At Harley Street Dental Studio, we pride ourselves in offering our patients a choice and we provide fixed braces and removable aligner treatments. Aligner treatments have become very popular in recent years, but are they better than fixed braces and which treatment is best for you? We are here to help you decide and get you on your way to the perfect smile!

The pros and cons of fixed braces

Fixed braces are reliable and effective and they have been used to correct minor, moderate and complex orthodontic issues for several decades. They are not the prettiest, but they get results and modern braces are smaller and more discreet than ever. One of the most appealing advantages of fixed braces is that they are suitable for most patients, while removable braces are usually a better option for patients who need less intensive treatment. Fixed braces are also guaranteed to work, while the success of aligner treatments is often down to the patient and their commitment to treatment; if the aligners are left out on a regular basis, the results may not be as impressive as expected.

The downsides of fixed braces are the look of the brace and the inconvenience of cleaning the teeth and the brace; braces tend to get food trapped in them and they are not as easy to keep clean as removable braces; wearing fixed braces can increase the risk of decay, staining and gum disease as a result of this.

The pros and cons of aligner treatment

Aligner treatment is simple, quick and painless and it is also more convenient than fixed brace treatment. You take your aligners out to eat and clean your teeth and in most cases, aligners are a lot more discreet than fixed braces, so you don’t have to worry about your image or your confidence. Aligner treatment also gives you more flexibility and you won’t feel as restricted as you do when you have fixed braces.

In terms of cons, aligner treatment is usually more expensive than fixed brace treatment and patients have to take on the responsibility of ensuring that they wear their aligners for the recommended time each day. Aligners are sometimes not suitable for patients who have more complex needs and fixed braces may be recommended instead.