Many patients have asked us which option will be better for them. It really is a personal decision, so we thought we would provide some information to take with you to help you if you need time to consider your options.
It is important to remember that aligners can treat most, but not all, orthodontic problems. Therefore, it is important that you chat with your orthodontist at your initial consultation about which option might help you get the best result.
For many cases, however, both options are available which means you get to decide according to what you would prefer and what best suits your lifestyle.
Braces are made of metal or porcelain and are attached to your teeth. Metal wires and rubber bands are then used to provide a force to help the teeth move into the correct position.
Aligners are made of plastic and are custom made to fit your teeth. Each aligner moves the teeth step by step towards the final position. Small bumps of composite resin (tooth coloured filling material) are attached to various teeth to help the aligner grip the tooth so it can be moved correctly.
Aligners Advantages:
Appearance: Aligners are less noticeable than braces as they are clear and custom made to fit your teeth. This can be a factor for many, but not all patients.
Diet: As you remove your aligners to eat, your diet is not affected. You will still be able to eat the foods you like. Some foods are difficult or uncomfortable to eat with braces and can cause breakages which can delay treatment and require extra visits to have repairs carried out.
Hygiene: As your aligners are removable, you can brush and floss as per normal. This is significant as cleaning your teeth with braces in place is challenging for many patients.
Appointments: As the tooth movement is pre-planned by your Orthodontist, the actual visits to the practice are usually much simpler and, in some cases, can be fewer overall. This can be a big advantage for all those who are living busy lives!
Comfort: Generally speaking, aligners are more comfortable than braces. Although the teeth can still be somewhat tender as they begin to move, the lips and cheeks tend to be less irritated as the plastic aligner is smoother than the metal or porcelain braces. This may be particularly relevant for those playing contact (or semi-contact) sports.
Braces Advantages:
Applicable to all cases: Whereas aligners can treat most cases, braces can be used treat all cases. That means braces are always an option.
Variety of braces: Braces can be various types of metal braces, with or without colours. There are also porcelain braces which are much more discreet than regular metal braces.
Compliance: Because the braces are fixed to your teeth, you cannot forget to wear them, or lose them. This can be useful for some patients if they are not internally motivated to comply with wearing aligners adequately.
