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Braces and Aligners
Braces and Aligners
What Are Braces and Aligners?
Braces: Fixed orthodontic appliances made of metal or ceramic brackets, bonded to each tooth and connected by arch wires. They apply pressure to gradually move teeth into alignment.
Clear Aligners: Removable, transparent trays made of medical-grade plastic that fit snugly over your teeth. Each tray is custom-made and worn in sequence to shift teeth gradually.
Procedure Details
Braces Procedure
Consultation & Records: Dental examination, X-rays, impressions or digital scans
Fitting: Brackets are bonded to teeth, wires inserted, and tightened
Adjustments: Usually every month to tighten or change wires/elastics as teeth move
Duration: Typically 6 months to 3 years, depending on case complexity
Retention Phase: After removal, retainers (fixed or removable) are used to maintain the result
Aligners Procedure
Consultation & Scanning: Dental examination, X-rays, digital 3D scan
Treatment Plan: Software maps out tooth movement in stages; series of custom aligner trays manufactured
Wearing Aligners: Each tray worn ~1–2 weeks for 16–20 hours daily, removed for eating and cleaning
Check-Ups: Visit the dentist as necessary to track development and gather subsequent sets
Duration: Could be as short as ~6 months for simple cases, or longer for more complex cases
Retention: Retainers worn post-treatment to prevent relapses
When is Braces/Aligners Recommended?
Braces are ideal for:
Complex orthodontic issues: Severe crowding, rotated teeth, major bite discrepancies, jaw alignment issues
Patients less likely to comply: With strict wear schedules
Precise control needed: Situations where precise control over tooth movement is necessary
Aligners are best suited for:
Mild to moderate misalignment: Spacing, overbite, cross-bite, minor crowding
Adults and teens: Valuing discretion, comfort, and fewer restrictions
Compliant patients: Those comfortable wearing treatment devices for at least 20 hours a day
Benefits of Aligners Over Braces
Aesthetics: Almost invisible compared to visible metal or ceramic braces
Comfort: Smooth plastic trays cause less irritation. No poking wires or brackets
Removable: Easy to take out for meals, brushing, flossing; no dietary restrictions
Better Oral Hygiene: Easier brushing and flossing, lower risk of plaque, cavities, gum issues
Fewer Orthodontic Visits: Typically check-ups every 6–8 weeks versus 3–6 weeks for braces
Predictable Planning: Digital treatment plan with 3D imaging allows preview of expected outcome
Comparable or Shorter Treatment Time: Many mild cases complete in 12–18 months, sometimes faster than braces
Care and Maintenance
For Braces: Regular cleaning, avoiding hard/sticky foods, attending adjustment appointments
For Aligners: Clean aligners daily, store properly when not in use, maintain good oral hygiene
Retention Phase: Both treatments require retainers to maintain results long-term
Treatment Timeline
Braces: 6 months to 3 years depending on complexity
Aligners: 6 months to 2 years for most cases
Retention: Lifetime commitment to prevent relapse
At Crescent 432, we offer both traditional braces and modern clear aligner options. Our experienced orthodontists will evaluate your specific case and recommend the best treatment option for your needs, lifestyle, and goals.
