Beautifully straight, well-aligned teeth are lovely to look at. And they’re also good for your oral health, as they make it easy for you to clean your teeth in all the right places. But with various options, you may wonder which option is best for you or your child. This article explains the tooth straightening process and the difference between the two main options — braces and clear aligners.
What is teeth straightening?
Teeth straightening (orthodontic treatment) is the process that involves correcting crooked, misaligned or protruding teeth to achieve improved alignment and a straighter smile. Straightening your teeth can improve the overall appearance of your smile, enhance self-esteem and improve oral hygiene.
Teeth can be straightened with (traditional) metal braces, lingual braces, ceramic braces or clear aligners. Each method has pros and cons; however, your dentist will review these options with you and help you choose the best choice for your needs and lifestyle.
The teeth straightening process
Teeth straightening works by applying gentle, continuous force to the teeth over time. This gradually moves them into their desired positions. The process can take several years or just several months, depending on how much movement must occur and the type of treatment used.
If you’re having your teeth straightened, you’ll need regular appointments with your orthodontist or dentist so they can monitor your progress, make any necessary adjustments and check that everything is on track.
Understanding braces and aligners
How braces change your teeth’s alignment.
Braces apply continuous, gentle pressure on the teeth to gradually move them into their correct positions. Regular adjustments are necessary to maintain the correct pressure and ensure the teeth’s proper alignment.
Braces can correct various dental issues, from crowded or misaligned teeth to gaps and bite problems, giving a straighter, more well-aligned smile. But it’s not just aesthetics. By improving any bite problems, they help keep the integrity of your teeth, avoiding any wear and tear to the tooth enamel. Well-aligned teeth can also be cleaned and flossed, making adhering to good oral hygiene and avoiding tooth decay easier — or even possible.
Types of braces
Metal braces: Traditional metal braces are still the most common type of teeth aligners — especially if your teeth need to be significantly realigned. Metal braces have metal brackets glued to the teeth and connected with a thin metal wire. These braces need to be adjusted at regular intervals.
Ceramic braces: Ceramic braces have brackets and wires that are tooth coloured or clear, giving them a more natural-looking appearance. They are less noticeable than metal braces.
Lingual braces: Lingual braces are placed on the inside of the teeth, making them far less noticeable. These braces are clear and are popular with people wanting a more subtle teeth-straightening solution.
Pros and cons of braces
PROS:
Applicable to all cases: while clear aligners are not suitable for everyone, traditional braces can treat all cases.
Compliance: There’s no issue about compliance (or forgetting to wear your braces) as your metal braces are fixed to your teeth.
Variety: Braces can be metal or porcelain, in front of the teeth or behind. (However, your dentist or orthodontist will advise you on the best type of braces because not all options may suit you.)
CONS
Comfort: Braces can take a little getting used to and can cause discomfort if they rub on the cheeks and lips. If you play contact sports, this discomfort may be more of a consideration.
Diet: You may need to modify your diet with braces. Biting into hard foods can cause breakages, slowing or halting your treatment progress. You’re also more prone to cavities while wearing braces, as food and sugar particles can get trapped between your braces and teeth, causing decay. Consequently, you must avoid sugary, starchy food and always brush your teeth after eating.
Hygiene: It is more difficult to clean your teeth while wearing braces, so it’s easy for food particles to be left on the teeth, causing tooth decay. If decay sets in, you may be required to remove your braces early, before you’ve achieved optimal results.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners are made of smooth, see-through plastic. They are a highly popular way of straightening your teeth without succumbing to the visible metal wires and brackets of braces. Several types of clear aligners are on the market, such as Invisalign and ClearCorrect.
Aligners gently nudge your teeth into their desired position over time. You can also remove clear aligners, making eating meals without restriction and cleaning your teeth easier.
If you choose clear aligners, you’ll start with a personalised plan created by your dentist or orthodontist, who will organise a series of custom-made aligners to guide your teeth gradually into place. Throughout your alignment process, you must occasionally check in with your dentist to ensure the progress remains on track.
Results are achieved in a few months or up to a year, giving your smile a remarkable transformation.
Pros and cons of clear aligners
PROS
Appearance: Clear aligners are barely noticeable, which may be a desirable benefit for many.
Diet: You can easily remove your aligners before meals so your diet is unaffected.
Hygiene: As your aligners are easily removed, you can brush and floss your teeth normally.
Appointments: Typically, you’ll have fewer appointments if you have clear aligners than you would with braces. This is due to your aligners being preplanned by your dentist so that appointments will be simpler.
Comfort: Clear aligners are usually more comfortable than braces. Your teeth will still feel tender while they move, but your clear aligners will fit comfortably against your cheek instead of the harshness of metal or porcelain braces. This may also be an issue if you play contact sports.
CONS
Compliance: You must wear clear aligners for 22 hours daily to be effective. Only remove them for eating and cleaning.
Effectiveness: Clear aligners are effective for most tooth alignment issues, but not all. If you have a complex problem, your dentist or orthodontist might recommend braces.
Cost: Occasionally, clear aligners can be more expensive than traditional braces. However, they are usually of similar price.
What are retainers?
Retainers are used to help keep your teeth in place after you’ve completed your alignment journey. Depending on your situation, you may need to wear them for several months or indefinitely. Retainers can be either removable or fixed. Removable retainers are typically made of acrylic or plastic and are custom-fit to the shape of your teeth. They are usually worn overnight. Fixed retainers are thin wires that are cemented to the back of certain teeth. They are not noticeable from the front. Fixed aligners provide continuous support to keep your teeth in place and are usually used on the lower front teeth, which are more prone to moving.
What is the ideal age for braces?
People of all ages can commence wearing braces to align their teeth. However, orthodontists recommend that, ideally, braces be commenced for children between 10 and 14 years. Children will have most or all of their permanent teeth at this age, a prerequisite for braces to effectively straighten teeth over the long term. Additionally, the jawbone is still developing at these younger years, so it’s easier for braces to shift the teeth and correct any alignment or bite issues.
Adults can also have their teeth straightened, though. Depending on your requirements, either braces or clear aligners can be used. You’ll need a consultation with your dentist to determine the best course of action for you.
How much do braces cost?
The cost of braces varies considerably. It depends on the type of braces you choose, the amount of alignment required and any other dental work necessary to straighten your teeth properly. As mentioned, you’ll need to consult with your dentist to give you a complete, itemised account of all fees.