Angel Aligners vs Traditional Braces: What You Need to Know

The most obvious difference between the two treatments is their aesthetics and visibility. Angel Aligners use transparent, medical-grade plastic trays that fit snugly over the teeth. They are virtually invisible, making them a discreet option for adults and teens who may feel self-conscious about undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Traditional braces, on the other hand, consist of metal brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by wires. While ceramic options exist to make them less conspicuous, they remain more visible than clear aligners.

Traditional braces can cause irritation to the inner cheeks and lips, particularly in the early stages of treatment. The metal brackets and wires often end up rubbing against the soft tissues. Soreness may also occur after every regular adjustment, where the braces are tightened to move the teeth.

Angel Aligners, in contrast, are made from smooth material and custom-fitted to sit closely over the teeth. They tend to cause less soft-tissue irritation, although mild discomfort can still occur initially as gentle pressure is applied to guide tooth movement.

One of the major advantages of Angel Aligners is their removability. They can easily be removed for short periods when you need to eat, drink, brush, or floss. This allows patients to maintain their normal diet and oral hygiene routines without restrictions, making it a particularly beneficial choice for people with busy lifestyles.

Conversely, traditional braces are fixed appliances, meaning they are bonded to your teeth for the entire duration of treatment. Patients with braces need to avoid certain foods that can damage the brackets or wires, such as sticky or hard items. Maintaining oral hygiene can also be more challenging, as brushing and flossing around the brackets and wires requires extra effort.

Traditional braces require regular orthodontic visits, typically every four to eight weeks, for wire adjustments and tightening. These appointments help ensure that treatment stays on track and your teeth continue to move towards their final planned arrangement.

Angel Aligners, in contrast, involve swapping between a series of custom-made aligners that are changed every one to two weeks. Progress is monitored during periodic check-ups, and in some cases through virtual reviews, which may result in fewer in-clinic visits compared to braces. This system may reduce the need for professional upkeep and fits perfectly into a patient’s busy life.

Traditional braces are highly effective at addressing a wide range of orthodontic issues, from minor crowding to complex alignment problems. They are often the recommended choice for severe cases, such as significant bite misalignments or rotated teeth.

Angel Aligners are suitable for treating mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, including crowding, gaps and minor bite issues. The cost of their convenience, accessibility and softer material is that they are less predictable for highly complex tooth movements and severe bite corrections. As such, these aligners may not be the ideal choice for highly complex orthodontic cases.

With traditional braces, cleaning around the brackets and wires can be time-consuming, and patients need to use specialised tools such as interdental brushes or floss threaders to reach the recessed areas. Failure to maintain proper oral hygiene can increase the risk of cavities or gum issues during treatment and further complicate the entire process.

With Angel Aligners, oral hygiene is much easier to maintain. Since the aligners are removable, patients can brush and floss as they normally would, without any additional tools. The aligners themselves need to be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of plaque or stains, but a soft brush and lukewarm water are enough to keep them clean.

Traditional braces require no additional effort from the patient to ensure their effectiveness, as they are fixed to the teeth. However, patients need to follow their orthodontist’s advice regarding food restrictions and oral hygiene. This brings about greater complications in their daily life, and there are plenty of opportunities to make errors that interfere with treatment.

Meanwhile, Angel Aligners rely heavily on patient compliance for successful results, but have no additional restrictions. They must be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day and only removed for meals and oral care. Failing to wear the aligners as prescribed can delay treatment progress and affect the outcome, but they are less inherently limiting.

Choosing between Angel Aligners and traditional braces depends on several factors, and what works best for one person may not be suitable for another. Here are some considerations to guide your decision:

• Lifestyle and Daily Routines

  If you lead a busy lifestyle or prefer the flexibility of being able to remove your orthodontic appliance, Angel Aligners might be the better fit. On the other hand, if you prefer a treatment option that requires less daily decision-making, traditional braces may be more suitable.

• Aesthetic Preferences

  For patients who are self-conscious about their appearance during treatment, Angel Aligners provide a discreet option that is almost invisible. If aesthetics are less of a concern, traditional braces may still be an effective and viable choice.

• Oral Hygiene Habits

  Take your dental habits into consideration. If you are already diligent about brushing and flossing, navigating around braces may be acceptable to you. If you prefer a simpler hygiene routine, the removability of aligners provides a significant benefit.

• Clinical Recommendations

  While you may have a preference, your specific dental anatomy and the severity of your misalignment will dictate which dental treatment can achieve the best result. Visiting a dental clinic that provides both traditional braces and clear aligners can help determine the appropriate approach for your individual needs.

Whether you choose the discretion of Angel Aligners or the robust reliability of traditional braces, both paths lead to the same destination: a healthier, straighter smile. Remember, orthodontic treatment is an investment in yourself. Taking the time to understand your options ensures that the journey is as rewarding as the result.

M Dental Clinic is a certified Angel Aligner provider with locations in Petaling Jaya and Subang SS 15. We are fully qualified to provide you with a detailed assessment and find out if Angel Aligners are the right path for your unique dental needs. Our friendly and experienced staff prioritise your comfort and well-being with each visit, and strive to build lasting relationships with each patient.

Reach out to our clinic today to arrange a consultation and explore the possibilities of a straighter, healthier smile.