Braces & Clear Aligners
Braces and clear aligners straighten teeth and help correct bite problems by moving teeth gradually, using either brackets and a wire fixed to the teeth or a series of removable, custom-made clear plastic trays. At Deshpande Dental in Solapur, the choice between braces and clear aligners is made after checking your teeth, gums and bite, because no single appliance suits every problem.
Braces or clear aligners: how to choose
Braces use brackets fixed to the teeth and joined by a wire, while clear aligners are removable, custom-made plastic trays worn one after another, each taking the teeth a further planned step (American Association of Orthodontists: braces and clear aligners).
The right choice depends on your bite problem, what you want to achieve and an examination; no single appliance suits everyone. The everyday difference is that braces stay on your teeth throughout treatment, while aligners come out for eating and cleaning. Aligners can treat selected crowding, gaps and bite problems, but not every problem suits aligners alone. When aligners cannot make the movements needed, fixed braces are the alternative.
Metal braces, ceramic braces and clear aligners compared
| Comparison | Metal braces | Ceramic braces | Clear aligners |
|---|---|---|---|
| What they are | Metal brackets bonded to the teeth, joined by a wire held with small elastic rings | Tooth-coloured or clear ceramic brackets fixed to the teeth, joined by a wire | A series of custom-made clear plastic trays |
| How noticeable | More visible than ceramic brackets | Less noticeable than metal brackets | Clear, though small tooth-coloured bumps (attachments) or elastics can make them more visible |
| Eating | Hard or sticky foods can damage brackets and wires | Hard or sticky foods can damage brackets and wires | Remove to eat; sugary drinks trapped under aligners raise decay risk |
| Early discomfort | Teeth may be sore for several days after fitting or adjustment | Teeth may be sore for several days after fitting or adjustment | Temporary discomfort as teeth move; speech can be temporarily affected |
| Points to know | Regular adjustment visits; wires are changed as treatment progresses | Regular adjustment visits; move teeth as effectively as metal braces; upper teeth that bite onto lower ceramic brackets can wear; removal can be somewhat harder | Progress depends on wearing them as prescribed |
Braces and aligners for adults in Solapur
Adult age alone does not rule out orthodontic treatment. Adults may want it for crowding, their bite, or to reposition teeth before other dental work. Tooth decay and gum disease should be treated first (British Orthodontic Society: adult orthodontics), so a filling may come before your braces or aligners. Previous dental work and your bite problem can change the plan, and some adult jaw problems need orthodontics combined with jaw surgery.
What treatment involves
- Assessment and records. Planning uses an examination and records of your teeth and bite, which may include X-rays, photographs and scans or impressions. Tell us about any past injury to your front teeth.
- Making space. If teeth need more room, options include removing selected teeth, widening the dental arch (the curve of the teeth) or slightly narrowing the sides of some teeth (enamel reduction). None is used for everyone.
- Aligners are made from a digital plan of intended tooth positions. Small tooth-coloured attachments may be bonded to some teeth to help them move, and some cases also need elastics. Wear time and aligner changes follow your own prescription, and review visits check tooth movement and the health of your teeth and gums.
- Routine care continues. Keep up usual check-ups and teeth cleaning.
Risks and how to reduce them
Poor cleaning around braces can leave lasting white or brown marks on the teeth and cause gum swelling or lasting gum damage, so clean carefully around the brackets and between the teeth (British Orthodontic Society: risks of orthodontic treatment). With aligners, food or sugary drinks trapped underneath and poor cleaning increase the risk of decay, so brush, clean between your teeth and clean the aligners. Moving teeth can shorten their roots; this is usually limited but can occasionally be more significant.
Retainers after braces or aligners
After active treatment, a retainer helps hold your teeth in their new position. Without one, teeth can drift back, and they can also move later with age, so long-term retainer wear is commonly needed; your retainer type and wear schedule are chosen individually. Removable retainers may be clear plastic or acrylic with wire. They only work while worn as instructed: some plans start with full-time wear and later reduce to nights, while others start with night wear.
- Take a removable retainer out to eat and clean it along with your teeth.
- Avoid hot water, as heat can distort it.
- Keep it in its case when out of your mouth, and bring it to review visits.
- Contact us if it is damaged, no longer fits or feels painfully tight.
When to contact us during treatment
Contact the clinic if a bracket or wire breaks or rubs (wax can ease rubbing), if your teeth are very painful, or if an aligner is lost, cracked, sharp, painful, badly distorted or will not sit fully on your teeth and attachments. Do not keep wearing a damaged aligner. Heavy bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing or swallowing, or severe pain with facial swelling or fever needs urgent medical or dental care.
Why choose Deshpande Dental for braces and aligners
- Braces and clear aligners both offered, so the advice can follow what your teeth and bite need.
- Wider dental care in one practice, including fillings, cleaning and check-ups before and during treatment, and smile design if you also want to change the shape or colour of your teeth.
- Local and established. Deshpande Dental has cared for patients in Solapur since 2014, with three clinics in the city.
What affects the cost
The cost depends on the type of appliance, how complex your bite problem is, whether other dental treatment is needed first, and your retainers. Ask for an estimate after your assessment. To find out which option suits you, book a consultation at Deshpande Dental in Solapur.
