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 your research or weighing up your treatment options, 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 straightening teeth for decades, and they’re still a widely used orthodontic treatment today. Metal or ceramic brackets are bonded to your teeth and connected by a wire, which applies controlled pressure to gradually move your teeth according to your treatment plan.
Because braces are fixed, there’s no need to remember to put them back in after eating (great if remembering aligner wear isn’t your strong suit, no judgement). The trade-off is that you’ll need to work around the brackets and wires when eating, brushing and flossing.
Braces can be used to treat a wide range of orthodontic concerns and may be recommended for certain complex tooth movements or bite issues, depending on your individual needs.
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 wearing braces or clear aligners, the basic principle is similar. Both apply controlled forces to your teeth, triggering changes in the surrounding bone that allow the teeth to gradually move.
The main difference is how those forces are applied.
- Braces use brackets and wires to guide tooth movement.
- Clear aligners use a series of custom-made trays, sometimes with tooth-coloured attachments, to achieve planned tooth movements.
Both treatments need to be carefully planned around your teeth, bite and the movements required. At Urban Smile, every clear aligner treatment plan is designed by one of our Specialist Orthodontists.
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 can be used to treat a range of orthodontic concerns, but they’re not suitable for every patient or every type of tooth movement.
At Urban Smile, we focus exclusively on clear aligners. We like the flexibility they offer: they’re removable, discreet and can be monitored remotely between studio visits. But whether they’re the right option for you comes down to your individual orthodontic needs.
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 find out whether clear aligners could be an option for you? Book a free clear aligner consultation at your nearest Urban Smile studio to have your teeth and bite assessed.
Consultation required to assess suitability. Our orthodontists will advise if this treatment is right for you.