The short answer
Braces work whether or not you think about them. Aligners work if you wear them 20 to 22 hours a day. Complicated bites still favour braces.
I fit both, at almost the same price, and I have no preference. Here is how the decision actually goes in the chair.
How complicated is your bite?
Aligners are excellent at crowding, spacing and mild bite problems. Deep bites, open bites, large rotations and teeth that need to travel a long way are still more predictable with brackets and a wire.
How much do you want to be responsible for?
Braces work whether or not you think about them. Aligners work between twenty and twenty-two hours a day, and not at all in a pocket. There is no judgement in that, but be honest with yourself before you choose.
| Question | Braces | Aligners |
|---|---|---|
| Visible? | Yes, less with ceramic | Barely |
| Food rules | No hard or sticky food | Take them out to eat |
| Visits | Every 6 to 8 weeks | Every 8 to 10 weeks |
What I tell teenagers
If you play a contact sport, braces plus a mouthguard is simpler. If you are on stage or on camera, aligners are worth the discipline. Either way, the retainer at the end is the part that decides whether the result lasts.
General information about orthodontic treatment, not advice for your mouth. Ask us about your own case at a consultation.