Your bite comes first
Before you think about looks, your dentist has to check how your teeth meet. Severe crowding or a deep bite can rule aligners out.
If your dentist says all three would work, the rest of this page will help you pick.
Metal braces suit you if
- You want the hardest-wearing option
- You play sport or tend to knock things
- You do not want to remember anything each day
You will see them in the mirror, and so will everyone else. Many teenagers stop caring after a month.
Ceramic braces suit you if
- You want fixed braces that stand out less
- You speak to clients or stand in front of a class
- You can take care with hard food
Tooth-coloured brackets can chip. The small ties can also pick up colour from karak and curry, until your next adjustment.
Clear aligners suit you if
- You can keep trays in for 20 to 22 hours a day
- You would hate food restrictions
- Your case is on the milder side
Discipline decides this one. A tray left in your bag moves nothing.
Three questions to ask yourself
- Will I wear something removable? Think about long lunches, late nights and travel.
- How much do I mind being seen in braces? Try to picture your next year of photos.
- How often can I get to the clinic? Fixed braces need regular adjustment visits. We open until 9 PM, which helps if you work days.
Mixing options
You do not always have to choose one. Some people have ceramic brackets on the upper teeth and metal on the lower teeth.
Others start with fixed braces for the harder movements and finish with aligners. Your orthodontist will tell you if a mix suits your case.
What your orthodontist checks
Dr J Ashok, our consultant orthodontist, plans braces and aligners at the clinic. The assessment covers:
- How your top and bottom teeth meet
- Crowding and spacing
- Teeth that have not come through, such as impacted canines
- How your jaws line up
That decides which options are open to you, before looks come into it.
Comfort in the first week
Metal and ceramic brackets can rub your cheeks until they toughen up. Orthodontic wax helps.
Aligners press on the teeth with each new tray, but nothing rubs. Soft food helps with either for the first few days.
After treatment
Every option ends the same way, with a retainer. Teeth tend to drift back without one.
Your orthodontist will tell you how long to wear it each night. Keep it in its case, never wrapped in a tissue.
Bring these to your consultation
Bring any old X-rays and photos of your smile. Ask your dentist to show you each option that suits your teeth.