Braces & Clear Aligners in Vashi, Navi Mumbai

Braces vs Clear Aligners: A Practical Comparison

Both systems can treat most orthodontic problems, but each has genuine trade-offs:

• Braces are fixed — they work continuously without depending on patient compliance; aligners require 20–22 hours of wear per day to work as planned
• Clear aligners are removable — you take them out to eat and brush, which makes oral hygiene easier; braces make cleaning more involved
• Aligners are nearly invisible; metal braces are visible, though tooth-coloured ceramic braces are less so
• Complex bite corrections, significant rotations, and vertical tooth movements are often handled more predictably with braces
• Aligners tend to be more comfortable day-to-day; braces can cause initial soreness and occasional irritation from brackets

Digital Scanning and Treatment Planning

After the digital scan, we can show you a simulation of the expected movement at each stage of treatment and the projected final position. This is not a guarantee — biological variation means teeth do not always move exactly as planned — but it gives you a visual understanding of the process and a shared reference point for what we are working towards. The scan data is also used to fabricate aligners or guide bracket positioning with greater accuracy than traditional impressions allow.

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?

Treatment duration depends on the complexity of the case. Mild spacing or crowding in adults can resolve in six to twelve months. Moderate cases typically take twelve to twenty-four months. More complex bite corrections — significant overjet, overbite, crossbite, or large crowding in multiple teeth — may take up to three years in some cases. We assess your specific situation at the initial consultation and give you an honest estimate. Monitoring appointments at Biolume Dental Care, Vashi are typically every four to eight weeks.

Retainers After Treatment

Straightened teeth do not stay straight on their own. Once the active phase of treatment ends, retainers are needed to hold the teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone stabilises. There are two types: removable retainers worn at night, and fixed retainers — thin wires bonded behind the front teeth. Most patients receive both. Skipping retainer wear is the most common reason teeth shift back after orthodontic treatment. We explain this clearly at the end of treatment and provide a retainer plan as part of your discharge.

When Orthodontics Alone Is Not Enough

Some patients with bite issues have a skeletal component — where the position of the jaw itself, not just the teeth, is causing the problem. In growing patients, this can sometimes be addressed with growth-modifying appliances. In adults whose growth is complete, significant skeletal discrepancies may require orthognathic (jaw) surgery alongside orthodontics. This is relatively uncommon, but it is worth knowing that if your bite issue stems from jaw position rather than tooth position, orthodontics will improve things but may not fully correct them. We identify this early and refer when appropriate.