Which should you choose—aligners or traditional braces? Which option for teeth alignment and bite correction will be better for you?
Learn more about the advantages of both options and how they work.
Traditional braces and Invisalign aligners are two popular orthodontic treatment methods used to gradually straighten teeth, correct the bite, and treat other orthodontic problems.
First of all, it is important to remember that, unlike braces, aligners can solve most, but not all, orthodontic problems. Therefore, this topic should be discussed with your orthodontist during your consultation.
However, in many cases, both options may be suitable for you, and you should make your choice depending on your lifestyle.
How Invisalign Aligners Work
Invisalign is the best-known brand of clear aligners, an orthodontic appliance used to straighten teeth. They may be suitable for people who are dissatisfied with the appearance of their teeth, have crowded teeth, bite problems, or large gaps between their teeth.
Clear aligners, also known as invisible braces, are trays made of medical-grade plastic that apply pressure to the teeth, guiding them into the desired position. They are manufactured using 3D scans of the patient’s teeth, which makes it possible to analyze the condition of the teeth in detail.
Clear and almost invisible aligners are an alternative to traditional metal braces.
With each new set of aligners, the teeth are moved into the desired position by approximately 0.2–0.3 mm. Depending on the complexity of each individual case, the patient will be prescribed a series of aligners ranging from 12 to 48.
If necessary, the patient may be provided with a set of “trial” aligners so that the oral cavity can become accustomed to the alignment process.
Each set is worn for approximately two weeks. The duration of treatment depends on the individual characteristics of the patient, but on average the course lasts from 6 to 18 months.
What Are the Advantages of Clear Aligners?
Appearance
Unlike metal braces, Invisalign clear plastic aligners are almost invisible.
Comfort
Clear aligners fit closely over the teeth and do not cause cuts or discomfort.
Teeth Are Easy to Clean
Aligners are easy to remove, after which the teeth can be brushed as usual. There is no need for more thorough or complicated oral care, as with traditional braces, which require additional cleaning aids.
Can Eat Hard Foods Without Restrictions
People wearing braces should avoid hard foods that are difficult to chew, including nuts, popcorn, and hard baked goods. Aligners are removed before eating, so there is no need to avoid these foods.
Fewer Visits to the Orthodontist
Patients wearing aligners do not need to visit the orthodontist as often as patients wearing braces. Only one or two visits to the doctor are required to begin treatment with these orthodontic appliances.
Disadvantages of Clear Aligners
Not Suitable for Complex Cases
Clear aligners cannot be used in all situations and, as a rule, they are best suited for people who need only minor tooth alignment.
They Must Be Removed Before Eating
Patients wearing aligners can drink water without removing them. However, they must remove them every time before eating. This may be inconvenient, especially when eating away from home, such as in a café or restaurant.
The material from which aligners are made is soft and is easily damaged by food. In addition, stains can easily appear on the clear plastic, and it may become deformed after consuming warm or hot drinks.
When aligners are not being used, they should be stored in a protective case.
They Require Self-Discipline
Aligners should be worn for at least 20–22 hours a day. Spending more time without them may slow down the alignment process or even affect the final result.
In addition, because aligners are easy to remove, they can be lost or misplaced.
Teeth Will Need to Be Cleaned More Often
People who wear aligners should brush their teeth after every meal and only then put the aligners back on. If proper oral hygiene is not maintained, bad breath and even tooth decay may occur.
The aligners themselves also need to be cared for: they should be rinsed with water and cleaned with liquid soap using a soft-bristled toothbrush or special cleaning products.
Braces
Braces remain a popular appliance for straightening teeth and also have a number of other important functions. They harmonize the face, restore the angles of the lower jaw that become smoother with age, add volume to the lips, normalize the position of the tongue, improve breathing, and may even help solve the problem of pain in the head and neck.
Braces are most popular among teenagers between the ages of 9 and 14. According to statistics, 25–50% of children require orthodontic treatment at some point. However, braces are also frequently worn by adults.
Types of Braces
The most popular and well-established type is metal braces. They have been used in orthodontics for more than a century. The first braces were heavy, highly visible, and not very comfortable. However, with the development of technology, metal braces have also changed. Today they are much more comfortable and provide excellent results in a shorter period of time.
Traditional braces are connected into one system by means of a metal archwire and elastic ligatures, the color of which can be chosen. The orthodontist should be visited every 4–8 weeks so that the archwire can be adjusted or replaced to move the teeth into the correct position.
Ceramic braces are made from a transparent material that matches the color of the teeth. Compared with metal braces, they are less noticeable.
However, these braces are slightly larger and may occasionally chip.
It is worth noting that metal and ceramic braces are generally less expensive than aligners.
Self-ligating braces are manufactured from either metal or transparent ceramic material. Their special feature is that they use special clips instead of elastic ligatures.
These braces are easier to place and adjust. They are suitable for people who are particularly sensitive to discomfort in the mouth and for those who cannot sit still for a long time in the dental chair.
The least common type of braces is lingual braces, which are attached to the back surface of the teeth. These braces can only be placed by a highly qualified orthodontist. The advantage of lingual braces is that they are almost completely invisible.
These braces are more expensive than other types of braces and also more expensive than aligners.
Advantages of Braces
Effective in Cases of Any Complexity
Braces are a universal treatment that is effective in both minor and complex cases. Braces, which are attached directly to each tooth, are a more powerful tool than clear aligners and are effective in any situation.
A Choice of Several Options
Your doctor can recommend the type of braces that is most suitable for you. Metal braces are the most affordable option. However, you can choose lingual braces, ceramic braces, or self-ligating braces depending on your lifestyle, individual characteristics, and sensitivity.
They Cannot Be Removed by the Patient
Unlike aligners, patients cannot remove braces without the help of an orthodontist. There is no need to remove braces before eating or worry about forgetting to put them back on.
You Can Drink Any Beverages
Braces are heat-resistant, so you can drink tea, coffee, and other beverages throughout the day.
Disadvantages of Braces
Discomfort in the Mouth
Although metal braces have undergone significant development since they were first introduced, they are still not very comfortable. It takes time to get used to them. In some cases, they may cause irritation inside the mouth.
Appearance
Braces, especially traditional metal braces, are difficult to miss, unlike clear aligners.
Dietary Restrictions
People wearing braces should not eat certain foods. In particular, they should avoid chewing gum, hard baked goods, candy, and popcorn. These foods or their particles may become trapped in the braces or even damage them. An unfortunate choice of food or snack may cause damage and lead to an unplanned visit to the orthodontist.
Frequent Visits to the Doctor
Wearing braces requires regular visits to the orthodontist.
Comparison Table
| Braces | Aligners | |
| How long should they be worn? | On average, 2 years | 6-18 months |
| Which is less expensive? | Metal and ceramic braces are less expensive. Lingual braces are more expensive. | |
| Can they be removed? | No | Yes |
| When are they effective? | Minor, moderate, and complex cases | Minor cases |
| Requirements | Thoroughly brush your teeth using additional cleaning aids. Avoid hard foods. | Wear them for 20–22 hours a day. Remove them before eating. Brush your teeth after every meal. Clean and rinse the aligners. |
| Irritation and discomfort in the mouth | May occur | No |
| Virtually invisible | Only lingual braces | Yes |
Making the right choice between braces and aligners is something the specialists at YAREMA DENTAL will always help you with.
This article does not replace a medical consultation. For complete and personalized information, please consult your dentist.