Braces & aligners
Braces or clear aligners: choosing with confidence
Straightening teeth is a long commitment of time, money and effort. Understanding the options, how much supervision each needs, and what your quote actually includes will help you make a choice you are happy with years later.
Reviewed by Dr. Sharifa, BDS ·
The main options
- Metal braces: fixed brackets and wires; suitable for a wide range of cases, including complex ones
- Ceramic braces: tooth-coloured brackets; less visible, but can be more fragile
- Clear aligners: removable trays changed in sequence; need to be worn most of the day, every day
Things that matter more than the brand
- A proper assessment, usually with photos, X-rays and scans or impressions
- Who plans and supervises the treatment, and how often you will be reviewed in person
- Whether your case is simple or complex: some bite problems are better treated with fixed braces
- Your own habits: aligners only work if they are worn as instructed
Questions to ask before you start
- Who will plan and supervise the treatment, and how often will I be seen?
- What is included: retainers, refinements, extra aligners, emergency visits?
- How long is treatment expected to take for my case?
- What happens if teeth do not move as planned?
- What are the payment terms if I move cities or stop treatment?
After treatment: retainers
Teeth tend to drift back after straightening. Retainers, worn as advised, are essential to keep the result. Check whether they are included in your quote and how long you will need them.
Children and teenagers
An orthodontic check around 7 to 9 years of age can spot problems with jaw growth or crowding early. Not every child needs early treatment, but some bite problems are easier to correct while the jaws are still growing. A dentist can advise whether to treat now or wait.
Caring for teeth during treatment
- Brush carefully around brackets or clean aligners as instructed, so food and plaque do not stain or decay the teeth
- Limit sticky and very hard foods with fixed braces
- Keep regular check-ups with your general dentist as well as your orthodontist
Frequently asked questions
Can you review an aligner plan from a home-aligner company?
Yes. Share the plan and any photos or scans you have, and our dentist can explain what to ask before you commit.
Am I too old for braces?
Adults can have orthodontic treatment if their teeth and gums are healthy. Gum health is checked first, because moving teeth with active gum disease can cause harm.
Are aligners faster than braces?
Not necessarily. The length of treatment depends mainly on how much the teeth need to move and how well the plan is followed.
