We get a lot of questions about aligners and braces over which is better and we decided “why not let you pick for yourself?”. It is a personal decision to be made by the patient at the end of the day, but in our usual manner of doing things, we will provide you with information that will guide you to making your decision. It is also important to keep in mind that what is used for treatment will depend on the goals of treatment.
ALIGNERS
Aligners are removable orthodontic appliances that are custom-made to fit each patient. They are usually clear and they move the teeth step by step until they get to the final position.
Advantages
Hygiene: Aligners can be easily removed so this makes cleaning effective and hygiene more easy to maintain. Patients can brush and floss as usual and this leads to patients maintaining a better hygiene than patients with braces.
Comfort: Generally, aligners are more comfortable than braces and they don’t apply much pressure on the lips or cheeks as little or no tightening or adjustments are done to the appliance. It also makes it easier for people who play contact sports to wear.
Diet: Since they are easy to remove, the patient’s diet remains the same. The patient can still enjoy all types of crunchy, hard, soft and sticky foods and can replace the appliance after eating so no diet modification is needed whatsoever unlike patients with braces.
Appearance: Aligners are less noticeable than braces as they are clear and custom made for the patient. This is an important factor for patients concerned with the looks and aesthetics. For example, tv presenters and public speakers would rather aligners than braces.
Appointments: Patients wearing aligners need fewer appointments than those wearing braces since the aligners are custom made to each tooth. The clinic visit time is also minimal as compared with the time spent when adjusting braces.
Disadvantages
Compliance: Aligners are removable and as such, patients can forget to put them back in after they’re done eating. This makes the progression of the treatment solely dependent on patient’s compliance.
Cost: Aligners are known to be more expensive than braces and this could be a factor in deciding the treatment option to choose.
BRACES
Braces are fixed orthodontic appliances that are bonded to the tooth in order to correct malocclusion. They are fitted by the dentist and are not removable.
Advantages
Compliance: Braces are fixed to the teeth so this makes compliance easier as the patient cannot remove them at will, and it’s present in the mouth for twenty-four (24) hours each day.
Cost: Generally, braces are less expensive than aligners and this could guide the choice when considering treatment costs.
Disadvantages
Hygiene: Patients with braces have difficulty in flossing and cleaning the teeth because of the wires and brackets attached to the teeth. Hence, they tend to have more gingivitis and gum issues than in patients with aligners
Comfort: Braces are less comfortable than aligners as they can rub on the cheek or lips. They also add pressure to the teeth when the wires are tightened. Another thing is that it can’t be worn by people involved in some sports and other activities
Diet: Patients wearing braces must stay away from hard foods and sticky, crunchy foods to avoid breaking the brackets or wires. Ultimately, the diet has to be modified.
Appearance: Braces are quite visible, especially the wires, and this might be a limitation for patients involved in talking or having constant public appearances. Even with the tooth colored brackets, the other components are still visible.
Appointments: Patients wearing braces generally need more appointments than those with aligners, with the appointments being longer as more time is needed for the adjustments.
The two are great choices for correcting malocclusion and your orthodontist can schedule your treatment option according to your choice and diagnosis.