Braces vs Clear Aligners: What’s the Difference?
braces • clear aligners • Grey Lynn • orthodontics • Tooth Tips •
Thinking about straightening your teeth, but not sure where to start? When it comes to braces vs clear aligners, there’s no one right answer. At The Tooth Company Orthodontics in Grey Lynn, these are our two main options. Both can give you a straighter smile, they just get there in different ways.
Our specialist orthodontist, Dr Will, runs through them in the quick video below. Here’s a bit more detail on how they compare.
Metal Braces
These are the classic braces most people picture. They’re strong, reliable and work for a wide range of cases. The fun part? You can change the colours of the bands, so you can keep it subtle or make them your own.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work the same way as metal braces, but the brackets are clear, so they blend in with your teeth. They can be placed on your upper teeth, the ones that show most when you smile. They’re a good middle ground if you’d like braces that are less noticeable.
Clear Aligners
If you’re after a more discreet option, clear aligners are a series of clear plastic trays made to fit your teeth. You change to a new set about once a week, and each one moves your teeth a little closer to where they need to be. They’re removable, so you take them out to eat and brush, but they only work if you wear them most of the day and night.
| Metal Braces | Ceramic Braces | Clear Aligners | |
| How it looks | Metal brackets, colourful bands if you like | Clear brackets, subtle | Clear trays, barely noticeable |
| Removable? | No, fixed in place | No, fixed in place | Yes |
| Eating | Avoid very hard or sticky foods | Avoid very hard or sticky foods | Take trays out to eat |
| Cleaning | Brush and floss around brackets | Brush and floss around brackets | Brush teeth and clean trays |
| Good for | A wide range of cases | People who want braces that blend in | People who’ll wear them consistently |
Neither is better across the board. It depends on your teeth, your bite and your lifestyle. The best way to find out is a chat with an orthodontist.
It’s different for everyone. Your orthodontist will give you a timeframe once they’ve had a look at your teeth and bite.
You might feel some pressure or tenderness for a few days at the start, and after an adjustment or a new set of trays. It usually settles quickly.
Nope. Plenty of adults straighten their teeth. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, it’s never too late.
Around age 7 is a good time for a first check. It doesn’t mean they’ll need braces then, it just lets us keep an eye on how things are developing.
Yes. Teeth like to drift back, so a retainer helps keep your new smile where it belongs.
Got questions about your teeth or bite?
Come in and see us at The Tooth Company Orthodontics in Grey Lynn. Dr Will can take a look, talk you through your options and answer all your questions. No pressure, just a friendly chat.
