Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Braces

What are the differences between Aligners and Braces?

• Appearance: Aligners is almost not visible throughout the therapy. Braces can be unsightly with the metal brackets and wires. Even with ceramic brackets, the wires are still visible and can be a hindrance for adults to commit for therapy.
• Removability: Aligners are designed to be removed when eating, drinking, and brushing. This means there is less changes required to the daily habits. However, braces require your dentist to remove. This means more adjustments required for eating. and cleaning because of the many metal pieces and wires attached to the teeth.
• Convenience: Invisible aligners allows you to remove for special event (eg. a wedding, or special night out). Aligners often only need to attend the dentist once in a few months. Braces does not offer this flexibility. Braces tend to have more minor issues such as bracket coming off or wires poking into the cheek, which require additional attendance to the dentist for adjustments, besides the essential monthly attendances.
• Compliance: Aligners require the discipline to wear the appliance 22 hours a day. If not worn for this length of time, therapy will fail to achieve the planned result. Hence, aligners are not suitable for those undisciplined adult patients and uncooperative children. Braces do not have this requirements as the appliance is fixed on the dentition. Hence this appliance is suitable for children.
• Effectiveness: With correct case selection, both aligners and braces are just as effective with today's technology. Ten years ago, aligners were often less effective compared to braces, due to lack of aligner research and development data. However, Aligner is now almost as effective as braces and the future of mainstream orthodontic will trend towards aligners. Braces will remain as a good alternative for the undisciplined patients and the special medically compromised cases.
• Cost: Tripitaka Dental at Cabramatta believes that patient should not have to choose between these two therapy pathways due to cost differences. We try our best that have the fee nearly similar. In general, most practices would charge more for aligners compared to braces due to the cost difference for the products.

Both clear aligners and fixed braces have proven effective in straightening teeth. However, choosing between the two often depends on individual needs and preferences. 

At Tripitaka Dental, we offer clear aligners and fixed braces, ensuring our patients receive exceptional orthodontic care tailored to their unique smiles.

Clear Aligners

Advantages

• Clear aligners are nearly invisible and discreet.
• Clear aligners are removable, which makes brushing, flossing and enjoying meals less of a hassle.
• Clear aligners do not have metal brackets or wires that can cause irritation.

Considerations

• Clear aligners require discipline to wear them for 20-22 hours a day.
• Clear aligners may not be suitable for complex orthodontic cases.

Fixed Braces

Advantages

• Fixed braces can be effective for many dental issues, including complex cases.
• Fixed braces ensure consistent progress because they are fixed. 
• Fixed braces often work faster in correcting certain types of misalignment.

Considerations

• Fixed braces are visible, which may be a concern for some patients.
• Fixed braces can cause discomfort and make oral hygiene more challenging.

Clear Aligners or Fixed Braces? Let Us Help You Choose!

Ultimately, the choice between clear aligners and fixed braces in Cabramatta, NSW, depends on individual goals, lifestyle and the complexity of your orthodontic concerns. Our team at Tripitaka Dental is here to guide you through the process, so please don’t hesitate to call us or book a consultation online. 

The short answer is that while it doesn't "hurt" to have braces put on, you will almost certainly experience some discomfort, soreness, and pressure, especially during the first few days and after adjustments.

When Braces Are First Applied

The process of getting braces fitted—where the brackets are bonded to your teeth and the wire is threaded through—is not painful. However, you will likely feel some soreness and a dull ache a few hours after you leave the orthodontist's office. This is caused by the gentle, constant pressure the braces are applying to your teeth to start moving them. The most intense discomfort usually lasts for about 3 to 5 days. The pain is typically a dull ache or a feeling of pressure. Your teeth may feel sensitive, especially when chewing, and the inside of your cheeks and lips may get irritated or sore with ulceration from rubbing against the brackets and wires.

After each orthodontic adjustment

Discomfort is usually less intense than the initial pain and typically lasts for 1 to 3 days after the adjustment. Similar to the initial placement, you'll feel pressure and tenderness. 

Managing Pain

Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or paracetamol (Panadol) can help reduce inflammation and alleviate the pain.

Soft foods: For the first few days after getting your braces or an adjustment, stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing, such as soups, smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs.

Orthodontic wax: Tripitaka Dental offers an orthodontic hygiene care kit containing a special wax to apply over any brackets or wires that are rubbing against the inside of your cheeks or lips. This creates a smooth barrier and prevents irritation

Saltwater rinses: Swishing with warm salt water can help soothe any sores or cuts inside your mouth and promote healing.

Cold compresses or cold foods: Applying an ice pack to the outside of your jaw or eating cold foods like ice cream can help numb the area and reduce swelling.