Short answer: Four basic methods are commonly used to align teeth: metal brackets bonded to the front of the teeth, ceramic brackets close to the colour of the teeth, lingual brackets placed on the inner surface of the teeth, and removable clear aligners. None is suitable for every person; the choice is made at the examination according to tooth alignment, jaw relationship, age and day-to-day expectations.
Fixed braces with metal brackets
They consist of small metal parts bonded to the outer surface of the teeth and a wire connecting them. This is a system that has been used for many years and allows many different tooth movements to be planned.
- The patient does not need to remove and replace it; it stays fixed in the mouth throughout treatment
- It is more noticeable than the other options
- Brushing needs care so that food debris does not build up
Fixed braces with ceramic (aesthetic) brackets
The working principle is the same as with metal brackets; the difference is that the brackets are made of a material close to the colour of the teeth. For this reason they are less noticeable.
- The appearance when smiling can be more natural
- In some products the tie elastics can change colour over time, so eating habits matter
- Because of the nature of the material, the brackets require careful use
Lingual braces
The brackets are placed on the surface of the teeth facing the tongue, that is, the side that cannot be seen from the outside. Not being noticeable can be an advantage in terms of visibility; however, it is a custom-made system and the adaptation process is different.
- At first, discomfort on the tongue and a temporary change in speech may be felt
- Cleaning requires special attention and time
- It may not be suitable for every tooth alignment and every bite problem
Clear aligners
These are clear trays made specifically for the person from a digital scan and changed in sequence. The teeth are moved a small amount with each aligner. The plan and the expected movements can be shown on screen beforehand, but the result also depends on how the patient uses them.
- They can be removed for eating and brushing
- Keeping to the daily wearing time directly affects the course of treatment (how many hours a day should they be worn)
- Small attachments may be needed on some teeth to support movement
- They may not be a solution on their own for every orthodontic problem
To compare these two methods in more detail, you can look at our page on clear aligners or braces.
What questions are asked when choosing?
- What is the type and severity of the crowding, spacing or bite problem in the teeth?
- How important is visibility during treatment?
- Is the responsibility of putting aligners in and taking them out regularly suitable for the person?
- Are there oral hygiene habits and the possibility of attending appointments regularly?
Whichever method is chosen, a retention (retainer) phase is needed at the end of treatment to maintain the new position of the teeth. For details, you can read our page on retention treatment.
Points that make a difference in daily life
The differences between the methods are not limited to appearance. Daily habits also influence the choice.
- Diet: With fixed systems, hard and sticky foods can cause brackets to come off; with aligners, the aligners are removed during meals, and after the meal the teeth are brushed and the aligners put back in
- Speech: With lingual systems and aligners, a temporary change in speech may be felt in the first days (do clear aligners affect speech)
- Sport and music: People who play wind instruments or do contact sports should talk to the dentist about fixed brackets and protective mouthguards
- Appointment frequency: Check-up intervals vary with the method and the stage of treatment
The choice of method alone does not determine the result of treatment
Teeth settling into a proper bite depends on many factors, such as correct diagnosis, good planning, regular check-ups and the patient's cooperation. For this reason it would not be right to say that one method is superior to another under all conditions. Even in the same person, different tools can be used together at different stages of treatment; for example, while progressing with aligners, a fixed bracket can be added to move a particular tooth.
After treatment: whichever method it is
For the teeth to stay in their new position, retention is needed at the end of treatment. Wearing a retainer is independent of the method. During regular check-ups the condition of the retainer is also assessed; if it breaks or is lost, you need to see the dentist without delay (what to do if you lose your retainer). In addition, in every system, oral hygiene is the basic condition for treatment to proceed healthily.
In short, rather than the question “which is better”, the important question is “which suits my situation and lifestyle”. To answer this question, the teeth, jaws and gums need to be examined at an appointment.
Frequently asked questions
Which type of braces gives faster results?
The duration varies with the amount of tooth movement, bone structure and the patient's cooperation. The type of bracket or aligner alone does not determine the duration; the dentist gives an estimated range at the planning stage.
Can the type of braces be changed during treatment?
In some cases a different method can be switched to at a stage of the plan. This decision is made together with the dentist, based on the condition of the teeth at that time.
Are clear aligners suitable for everyone?
No. They can be considered for many mild to moderate tooth alignment problems; however, in some skeletal or complex cases, fixed systems or an additional appliance may be needed.
How can you find out what suits you?
The information here is general; the right plan for you is determined through an examination and the dentist's assessment. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, Ankara, we discuss your questions with you during the first orthodontic examination.
