Braces or transparent aligners? - Ορθοδοντικοί Αγία Παρασκευή, Δέσποινα Κουτσουμπού Ορθοδοντικός Αγία Παρασκευή

Metal fixed braces

Ceramic fixed braces

Lingual braces

Clear aligners

Appearance

Metal fixed braces	Obvious
Ceramic fixed braces	Discreet
Clear aligners	Virtually invisible
Lingual braces	Virtually invisible

Effectiveness

Metal fixed braces	Fixed braces can straighten teeth from any position
Ceramic fixed braces	Fixed braces can straighten teeth from any position. In some cases they are combined with one of the other techniques
Clear aligners	Transparent splints are not suitable for everyone. The orthodontist evaluates on a case by case basis if any auxiliary supports are needed to complete the treatment
Lingual braces	Fixed braces can straighten teeth from any position

Diet

Metal fixed braces	Very hard or sticky food should be avoided
Ceramic fixed braces	Very hard or sticky food should be avoided. Also coffee, wine and curry can stain the clear elastics, so you should rinse your mouth regularly to avoid that
Clear aligners	Aligners are removable and are taken out to eat, so diet is unaffected. However, they should not be removed many times per day
Lingual braces	Very hard or sticky food should be avoided

Tooth brushing

Metal fixed braces	Extra time and care are needed, as well as special brushes
Ceramic fixed braces	Extra time and care are needed, as well as special brushes
Clear aligners	Aligners are removed for brushing, so you can brush and floss as normal
Lingual braces	Extra time and care are needed, as well as special brushes

Speech

Metal fixed braces	Metal braces have very little impact on your speech. You might notice a small difference during the first couple of days while you're getting used to them
Ceramic fixed braces	Ceramic braces have very little impact on your speech. You might notice a small difference in the beginning until you're used to them
Clear aligners	Aligners have very little affect on your speech as they are moulded to fit perfectly on your teeth only. However, a small lisping can be expected during the first few days until you get used to them
Lingual braces	Speech can be affected for the first 1-2 weeks until your tongue gets used to the braces on the inner surface of your teeth

Comfort

Metal fixed braces	Metal brackets and wires, even though they are as thin as possible, can cause ulcers and irritations on the inside if your cheeks during the first weeks of treatment
Ceramic fixed braces	Ceramic brackets are slightly bulkier than metal brackets, so they could cause small irritations on the inside of your lips during the first few weeks
Clear aligners	The aligners are smooth and closely fitted to your teeth so they don't cause any irritation on the inside of your mouth
Lingual braces	Tongue irritation can be expected for the first few weeks because the brackets are placed on the lingual surface of the teeth