The difference between aligners and conventional braces
Dental health is an issue that affects us all. A radiant smile is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also a sign of good health and hygiene. In the world of dentistry, there are various ways of correcting misaligned teeth.
A significant development in this area is the introduction of aligners, which offer an innovative alternative to conventional braces. But what exactly are aligners and how do they differ from conventional braces?
In this article, we will look at the differences and at the same time highlight the advantages of both approaches.
Aligners vs. conventional braces: the difference
Choosing the right method to correct misaligned teeth is crucial for your oral health and appearance. Let's take a closer look at the differences in terms of material, comfort, treatment time, cost and efficiency.
Material and visibility
The most obvious difference between aligners and traditional braces is their appearance. Conventional braces are often made of metal or ceramic and are visible while they are being worn. Aligners, on the other hand, are transparent, custom-made plastic shells that are virtually invisible. This makes them a popular choice for those who want to straighten their teeth discreetly.
Comfort and wearing time
Another key difference concerns comfort and wearing time. Aligners can be removed when you need to eat or clean your teeth, making oral hygiene easier. Conventional braces, on the other hand, require regular adjustments and can cause discomfort at first.
Areas of application
Small and medium-sized misaligned teeth can be corrected extremely effectively and comfortably with aligner therapy, including
- Malocclusion
- Crossbite
- Back and front bite
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbite
In cases of severe misalignment, your orthodontist will instead recommend conventional methods such as bracket braces or internal braces.
Duration of treatment
Treatment duration can be an important factor in the decision. Aligners may allow for a shorter treatment time in some cases, especially for milder malocclusions. Conventional braces may require a longer wearing time to achieve the desired results.
Cost
The cost of aligners can vary depending on the complexity of the correction, but is often comparable to the cost of traditional braces.
Efficiency
The effectiveness depends on the type of malocclusion. In some cases, traditional braces are more effective, especially for more complex problems. However, aligners are an effective option for many patients and offer a less restrictive experience.
Advantages and disadvantages at a glance
Comparison of the advantages
| ALIGNER | CONVENTIONAL BRACES |
|---|---|
| Invisible and discreet | Effective for severe misalignments |
| Removable for easy oral hygiene | Constant correction, as they cannot be removed |
| Shorter treatment time for mild malpositions | Possibly lower costs |
| No metal, less irritation | Suitable for children and adolescents with growing teeth |
| Precise, customized fitting to your teeth | Suitable for almost every malocclusion and every age group |
| Less impairment | Beeinträchtigt weder das Kauen noch das Sprechen. |
| Time-saving |
Comparison of the disadvantages
| ALIGNER | CONVENTIONAL BRACES |
|---|---|
| Limited effectiveness with severe malpositions | Visible and less aesthetically pleasing |
| Requires discipline in wearing time | More difficult oral hygiene |
| Possibly higher costs | Longer treatment duration |
| Not suitable for children or adolescents with growing teeth | Possibility of irritation from metal |
| Not for every malocclusion | Restrictions on eating certain foods |
| Slight lisping in the initial phase | May be uncomfortable or painful in the first few days after insertion or retightening |
| Food can get stuck in the brackets and wires |
The Eram Clinic and braces
At The Eram Clinic, we are proud to offer a wide range of teeth straightening and orthodontic treatments for patients of all ages. Our extensive experience and expertise in this field has made us a leading provider in Switzerland. Our experts will guide you through the entire process and ensure that you get the radiant smile you deserve.
Fixed braces
Our clinic offers various options for correcting teeth with fixed braces. These include
- Traditional metal brackets
- Ceramic brackets
- Lingual braces (internal braces, not visible on the outside)
- Damon system (in contrast to conventional brackets, those of the Damon system are self-ligating)
Treatments begin with a thorough examination and diagnosis by an orthodontist. In this step, your misaligned teeth are assessed and an individual treatment plan is drawn up. Once the treatment plan has been determined, the selected brackets are fitted to the teeth.
During treatment, regular visits to the orthodontist are required, usually every four to six weeks. During these appointments, the brackets are adjusted and progress is monitored.
Care instructions
The care of fixed braces is of great importance not only to ensure the effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment, but also to maintain your general oral health.
- Oral hygiene: Thorough oral hygiene is essential. Brush your teeth carefully after every meal by cleaning the brackets, wires and interdental spaces. Use a soft toothbrush and special interdental brushes to clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Dental floss and interdental brushes: The use of dental floss and interdental brushes is crucial to remove plaque and food debris between the teeth and brackets. Regular cleaning is important to prevent tooth decay and gingivitis.
- Diet: Avoid hard, sticky and sugary foods that can damage brackets or cause tooth decay.
- Regular check-ups: Keep your regular check-up appointments. This will allow you to adjust brackets and monitor the progress of your treatment.
Invisalign
One of our most popular treatment options is Invisalign, an innovative system for correcting misaligned teeth. With Invisalign, we can straighten teeth effectively and inconspicuously. The treatment is carried out using transparent aligners (trays), which are changed every two weeks.
These aligners are designed to allow gradual movement of your teeth into the desired final position. In addition, Invisalign offers the unique opportunity to see the possible results of your treatment in advance. With Invisalign's Clincheck technology, you can visualize how your smile will look after treatment. After an examination at our clinic, your dental models are sent to the Invisalign laboratory where they are converted into a precise 3D model using the latest scanning technology. Our experienced orthodontists will then develop your customized treatment plan.
Care instructions
- Remove before eating: Aligners should be removed before eating and drinking anything other than water to prevent discoloration and deformation.
- Oral hygiene: Before reinserting the aligners, clean your teeth thoroughly to remove food debris. Also rinse the aligners under clear water.
- Cleaning the aligners: Clean the aligners regularly with a mild soap or a special cleaner to prevent deposits and odors.
- Safe storage: When you remove the aligners, store them safely in their storage container to prevent loss or damage.
Conclusion
The choice between aligners and conventional braces depends on your individual needs. Aligners such as Invisalign are well suited to minor and moderate misalignments and offer an unobtrusive, comfortable option. Traditional braces are effective for severe misalignments and both methods require careful maintenance.
At The Eram Clinic, we offer a wide range of treatment options to help you realize your radiant smile. Trust our experts to make the right choice for your needs.
