Article contents
  1. How braces differ from clear aligners
  2. Who should see an orthodontist
  3. Types of braces
  4. How clear aligners work
  5. How long treatment takes and how often you visit
  6. After treatment: retainer and tray
  7. What braces and clear aligners cost
  8. Frequently asked questions

In short

Braces

from 18,000 UAH

metal, one jaw, per the price list

Clear aligners

from 35,000 UAH

full course, one jaw, per the price list

Active treatment

12–24 months

depending on complexity; with aligners, 6 to 18

Aligners on your teeth

20–22 hours

a day, removed only to eat and brush

Which system is right for you is something the orthodontist decides after an exam, a photo series and a bite analysis.

Find out what suits you

Orthodontist consultation — 500 UAH: exam, photo series and a treatment plan

You have wanted straight teeth for a long time. But the moment you picture metal brackets on every tooth, the decision gets put off again: a work meeting, photos, smiling in conversation.

Then someone mentions clear trays that nobody notices. And you wonder: wait, that was an option all along?

It can be. But not always. Braces and clear aligners work differently, and each option has its price — not only in hryvnias, but in habits too. Here is an honest look, with no sales pitch.

How braces differ from clear aligners

Braces are a fixed appliance. A bracket is bonded to each tooth, and an orthodontic archwire is threaded through the brackets. At scheduled visits the orthodontist adjusts the wire, and it gradually moves the teeth.

Clear aligners are transparent removable trays made of a hypoallergenic medical polymer. They are made from a 3D model of your teeth. Each tray is designed for its own stage, and you switch to the next one yourself, following the orthodontist's schedule.

First, where aligners are more convenient.

BracesClear aligners
Visibilitymetal ones are visible on the teethnoticeabletransparent, hard to notice even up closehard to notice
Foodvery hard foods, like nuts and crackers, are best avoidedsome limitsyou take the trays out before eating, so you eat as usualno limits
Brushingharder: an orthodontic toothbrush, interdental brushes, a water flosserharderyou take the trays out and brush as usualas usual

Now, where braces are stronger.

Clear alignersBraces
Complex casesfor mild and moderate casesnot allmore effective for serious bite problems and severe crowdingsuitable
Your partwork only while you wear them: 20–22 hours a daytakes disciplinefixed in place, so they work around the clockwork around the clock

The strength of braces is reliability in complex cases. The strength of aligners is looks and freedom, provided you do not forget to wear them.

Who should see an orthodontist

Straight teeth are not only about looks. A bad bite affects chewing load, the jaw joints and the enamel. It is worth booking a consultation if you notice anything on this list.

Sound familiar?

  • your teeth are crooked or crowded, or there are gaps between them;
  • your upper and lower teeth do not meet properly: a deep, open or crossbite;
  • your jaw clicks or hurts when you open your mouth;
  • your enamel is wearing down and your teeth often chip;
  • you are planning veneers, crowns or implants and want to fix your bite first;
  • your child is 6–7 years old and their teeth are starting to change.

Braces or clear aligners — let us decide together

Orthodontist consultation — 500 UAH: exam, photo series and a treatment plan

Types of braces

Braces differ in material and in how the wire is held in the bracket. Eurozet fits three types.

Metal

Metal braces on teeth: metal brackets and an archwire

Ceramic

Ceramic braces on teeth: enamel-colored brackets
Look and how the wire is heldStrong point
Metalvisible on the teeth; the wire is held by ligaturessturdy, suitable for complex cases, do not stain from tea or coffee
Ceramicenamel-colored brackets, matte, no glare; the wire can be white-coatedlooks; but ceramic is a bit more brittle than metal, so with severe crowding the orthodontist may suggest another system
Damon (self-ligating)metal Damon Q or ceramic Damon Clear; the wire is held by a SpinTek clip, no elastic tiesless friction, fewer visits, easier care

Metal braces are often chosen by teenagers and active patients: the brackets are sturdy and reliable. Ceramic ones suit those who want their braces to go unnoticed in conversation. Read more about each system on the "Metal braces", "Ceramic braces" and "Damon (Ormco) braces" pages.

Before fitting any braces, the orthodontist recommends a professional cleaning and treating any cavities. Caring for your teeth is harder with braces on, so it is best to get the enamel ready in advance. How a cleaning goes and what it costs is covered in our article "How often to get a professional teeth cleaning".

There are also lingual braces, which are bonded to the inside of the teeth. They are not on our price list.

How clear aligners work

Treatment with aligners starts with digital planning. Software models every stage of tooth movement, and you see the end result before the trays are even made.

  1. 01

    3D diagnostics

    An optical scan of your teeth and a virtual model of your jaws.

  2. 02

    Virtual setup

    The software calculates how each tooth will move, step by step.

  3. 03

    Making the trays

    Your personal set of aligners is printed on a 3D printer.

  4. 04

    Wearing and switching

    Every 10–14 days you switch to the next pair of trays yourself.

  5. 05

    Checkups

    Short checkups with the orthodontist once every 1.5–2 months.

Aligners have no brackets or wires that could irritate your mouth. You can play sports and speak in public with them. If needed, you can take a tray out for an important event and put it right back afterwards.

But the main rule is simple: an aligner only works while it is on your teeth. At least 20–22 hours a day.

Read more about aligner treatment on the "Clear aligners" page.

How long treatment takes and how often you visit

Active orthodontic treatment generally takes 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case.

Average durationVisits to the orthodontist
Metal braces1 to 2 yearsonce every 3–4 weeks
Ceramic braces1.5 to 2 yearsonce every 3–4 weeks
Damon bracesset by the orthodontistonce every 6–8 weeks
Clear aligners6 to 18 monthsonce every 1.5–2 months

The orthodontist gives you the exact timeline after diagnostics, and for aligners after the 3D setup.

Either way, there is an adjustment period: for a few days after braces are fitted or a new tray goes in, you may feel mild pressure (more on that in the questions below).

After treatment: retainer and tray

Once the braces come off or the aligner course is complete, the teeth try to drift back to where they were. The bone and gums around the roots need time to settle.

So the result has to be held in place. A thin fixed retainer is bonded to the inside of the six front teeth — it is invisible from the outside. A clear removable tray is worn at night; it holds the whole row, including the back teeth. Read more on the "Retainers and orthodontic trays" page.

What braces and clear aligners cost

The price depends on the system, and for aligners also on the number of trays in your set. Below are the items from our price list as of October 2026.

Consultation with a treatment plan500 UAH
Panoramic X-ray (OPG)400 UAH
Cephalometric X-ray, lateral view650 UAH
Metal braces, one jawfrom 18,000 UAH
Ceramic braces, one jaw22,000 UAH
Metal self-ligating braces "Ormco Q" / "Damon Q", one jaw27,000 UAH
Ceramic self-ligating braces "Ormco", one jaw33,000 UAH
Clear aligner treatment course, one jawfrom 35,000 UAH
Braces removal, one jaw3,000 UAH
Fixed metal retainer, one jaw3,000 UAH
Removable retention tray4,500 UAH

What goes into the estimate? The system, fitting, scheduled visits and the retention period. The orthodontist works out the full cost before treatment starts, and for aligners after the digital 3D plan.

Who will treat you

Braces and clear aligners are selected and managed by a Eurozet orthodontist.

  • Kateryna Serhiivna, orthodontist

    Kateryna Serhiivna

    Orthodontist

Book a consultation

You do not have to pay everything at once.

  • Payment can be split by stage: separately for fitting the braces, adjustments and removal. For aligners, by batch of trays.
  • You can split the cost into monthly payments with the "Pay in installments" service from PrivatBank.
  • We also see patients under voluntary health insurance programs.

Orthodontist consultation

Exam, photo series and a treatment plan with braces or clear aligners

What to bring to the consultation

  • Recent X-rays, if you have them: a panoramic X-ray (OPG) or a lateral cephalometric X-ray — the image an orthodontist uses to assess the position of the jaws. If you have none, the orthodontist will order the imaging, which you can have done with us.
  • Your preferences. What matters more to you: that the appliance is invisible, that you do not have to think about it every day, or that it fits your budget.
  • Your questions. For example: braces or clear aligners in your case, how long treatment will take, how often you need to come in, what retention will cost.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better — braces or clear aligners?

Braces are more effective for serious bite problems and crowded teeth. Clear aligners are hard to notice and removable, but they suit mild and moderate cases. The orthodontist makes the final call after diagnostics and a bite analysis.

Can an adult have their bite corrected?

Yes, there is no age limit for orthodontic treatment. Braces and clear aligners move teeth in teenagers and adults alike.

At what age can a child get braces?

Usually once the baby teeth have been replaced by permanent ones, from around 11–12 years of age. A first preventive checkup with an orthodontist is recommended earlier — at 6–7 years.

Does getting used to braces or trays hurt?

For the first 3–7 days after braces are fitted or the wire is adjusted, you may feel slight pressure when chewing. With a new aligner tray, mild pressure usually lasts 1–2 days. The sensation passes quickly.

Do I need a retainer after clear aligners?

Yes. After braces and after aligners alike, the teeth try to drift back to where they were. A fixed retainer and a removable tray hold them in their new position.

How long does an orthodontist consultation take?

About 30–45 minutes. That is enough for an exam, a photo series (a set of photos of your face and smile) and a discussion of the options: braces or clear aligners, timelines and cost.

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