Brace or aligner – which is right for you?

Most people are familiar with orthodontic tools such as braces and some people may have heard of the ever-popular invisible aligners, which have seemingly taken the orthodontic world by storm. But how do you know which option is likely to be right for you? This article will introduce you to both of these devices to help you determine which one you might need to employ to straighten your misalignment.

Severity of the misalignment

The first thing that your dentist or orthodontist will consider is the severity of the misalignment that is being treated. If there are any issues surrounding protrusions, or rotation of the molar teeth or the molar teeth in general, then it is unlikely that you would be suitable for invisible aligners like Invisalign London, and you would probably need to wear a fitted brace. But the majority of adult and teenage patients only have misalignments with the teeth located at the front of their mouth and so they will be able to use invisible aligners to get the straighter smile they want.

The treatment which is recommended by your dentist will take everything into consideration in order to provide the best outcome for you.

Appearance

Many adults are not eager or cannot afford to wear metal orthodontic tools, as this can cause issues with work or other areas of their life and your dentist or orthodontist will take this into account when choosing the appropriate orthodontic tool for you.

In the majority of cases, invisible aligners are suitable but if you need to have a brace fitted and are self-conscious, you should talk to your dental team about minimizing the length of time that you wear it, and they may be able to pair it up with an aligner.

Cost

Most people assume that because invisible aligners are newer that they will be more expensive, but this is not the case. Braces typically take longer to work than invisible aligners and require more check-ups with your dentist or orthodontist, and you may find it cheaper to invest in invisible aligners. Your budget will be taken into account when choosing the right orthodontic tool for you.

The cost of any invisible aligner will often also include a potential reprint of aligners or retainers should they become lost or damaged.

Timing

As mentioned earlier, braces typically take years to work for adult teeth and if you have a mild to moderate case of dental misalignment, you may not want to undertake something so drastic. Instead, an invisible aligner can straighten your smile in as little as 3 to 9 months, meaning that you can have your teeth straightened in preparation for a particular event.

Lifestyle

You should maintain a healthy lifestyle whether you are wearing braces or aligners, but aligners will have less of an impact on what you eat and drink as they are removable. Aligners do not require the same level of daily care as fitted metal braces. If you’re not sure which type of orthodontic tool will fit your lifestyle best, you will need to discuss this with your dental team.