Which is better – braces or aligners?

Answered byDr Ivelina Ivanova-Koycheva, Orthodontist (MSc)Master's degrees in orthodontics in Rome and in aligner treatment in Turin, international lecturerPublished on 12 November 2026

Advantages of braces:

1. They are fixed, so the patient doesn't have to remember to put them in.

2. They don't affect speech, unless they are lingual braces.

3. They are suitable for correcting all types of orthodontic problems.

4. Treatment is shorter in more complex cases.

Disadvantages of braces:

1. More discomfort at the start of treatment and irritation of the soft lining of the mouth.

2. Eating restrictions – hard and sticky foods should be avoided.

3. Cleaning is more difficult, requiring special care and more time.

4. They are less aesthetic.

Advantages of aligners:

1. They can be taken out for eating and brushing your teeth.

2. They are more comfortable, because they don't irritate the soft tissues in the mouth.

3. They are almost invisible, which makes them more aesthetic.

4. You can eat normally, with no restrictions on your diet.

5. Both the teeth and the aligners themselves are easier to clean.

6. Treatment is shorter in milder cases.

Disadvantages of aligners:

1. They require discipline – if the patient doesn't wear them for enough hours a day, the treatment won't be effective.

2. Speech may be slightly affected during the adjustment period.

3. They have to be taken out for eating, which can be inconvenient.

4. Treatment may take longer in more complex cases.

This answer is for general information. Your own case needs an examination by an orthodontist.