Clear aligners or braces? Five questions to ask before deciding

Most adults who come for an orthodontic consultation seem to have decided already: “No braces, I want aligners.” In most cases that is possible. But the right method depends less on how the teeth need to move and more on your daily habits. Here are the five questions we ask.

1. Can you wear them 22 hours a day?

Aligners only work while they are in your mouth. Apart from eating and brushing, including at night, they need to stay in. For patients who snack often or think they might take them out and forget, fixed braces give a more predictable result.

2. How complex is the movement?

Mild to moderate crowding and gaps respond well to aligners. Significant jaw discrepancies, long root movements or bringing impacted teeth into place may require braces or a combination of both. We clarify this after a digital scan and simulation.

3. How often can you come to the clinic?

With braces, check-ups are every 4-6 weeks and the wires are adjusted. With aligners, new sets are given in advance and check-ups can be every 6-8 weeks. For people who travel a lot this can make a real difference.

4. Does your speech matter at work?

Aligners can cause a slight lisp for a few days, usually gone within a week. Braces can irritate the cheeks and lips at first. Both are temporary, but it is wise not to start in a week when you have a big presentation.

5. Are you ready for afterwards?

Whichever you choose, teeth tend to move back. When treatment ends, a thin retainer wire is bonded behind the teeth or a night-time retainer is given. This phase matters as much as the treatment itself.

In short

Clear aligners are an excellent choice when worn with discipline, thanks to their invisibility and comfort. Fixed braces work in every case and leave less to the patient. At the first consultation we discuss both on the simulation and decide together.