Short answer: Between braces and clear aligners there is no single right answer that applies to everyone. The choice is assessed together by the orthodontist according to the condition of the teeth and jaws, your expectations and your daily life. The questions below are a guide prepared to make this consultation more productive.
First, the basic difference between the two methods
- Fixed braces: Work with brackets and wires bonded to the teeth; they cannot be removed by the patient.
- Clear aligners: A series of removable aligners prepared according to digital planning; the wear routine leaves more responsibility to the patient.
For a general overview of the comparison, you can read our page clear aligners or braces.
Questions about suitability
- Is the problem with my teeth of a kind that can be solved with clear aligners?
- Is there anything in my jaw structure or bite that favours one method?
- Are additional procedures (attachments, IPR, elastics) needed to support the aligners?
- Would another dental treatment, such as an implant or a crown, affect the plan?
In some cases both methods can be considered; in others one may stand out. This decision is made after the examination and the records.
Questions about daily life
- How many hours a day do I need to wear the aligners, and can I fit this with my work?
- What changes in situations such as eating, sport, travel or giving presentations?
- If I choose braces, what restrictions will there be on my diet?
- If I play a musical instrument or talk a lot, which option may be more comfortable?
To keep your expectations of clear aligners realistic, you can look at our article on their advantages and limits.
Questions about duration and check-ups
- In my case, what does the estimated time depend on?
- How many weeks apart will I need to come for check-ups?
- What should I do if I lose an aligner or a bracket comes off?
- How do I reach you in an emergency? For general information you can look at the page on orthodontic emergencies.
The article how long does orthodontic treatment take may also help with the factors that affect the time.
Questions about comfort and care
- What kind of discomfort might I feel in the first days?
- How should I maintain my oral hygiene? Cleaning differs with fixed wires and with aligners; the article oral hygiene with clear aligners gives an idea on this.
- If I have fillings, crowns or implants, do they affect the method?
Questions about after treatment
- Will I need to use a retainer when treatment ends, and for how long?
- What should I do if the retainer breaks or is lost?
Whichever method is chosen, planning the retention period is important so that the teeth stay in their new position. You can look at our page on retention treatment on this subject.
What you can ask yourself before deciding
- Can I keep to the routine of using a removable appliance?
- How much of a priority is aesthetic appearance for me?
- How often can I come to check-ups?
- Have I understood the dentist’s recommendation, or do I still have questions waiting?
How do you assess the dentist’s answers?
It is important that the answers you receive are clear to you. When an option is recommended, being able to hear the answer to “why this method” lets you make your decision more comfortably. The following elements are expected to be among what the dentist explains:
- The goal of treatment and how this goal will be reached
- Possible difficulties and limits; for example, that the expected movement may not happen to the same extent in every case
- The responsibilities expected of you
- Alternative options and the advantages and disadvantages of each
How do the questions change for children and teenagers?
During the period when growth is continuing, the questions are somewhat different: jaw development, the condition of the baby teeth and the child’s compliance with the appliance come to the fore. You can find general information on the Invisalign Teen page for teenagers and on the orthodontics in children page for children. In both groups, the suitable method is determined after the examination.
Taking notes of the answers is useful
The information given during the consultation can be a lot. Taking notes of the answers you consider important, or asking the dentist whether you would like a written summary, makes it easier to think things over calmly at home. It is also possible to leave room for new questions on your mind at the next consultation.
Finally
You do not need to ask all of these questions; choose the ones that matter to you. In the light of the answers, you decide together which method seems suitable for you. You can also come for an examination to get information without having decided yet.
Frequently asked questions
Do braces and clear aligners reach the same result?
Both methods can align the teeth in suitable cases; however, depending on the case, one may be more suitable. The dentist assesses this.
Can the method be changed after the decision?
In some cases a change of method can be discussed during treatment. This depends on the response of the teeth and the dentist’s assessment.
Does it make sense to get a second opinion?
You may want to clarify your thinking to understand the treatment options. Sharing the records and the plan you have is enough.
How do you find out what suits you?
The information here is general; the right plan for you is determined by an examination and the dentist’s assessment. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, Ankara, we go through your questions together during the first orthodontic examination.
