When it comes to straightening your teeth, the two big players are clear aligners and traditional braces. You’ve probably heard of both, but do you actually know how each one works? Whether you’re just starting to research or already dreaming of your new smile, we’re here to break it all down.
At Urban Smile, we’re team clear aligners (obviously), but we’ll still give braces their due credit.
First up: Braces – the OG of orthodontics
Braces have been around for decades, and for good reason – they’re effective. Metal or ceramic brackets are glued to your teeth using special dental adhesive and connected with a wire that your orthodontist tightens over time. This gentle pressure gradually moves your teeth into the desired spot.
Braces are fixed, meaning you can’t take them out. That’s great for people who might forget to wear their aligners (no judgment), but it also means you’ve got to work around them when eating, brushing, and flossing. They’re especially good for more complex cases like advanced bite issues or rotated teeth as they would need that constant pressure to move them into position.
Now let’s talk clear aligners – the invisible alternative
Clear aligners work by using a series of removable, nearly invisible aligner trays that are custom-made for your smile. Each set of aligners makes tiny adjustments, and you’ll usually change to a new set every 1–2 weeks. Over time, your teeth move into place, no brackets or wires needed.
At Urban Smile, your clear aligner digital treatment plan is designed by a Specialist Orthodontist, and we use Dental Monitoring so you can check in remotely. That means fewer in-studio visits and more flexibility for your lifestyle. You can take your aligners out to eat, brush, and floss, and no one will even know you’re wearing them.
So how do they actually move your teeth?
Whether you’re going with braces or aligners, the science behind it is similar. Both work by applying controlled, gentle pressure on your teeth, which causes the bone around them to slowly reshape. Sounds intense, but the human body is pretty amazing.
The difference is in the how.
- Braces apply pressure through brackets and wires.
- Aligners apply pressure through clear attachments and the snug fit of each digitally planned and designed tray.
Both need expert planning to make sure teeth move safely, efficiently, and in the right order. Which is why all smiles at Urban Smile are designed by specialist orthodontists, not dentists.
Aligners or braces – which is better?
It all depends on your needs, goals, and lifestyle. Braces are great for more complex orthodontic issues and people who prefer a set-and-forget approach. Clear aligners are ideal for mild to moderate cases, especially for adults or teens who want something more discreet.
Of course, at Urban Smile, we’re all about clear aligners because they fit seamlessly into modern life – and let’s be honest, they just look good.
What’s next?
That’s a wrap on Part 1! Now you’ve got the lowdown on how clear aligners and braces actually work. In Part 2, we’ll help you figure out which treatment is right for you.
Want to skip ahead? Book your Free Clear Aligner Consultation at Urban Smile and get personalised advice from our expert team.