A beautiful smile is more than just appearance — it reflects confidence and oral health. Crooked, misaligned, or crowded teeth can affect how you smile, chew, and even maintain oral hygiene.
Modern orthodontic treatments such as aligners and braces help correct these issues effectively, giving you straight, well-aligned teeth and a confident smile.
At Pravara Centre for Dermatology, Dentistry & Aesthetics, we offer advanced, comfortable, and discreet orthodontic solutions for all age groups.
What Are Braces and Aligners?
Braces and aligners are orthodontic devices that gradually move teeth into their correct positions. While both aim to straighten teeth, they differ in appearance, comfort, and maintenance.
Braces: Fixed metal or ceramic brackets attached to the teeth, connected by wires and bands.
Aligners: Transparent, removable trays made of smooth plastic that gently shift teeth without the need for metal brackets.
Types of Braces and Aligners
🦷 1. Metal Braces (Traditional Braces)
Metal braces are the most common and cost-effective option.
They use high-grade stainless steel brackets and wires to align teeth efficiently.
Modern metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more effective than older versions.
Ideal for:
- Severe crowding or bite issues
- Teenagers and adults seeking reliable, long-term correction
🦷 2. Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work like metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets, making them less noticeable. They blend well with natural teeth and offer a more aesthetic option.
Ideal for:
- Adults and professionals looking for discreet treatment
- Patients who prefer fixed braces but want a natural look
🦷 3. Self-Ligating Braces
These braces use special clips instead of elastic ties to hold the wire.
They cause less friction, require fewer adjustments, and often shorten treatment time.
Benefits:
- Easier cleaning
- More comfort and fewer visits
- Faster tooth movement in many cases
🦷 4. Clear Aligners (Invisible Aligners)
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign and other custom systems, are transparent, removable trays that gently shift teeth into position.
They are virtually invisible, comfortable, and allow easy oral hygiene since they can be removed while eating or brushing.
Benefits:
- Nearly invisible
- Removable and convenient
- No dietary restrictions
- Comfortable and smooth edges
Ideal for:
Adults and teenagers who want subtle, flexible, and modern orthodontic treatment without visible wires or brackets.
How Does Aligner Treatment Work?
- Initial consultation – Orthodontist examines your teeth, bite, and facial profile.
- Digital scanning / impressions – A 3D model of your mouth is created.
- Treatment planning – Customized aligner sets are designed digitally for each stage of movement.
- Aligner wear – You’ll wear each aligner set for about 1–2 weeks, 20–22 hours per day.
- Progress reviews – Regular check-ups every few weeks to track movement.
- Retention phase – After completion, retainers maintain your new smile.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
✅ Straightens teeth for a balanced, attractive smile
✅ Corrects bite problems (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
✅ Improves chewing, speech, and jaw alignment
✅ Enhances oral hygiene by reducing crowding
✅ Boosts confidence and self-esteem
Aligners vs Braces: Which Is Right for You?
Feature | Clear Aligners | Braces (Metal/Ceramic) |
Visibility | Virtually invisible | Visible (less so with ceramic) |
Comfort | Smooth, no wires | May cause mild irritation |
Maintenance | Removable for cleaning | Fixed, require extra care |
Food Restrictions | None | Avoid sticky/hard foods |
Treatment Range | Mild–moderate cases | Suitable for all cases |
Follow-ups | Fewer visits | Regular tightening visits |
Your orthodontist will recommend the most suitable option based on your teeth alignment, bite, and lifestyle preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are aligners as effective as braces?
Yes. For mild to moderate misalignment, clear aligners are equally effective as braces. For complex bite corrections, braces may still be preferred.
2. How long does treatment take?
On average, treatment with braces or aligners takes 12–24 months, depending on the severity of misalignment and patient compliance.
3. Are aligners painful?
Aligners may cause mild pressure or tightness for the first few days of each new set, which is a normal sign of tooth movement.
4. Can I eat with aligners on?
No. Aligners should be removed while eating or drinking anything except water to prevent staining or damage.
5. Do braces or aligners permanently straighten teeth?
Yes, but you must wear retainers after treatment to maintain the new tooth positions and prevent shifting.
Why Choose Pravara Centre?
At Pravara Centre for Dermatology, Dentistry & Aesthetics, our expert dental team provides advanced orthodontic solutions tailored to your needs. Whether you choose invisible aligners, metal braces, or ceramic braces, we ensure effective results with modern technology and precise treatment planning.
✨ Why patients trust us:
- Experienced orthodontists & advanced scanning systems
- Customized, digitally designed aligners
- Aesthetic, comfortable, and result-driven treatments
- Comprehensive dental care under one roof
📍 Location: 706, 2nd Main Road, 11th Block, Marilingappa Extension, 2nd Stage Nagarbhavi, Bengaluru – 560072
📞 Contact: 9035580111