Are Braces or Solventum Aligners Best for Your Smile Goals?

Braces or clear aligners? Picking a path isn’t always easy, but what you choose can change how treatment feels from start to finish. Around Lebanon and Zionsville, families turn to board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Wong, at AW Orthodontics for flexible options, whether that’s classic clear braces, Solventum Clarity™ Aligners, or a hybrid plan that blends the best of both. Next, let’s explore what sets these treatments apart and how each one works with everyday life.

Clear Braces That Keep Things Discreet

Not every treatment has to make a statement. Clear (ceramic) braces at AW Orthodontics deliver the same dependable results as traditional metal braces, but with brackets designed to blend in naturally. Made from tooth-colored or transparent materials, they’re a popular choice for teens and adults who want a low-profile option without sacrificing performance.

Dr. Wong creates personalized plans for every patient, ensuring precise placement and steady progress from day one. Clear braces keep treatment effective while staying almost invisible to everyone else. 

Next, let’s look at how Solventum (Clarity™) Aligners provide a removable, modern alternative that fits comfortably into daily routines.

Solventum Aligners That Move With You

For patients who want more flexibility, Clarity™ Aligners from Solventum offer a modern way to straighten teeth without brackets or wires. Dr. Wong designs aligner plans tailored to each patient’s goals and daily routines, using custom trays that work in sequence to guide teeth into place.

Since Clarity™ Aligners are removable, eating, brushing, and flossing feel simple. Patients wear their aligners about 22 hours per day and switch to a fresh set weekly, keeping treatment on track without disrupting everyday life. These nearly invisible trays are popular among teens and adults alike, offering a discreet option backed by expert oversight.

Next, we’ll take a closer look at hybrid treatment and how combining braces with aligners can open up new possibilities for more complex orthodontic cases.

The Best of Both Worlds with Hybrid Treatment 

Some smiles benefit from a blend of strategies, which is why AW Orthodontics offers Hybrid Orthodontic Treatment. By combining the strengths of Clarity™ Aligners and clear ceramic braces, patients get a plan that adapts as their treatment progresses.

How it works:

  • Start with clear braces for early, efficient tooth movements
  • Switch to aligners later for minor detailing movements 
  • Expand your options, even if you’ve been told you’re not a candidate for aligners

This flexible approach makes treatment more accessible while still keeping things undercover. 

Next, let’s get into the real-world side of treatment, like how clear braces and aligners show up in your daily routine and what life actually looks like with each one.

What to Expect During Treatment

Orthodontic treatment impacts daily life differently depending on the option you choose, and knowing what to expect can make the decision easier.

Visibility & Lifestyle Fit

Clear braces at AW Orthodontics are designed to blend naturally with your teeth, giving you the benefits of traditional braces without the fully noticeable look of metal. 

Solventum Clarity™ Aligners, on the other hand, are nearly invisible trays that can be removed for eating, brushing, and big moments like school photos or work presentations.

Comfort & Daily Habits

Braces stay in place around the clock, which means avoiding sticky or hard foods and paying closer attention when brushing and flossing. 

Aligners simplify this routine by letting you remove them for meals and cleanings, making hygiene a bit more straightforward. Both treatments rely on consistency to work effectively, but each fits into daily schedules differently.

Next, let’s look at how these two options actually move your teeth and what planning looks like behind the scenes.

Are Braces or Solventum Aligners Best for Your Smile Goals?

The Mechanics Behind the Magic

Once you’ve picked your path, it’s the behind-the-scenes work that really makes your smile take shape. Every method used at AW Orthodontics is backed by precision, planning, and a clear timeline from start to finish.

Clear Braces

Ceramic braces use a time-tested approach: steady, gentle pressure from wires connected to each bracket. Dr. Wong adjusts this setup throughout treatment to guide each tooth exactly where it needs to be. The materials may blend in visually, but the power behind them is anything but subtle.

Clarity™ Aligners

This modern option works a little differently. Each aligner tray is custom-made to move your teeth one small step at a time. You’ll switch to a new tray weekly or biweekly, following a digital plan that’s mapped out in advance by your orthodontist. It’s a rhythm that keeps progress steady without disrupting your schedule.

Next, let’s look at how appointments, pricing, and planning can differ depending on which treatment you choose.

How Treatment Fits Your Life and Schedule

AW Orthodontics understands that timing matters. Whether you’re navigating Zionsville’s After Prom planning or juggling Lebanon Little League, treatment needs to work with your calendar. Here’s how the different options compare:

  • Braces and hybrid plans: Regular visits keep progress steady, with personalized check-ins to fine-tune treatment.
  • Clarity™ Aligners: Fewer in-office visits make these a smart pick for patients on the go, with easy tray swaps keeping things on track between appointments.
  • All-inclusive pricing: No surprise fees, regardless of whether you choose braces, aligners, or both.

So who thrives with which option?

  • Teens: Aligners offer freedom for sports and school life.
  • Adults: Clear braces or aligners blend with work and social settings.
  • Complex cases: Braces or hybrid plans provide advanced control and flexibility.

Next, let’s meet the people behind it all and learn why Boone County families trust them to get it right.

Where Neighbors Become Patients (and Vice Versa)

You won’t find a corporate vibe at AW Orthodontics. So what will you find? Two hometown offices in Zionsville and Lebanon that feel more like local landmarks. (If you know where Boone Village or Parkside Pharmacy is, you’re already close!)

Dr. Wong treats every patient with the care she’d give her own family. From braces to Clarity™ Aligners to early treatment, their all-inclusive approach skips hidden fees and adds personal attention.

Beyond the clinic, they show up for the community — backing Zionsville Parks and Recreation, supporting BlackBox Theater, and pitching in at the Boone County 4H Fair. Here, it’s orthodontics with a local heartbeat, and it shows in every smile they help shape!

Are Braces or Solventum Aligners Best for Your Smile Goals?

Choices Built Around Your Smile

Whether your smile needs a steady hand, a flexible plan, or a blend of both, AW Orthodontics makes it happen without compromising results. From Lebanon to Zionsville, IN, families trust board-certified Dr. Wong to keep care personal, practical, and tailored to real life. Book your complimentary consultation today and see which option makes the most sense for your next move!