Clear Aligners vs. Braces for Teens & Adults


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Dear Dr. Barakat,

I’ve heard about clear aligners as an option versus braces. Now that I’m an adult, this seems like a great alternative. But are they as effective?


Dear Concerned Parent,

For the right candidate, absolutely! Often referred to by brand name, Invisalign, this is a very popular option among teens and adults. You must still be committed to the treatment plan, but there is certainly an extra amount of flexibility you get with the aligners over braces.

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Essentially, you have a custom set of aligners that you will change every 2 weeks over the course of your treatment time. Treatment time will be different for everyone and depends on what’s going on with your bite and current tooth alignment. Your teeth will gradually shift into place, and you will likely end up with a final retainer to be worn at night. It is a great alternative for those who prefer more flexibility. They are removable, making them easier to clean. And they’re practically invisible!


Dr. Rana Barakat, a board-certified specialist in Orthodontics, has been proudly serving Northern Virginia for more than 20-years! She has built her practice on a personal touch and excellent treatment.

As a parent, she understands wanting the best for your children by giving them beautiful, confident smiles. She makes it a priority to ensure optimal results, but also believes that each patient’s experience during treatment is just as important as the clinical result. As the 2015-16 President of the Virginia Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Barakat’s dedication and expertise reflect why her peers continue to nominate her as a Top Dentist.

Barakat Orthodontics is located at 45745 Nokes Blvd., Ste. 175, Sterling, VA 20166. Connect by visiting them online, or get social with them on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter. Barakat Orthodontics can also be reached at (703) 433-9330.

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