The answer to this question depends on your bite and your treatment goals. We cannot give a definitive answer to this question without a full examination, but we can speak in generalizations.
In some cases, especially less complicated ones, clear aligner therapy can be faster than braces, and just as effective. For a certain kind of malocclusion called an open bite, aligners are actually preferred to braces, because they are more effective and can treat faster. Clear aligner therapy is much more advanced than it used to be, but there are still limitations. If you have a deep overbite, severe crowding, or require extractions as part of your treatment, braces may be a better option for you.
As described in a previous blog post, sometimes the teeth will stop “tracking,” meaning that they don’t fit perfectly in the trays at the end of the week. In this case, we need to order a new set of aligners, and the turnaround time can be a few weeks. During those weeks, no progress is being made, and this can extend the treatment length. Generally, we plan for at least one refinement, but sometimes it may take two or three to get the most ideal results.