Orthodontic Braces VS Aligners for Teeth
5 minute read
If you are looking to straighten your smile, then braces and aligners are both great options. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of both treatments before deciding which one to undergo for your smile transformation.
Fixed Metal Braces Fact File
Metal braces attach brackets to the teeth with a wire. This wire then pulls the teeth into alignment. To make the braces more effective, your orthodontist may suggest using additional elements such as springs, hooks and bands.
- Appearance: Traditional metal braces fix a thin wire and small brackets to each tooth.
- Average Treatment Time: 6-12 months, longer for severe cases.
- Price: Free on the NHS for those under the age of 18. After this age, or if your case is deemed non-essential, costs may be upwards of £2500 at private clinics.
Aligners Fact File
Clear aligners are designed to incrementally move your teeth into a more aligned position. Every two weeks, you will swap your aligner for the next ones in your customised plan to progress the treatment. Each tray should be worn for 20-22 hours per day.
- Appearance: A thin, transparent tray.
- Average Treatment Time: For mild cases, up to 4 months. For more complex cases, over 6 months.
- Price: From £36 per month.
Pros & Cons Of Fixed Metal Braces
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very effective, making it great for complex and severe cases. | Less discreet design. |
| Continuous wear – no risk of losing or misplacing them. | Regular trips to the orthodontist needed for tightening and maintenance. |
| Available on the NHS for people under 18 if your dentist feels you need it. | Hard to clean. |
| You don’t have to take them out to eat or drink – less commitment required from the patient. | Some discomfort can be expected. Braces may also irritate the cheeks and gums. |
| Widely available from an orthodontist. | Recommended to avoid hard, sticky and chewy foods to protect the braces against damage. |
Pros & Cons Of Aligners
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very discreet, almost imperceptible in the mouth. | Not suitable for very complex and severe cases. |
| Only a couple of visits to the dentist required during the whole treatment period. | Heavily relies on the patient’s commitment – you are expected to wear aligners 20-22 hours per day. |
| May be removed while eating or drinking, meaning there are no diet restrictions. | Aligners aren’t possible if you have missing teeth. |
| Better oral hygiene – can clean and floss as usual. | Discomfort and pain caused by changing trays. |
| Treatment times are generally quicker than fixed braces. | Easy to lose or damage. |
Which Treatment Should I Choose?
There are many elements that should be taken into consideration when debating which treatment is suitable for you. The most important one is the severity of your case – if your smile is extremely misaligned, then fixed braces may be the best option. However, if your case is mild and you are looking for a more discreet way to straighten your teeth, then clear aligners are the perfect solution. Consult with your dentist to decide which treatment plan is the right fit.
Conclusion:
To sum up, braces and aligners have advantages and disadvantages, but both provide life-changing benefits. Invest in teeth straightening to restore confidence in your smile.
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