The author of the article
Boris Lipovetskiy, DMD, 31 years experience
Are you hesitant to straighten your teeth because you don’t want to wear uncomfortable, bulky, and noticeable braces? What if we told you that you can correct your bite discreetly, without pain or discomfort? Sounds impossible? Then you haven’t heard about aligners!
Orthodontists at Advanced Dental Wellness Center explain:
- What aligners are?
- How they can correct your bite?
- In which clinical cases they are used for?
- The pros and cons of aligners compared to traditional braces.
Read the article to the end to find out if aligners are right for you!
What Are Aligners?
Aligners are removable orthodontic devices that resemble mouth guards.
Transparent aligners fit snugly over the teeth, differing by just fractions of a millimeter from their shape. This creates gentle pressure, which moves the teeth into their correct, natural position without pain.
To correct a bite with aligners, a set of 15-25 trays is usually made, depending on the complexity of the case. The trays are replaced every 14 days throughout the treatment course.
Invisalign Treatment for Deep Overbite
In this case, we are treating a patient with a severe deep overbite using Invisalign aligners, which is a condition where the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth. This type of malocclusion can cause various issues, such as poor sleep, headaches, and even wear on the teeth over time.
Initial Situation
In the first image, you can clearly see the deep overbite. The lower teeth are almost completely hidden behind the upper teeth, which is a classic sign of this condition. This misalignment was not only affecting the patient's bite but could also lead to future complications like jaw pain, difficulty eating.
Progress During Treatment
Although the treatment is still in progress, the second image already shows remarkable improvement. The teeth have started to align, and the lower teeth are now visible, indicating that the bite has begun to open up. This is an important milestone in the treatment process as it relieves pressure on the teeth and jaw, potentially reducing headaches and improving sleep quality.
"At our clinic, we have an experienced orthodontist who specializes in treating cases like this with Invisalign aligners. If you're experiencing any discomfort due to a misaligned bite or simply want to improve the appearance of your smile, we encourage you to schedule a consultation today."
What Are Braces?
Braces are non-removable orthodontic systems that come in two types:
-
Lingual braces – attached to the back of the teeth, often referred to as "invisible" braces.
-
Labial braces – the classic systems attached to the front of the teeth.
Braces consist of several components:
- Braces – bonded to each tooth and made of metal, ceramic, or sapphire, they hold the archwire in place.
- Archwire – a thin metal wire running through all the braces, exerting pressure to guide the teeth into their proper position.
- Ligatures – rubber bands or metal wires that secure the archwire within the braces. In self-ligating systems, clips inside the braces perform this function.
- Bands or tubes – metal rings placed on the molars to provide additional support for the archwire.
- Elastics (rubber bands) – used to correct the bite by connecting the upper and lower teeth.
How Teeth Are Straightened with Braces:
-
Initially, the archwire is straight. It is bent to match the current shape of the dental arch.
-
In the mouth, under the influence of heat, the wire tries to return to its original straight form, creating pressure. This pressure is first transferred to the braces on the teeth and then to the teeth themselves. As a result, the bite is gradually corrected.
Which Is More Effective for Correcting Bites?
Some dentists suggest that aligners are more effective for minor bite issues. For instance, DDS David Alpan points out that aligners are easier to use for correcting open bites, crowding, and wide gaps between teeth. However, he also notes that braces are more effective for bite correction when there are missing or unerupted teeth. Aligners cannot handle complex bite abnormalities.
This view is supported by other studies [2,4], which indicate that braces offer better control over tooth rotation, torque, alignment, and root positioning. Additionally, they provide superior contact between opposing teeth (occlusion) in the upper and lower jaws.
Therefore, when choosing an orthodontic system, the dentist should first consider the type and severity of the bite problem. Only then should patient preferences for comfort and aesthetics be taken into account.
"In my experience, aligners effectively handle 90% of clinical cases. I’ve only recommended braces to a few patients, all of whom had severe misalignments. They didn’t just need to straighten their teeth but also had to correct the size, shape, and position of their jaws. To sum up: the more severe the bite issue, the more likely the doctor will suggest braces."
Which Is Faster – Braces or Aligners?
It again depends on the type of bite issue. Aligners work faster for mild to moderate defects, reducing treatment time by 3 to 6 months compared to traditional braces.
For more severe misalignments, braces are faster and more effective. These include crossbite, rotation of canines or incisors, prior removal of extra teeth, or "pulling" unerupted teeth into place.
The frequency and duration of dental check-ups should also be considered.
With aligners, the doctor and patient can manage treatment remotely using virtual check-ins, such as through the Candid Monitoring platform. The patient sends photos of their teeth to the doctor every two weeks. After analyzing the data, the doctor provides recommendations for tray replacement, dental care, and treatment adjustments. In-person visits typically last about 15 minutes.
With braces, you'll need to visit the dentist more frequently, about once every 1-1.5 months. These appointments are crucial, as the doctor adjusts the archwire, regulates the pressure on the teeth, assesses treatment progress, and makes changes if necessary. A typical appointment lasts around 40 minutes.
"The duration of treatment with aligners depends on the patient’s discipline. If the patient misses check-ups, frequently removes the trays, or ignores the doctor’s advice, the treatment will be prolonged. In the best case, it will just take longer; in the worst case, correcting the occlusion may not be possible at all."
Which Is More Comfortable to Wear?
Aligners are generally more comfortable than braces. They take up less space in the mouth and lack sharp edges, so they don’t irritate the oral mucosa. They move the teeth gently, causing no pain.
The main issue with aligners is the need for constant self-management. They must be removed for eating, drinking, and smoking. They are easy to break, lose, or forget to put back on. However, they are less noticeable on the teeth, especially compared to metal braces.
Braces, on the other hand, ensure continuous treatment as they cannot be removed by the patient. This eliminates concerns about treatment delays or inefficiency due to forgetfulness or laziness.
However, braces are often uncomfortable. They are bulky, interfere with closing the lips properly, and are noticeable when smiling or talking. They can irritate the oral mucosa with protruding parts of the system, potentially affect speech, and limit enjoyment of food. Certain foods must be avoided, including hard, tough, sticky, and chewy items.
Aligning the Occlusion – A Long Process
Aligning the occlusion is a lengthy process, often taking 1.5 to 2 years. All patients want such extended treatment to be as comfortable and pain-free as possible. As a result, doctors frequently recommend clear aligners.
Aligners:
- Do not scratch the inner surfaces of the lips and cheeks.
- Do not provoke gingivitis or enamel demineralization.
- Do not interfere with speech.
- Do not restrict tongue movement.
However, the final decision on which treatment to use is made by the orthodontist based on diagnostic results.
Which Looks Better on the Teeth – Aligners or Braces?
According to patients themselves, aligners look better because they are transparent. They are almost invisible to others. The most that people might notice is a slight reflection from the plastic if it’s brightly lit by sunlight or fluorescent lamps.
With aligners, you can eat, talk, smile, and laugh in public without feeling self-conscious. Unless you mention that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s unlikely anyone will notice.
Braces, even the more aesthetically pleasing ceramic or sapphire ones, are always visible. Despite efforts to mask the archwire, braces, or ligatures, they still stand out against the enamel. Therefore, it’s difficult to hide the fact that you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
"Any type of braces will be highly visible, even to casual passersby. The exception is lingual braces, which are placed on the inner side of the teeth and are therefore invisible to others. However, they are more expensive than traditional braces and are suitable only for certain cases.
For patients who are self-conscious about correcting their teeth, aligners are recommended, provided there are no contraindications. They will magically make your smile perfect without causing any physical or psychological discomfort."
Which Is More Complicated to Install – Braces or Aligners?
Aligners are easier to install. They are so simple to fix that you can do it yourself after each meal and easily switch to the next tray in the set.
The only exception is the initial placement of the first aligner, which is done at the clinic. The doctor will place the tray, show you how to properly remove and reapply it, and this entire process will take about 10-15 minutes.
Braces, on the other hand, are more complicated and time-consuming to install. The doctor must select points on each tooth for attaching the braces, then bond them, thread the archwire through each brace, and secure it with ligatures or clips. This process takes approximately 40-60 minutes.
"Sometimes, the installation of aligners is complicated by the need to place attachments. These are small bumps made of light-cured composite material that act as guides. Attachments help enhance the pressure applied to the teeth and move them in the desired direction.
Only a doctor can place these attachments, which will add an additional 15-20 minutes to the appointment."
Which Is Easier to Maintain – Aligners or Braces?
Maintaining oral hygiene with aligners is easier. You only need to:
-
Remove the trays if you want to eat, smoke, drink tea, coffee, juice, or a cocktail.
-
Brush your teeth in the usual way after eating or drinking.
-
Clean the aligners with a toothbrush and rinse them.
-
Remember to put the trays back on.
With braces, you need to change your eating habits and oral care routine. This includes:
-
Buying a full set of hygiene tools: toothbrushes (regular, V-shaped, and single-tufted), interdental brushes, floss, and an irrigator.
-
Thoroughly cleaning your teeth, braces, and archwire after every snack for at least 10 minutes to remove food debris and plaque.
-
Cover any protruding or sharp edges of the braces with orthodontic wax to prevent them from scratching the soft tissues of your mouth.
-
Avoiding foods that can damage orthodontic appliances: for example, steaks, chips, popcorn, corn, toffees, whole fruits, and hard vegetables.
Another challenge with braces is the increased frequency of professional dental cleanings, which should be done every 3 months. With aligners, this remains the same; professional hygiene is recommended every 6 months to a year.
Important!
In addition to easier maintenance, aligners are less likely to cause dental and gum diseases. This is due to reduced plaque accumulation, easier hygiene, and the lack of negative impact on enamel and mucous membranes.
Compared to people wearing braces, patients with aligners:
-
Experience 86% fewer instances of gum inflammation and 90% less bleeding of the gums.
-
Rarely develop white spots on the enamel.
-
Do not suffer from stomatitis.
-
Have a zero risk of developing oral tumors, as there is no constant irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and cheeks.
Which is the Best Treatment Method for Teeth Misalignment – Braces or Aligners?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The choice depends on you and your orthodontist.
Aligners are very convenient and aesthetic. Your life will hardly change; you can continue to eat any foods, engage in conversations, laugh, and take photos without hesitation. Oral care routines will remain the same, and you will need to visit the clinic so infrequently that the appointments will seem almost insignificant.
Braces, on the other hand, will be noticeable to everyone, so you can expect more questions. You will need to adjust your eating habits, learn new oral care skills, and purchase additional hygiene products.
However, the choice primarily depends on the clinical situation. If you have minor or moderate bite defects, consider aligners. They are more effective in such cases and will make your treatment both comfortable and quick.
If you have severe bite issues, need extractions, or need to change the width or shape of your jaw, braces would be the better choice. They are more effective and faster at giving you a straight and beautiful smile.
Preparing for Bite Correction
At ADW, we understand that deciding to correct your bite with aligners can be challenging. That’s why we offer a complimentary consultation at our center.
During the consultation, a certified CandidPro doctor will:
- Assess the type and severity of your bite issues.
- Identify any dental diseases.
- Discuss with you the smile you hope to achieve after treatment.
- Determine if aligners are suitable for you.
- Scan your teeth using a digital scanner.
- Create a 3D model of your jaws in just 5 minutes: with Candid Monitoring software, you’ll see in detail how your teeth will move and the final result.
If you decide to proceed with CandidPro aligners, the doctor will develop a treatment plan. They will perform an oral health check and create a series of aligners based on computer modeling. Once you receive the set, you can start correcting your bite immediately.
Patient Experiences and Reviews
Want to find out if aligners are right for you and how your smile will transform after teeth alignment? Schedule a consultation at ADW. It’s completely free and doesn’t obligate you to further treatment.
If you decide to correct your bite with CandidPro aligners, you can learn about payment options from your treating doctor. If you’re unable to pay the full cost of treatment upfront, we offer financing options through Care Credit or Alphaeon Credit. You can make payments in installments with 0% interest and no hidden fees.
FAQ
Braces are not recommended if a patient has:
- Thinned, fragile, or poorly mineralized enamel;
- Frequent cavities;
- Periodic oral mucosa diseases or gum inflammations.
In such cases, there is a high risk of recurring diseases due to complicated hygiene maintenance.
Sources of information
- A comparison of efficacy and efficiency of clear aligners versus braces post-COVID-19. David Alpan DDS, MSD. // A dental journal Orthodontic Practice US.
- A comparison of treatment effectiveness between clear aligner and fixed appliance therapies. Yunyan Ke, Yanfei Zhu, Min Zhu. // National Library of Medicine. – Jan 2019. – Vol. 19, Article number: 24.
- Aligners vs. Braces: Choosing the Right Treatment. Dr Keval Shah, Dr Soumya Chawda, Dr Vishal Patel, Dr Aakash Shah, Dr Hetul Patel, Dr Manan Shah. // Journal of Advanced Zoology. – Vol. 44. – 2023. – pp. 3342-3357.
- Effectiveness and Efficiency of Orthodontic Treatment Using Fixed Appliances Versus Aligners: A Systematic Review. Latifa El Mouden, Asma Zahour. // Orthodontics - Current Principles and Techniques. – Aug 2023.
- Effectiveness of Aligners in Orthodontic Treatment: a systematic review. I. Dallel, S. Hanachi, Ch. Attia, N. Korbi, M. Ommezine, Adel Ben Amor. // Tunisia International Journal of Development Research. – June, 2020. – Vol. 10, Issue, 06, pp. 36308-36311.
