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Costs, Benefits & Metal Braces Explained – Brisbane Orthodontics

When Clear Aligners Can’t Help

Why Metal Braces?

❤️ Severe Crowding
🔥 Complex Bite Issues
✅ Rotated Teeth

30 min appointments
Free Consults

Severe tooth crowding requires more than removable aligners can provide. When teeth overlap significantly, or canines sit rotated in the jaw, metal brackets deliver controlled movement in multiple directions. At our Brisbane clinics, orthodontists treat complex cases – deep overbites affecting speech, gaps requiring precise spacing, teeth requiring vertical movement. Clear aligners have limitations. Metal braces don’t. That’s why orthodontists recommend them for challenging dental corrections.

5/5

Beyond Dental Care Hamilton, Brisbane

14/39 Hercules St, Hamilton QLD 4007

5/5

Beyond Dental Care Burpengary

Shop 10/9-11 Burpengary Rd, Burpengary QLD 4505

5/5

Beyond Dental Care Sandstone Point

Shop 9/204-208 Bestmann Rd E, Sandstone Point QLD 4511

common concerns

Clear aligners are great, but not every case is mild. Some dental problems need the control only traditional metal braces can provide. To help you compare both treatment types, we’ve created two simple, research-based comparison tables:

Metal Braces vs Clear Aligners - How effective are braces and aligners for complex dental issues?


Comparison table 1 showing the clinical effectiveness of metal braces vs clear aligners across common orthodontic conditions such as crowding, bite correction, and jaw alignment.
Orthodontic Condition Metal Braces Clear Aligners
Severely Twisted Teeth
Especially front teeth or canines
Excellent Limited
Deep Overbite
Top teeth cover lower teeth too much
Excellent Moderate
Stuck (Impacted) Teeth
Hidden inside gum or bone
Excellent Not Possible
Big Gaps After Extractions
Missing teeth that need closing
Excellent Limited
Major Jaw Misalignment
Upper and lower jaw don’t line up
Good Limited
Teeth Need to Move Up or Down
Vertical movement needed
Excellent Limited
Very Crowded Teeth
Not enough space in the jaw
Excellent Moderate
Control of Tooth Roots
Roots need exact positioning
Excellent Limited
Precise Bite Adjustment
Fixing how your teeth come together
Excellent Moderate
Complex Tooth Movements Needed
Force from multiple directions at once
Excellent Limited
Close Progress Monitoring Needed
Frequent tracking of tooth movement
Excellent Good
Very Precise Force Needed
Tiny adjustments to pressure on each tooth
Excellent Moderate

Clinical Effectiveness Scale

Excellent - Optimal clinical results
Good - Effective treatment option
Moderate - Variable clinical outcomes
Limited - Minimal clinical effectiveness
Not Possible - Cannot treat condition

Life with Braces vs Aligners


Comparison table 2 showing lifestyle differences between metal braces and clear aligners across visibility, eating, hygiene, speech, and responsibility — tailored to parents, teens, and adults.
Showing all 11 comparisons
Everyday Experience Metal Braces Clear Aligners Most Relevant For
Visibility
How noticeable they are day to day
Always visible unless ceramic Nearly invisible when worn 🧑‍🎓 Teens 👩‍ Adults
Comfort
How they feel at first and over time
Can irritate cheeks/lips early on Tray edges can cause mild pressure 👩‍👧 Parents 🧑‍🎓 Teens
Speech Changes
Effects on how clearly you speak
Usually no effect May cause a slight lisp at first 🧑‍🎓 Teens 👩 Adults
Eating & Snacks
Food rules and mealtime routine
Must avoid sticky or hard foods Remove trays to eat anything 👩‍👧 Parents 🧑‍🎓 Teens
Brushing & Flossing
Ease of daily cleaning routine
Difficult; takes more time daily Remove trays and brush normally 👩‍👧 Parents 👩‍ Adults
Discipline Needed
How much effort is needed to stay on track
Passive — always working Must wear 20–22 hrs/day 👩‍👧 Parents 🧑‍🎓 Teens
Breakage Risk
Chance of losing or damaging parts
Wires may come loose Trays can be lost or cracked 👩‍👧 Parents 🧑‍🎓 Teens
Sports & Activities
Suitability for physical activity
Mouthguard required for contact sports Remove trays if needed 👩‍👧 Parents 🧑‍🎓 Teens
Work or School Absences
How often do you need to see the dentist
Visit every 4–6 weeks Visit every 8–12 weeks 🧑‍🎓 Teens 👩‍ Adults
Travel & Events
How easy it is to travel with treatment
Braces stay in; no packing needed Must bring trays + case everywhere 🧑‍🎓 Teens 👩‍ Adults
Cost Flexibility
How predictable the total cost is
Fixed cost, occasional repair fees Extra trays may add to total cost 👩‍👧 Parents 👩‍ Adults
Types of Metal Braces

Today’s metal braces aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are several bracket systems  each designed to meet different goals. Our orthodontists will help choose the one that best fits your teeth, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Dr. Jacky (Burpengary) and Dr. Sein (Hamilton, Sandstone Point) will show you samples during your free consultation to determine which type suits your specific needs.

Traditional Metal Braces

Stainless steel brackets with coloured elastic ties. Best for сomplex cases, kids/teens who like custom colours

Self-Ligating Braces

Metal brackets with built-in clips. No elastics needed. Best for adults who prefer shorter visits and less pressure

Ceramic Braces

Tooth-coloured brackets for a less visible look. Best for adults and teens who want subtle but effective treatment

Lingual Braces

Custom metal brackets hidden behind the teeth. Best for image-conscious adults needing discreet results
Did you know?

Even after braces create perfect alignment, jaw muscles may still clench from years of compensating for crooked teeth. Discover TMJ Muscle Reset Therapy →

Your Metal Braces Journey: What to Actually Expect

Select your case type to see realistic timelines, discomfort levels, and appointment schedules

Choose Your Case Type

Simple Case

Mild crowding, minor spacing

Moderate Case

Moderate crowding, bite correction

Complex Case

Severe crowding, extractions

Treatment Progress Timeline

Appointment Types & Schedule

🔧 Regular Adjustments

Frequency:
Every 4-6 weeks
Duration:
15-30 minutes
What Happens During Visit
  1. Remove old elastics
  2. Check progress
  3. Adjust/replace wire
  4. Add new elastics

🚨 Emergency Visits

Frequency:
As needed
Duration:
10-15 minutes
Common Issues:
  • Broken bracket
  • Sharp wire
  • Lost elastic

When You'll See Results

Progress milestones during your treatment journey

After Treatment: Retention Phase

Keeping your new smile straight for life

⛓️ Fixed Retainer

Type:
Permanent wire behind front teeth
Visibility:
Invisible, prevents front teeth from shifting

Night Retainer

Schedule:
First 6 months: Every night
After 6 months: 3-4 nights per week
Purpose:
Removable, maintains overall alignment
contact us

Choose your location in Brisbane to schedule a consultation where our dentists will assess your orthodontic needs, explain metal braces options, and create your personalised treatment plan.

5/5

Beyond Dental Care Hamilton, Brisbane

14/39 Hercules St, Hamilton QLD 4007

5/5

Beyond Dental Care Burpengary

Shop 10/9-11 Burpengary Rd, Burpengary QLD 4505

5/5

Beyond Dental Care Sandstone Point

Shop 9/204-208 Bestmann Rd E, Sandstone Point QLD 4511

Your Smile
& Experience

We understand that the way dental treatment is perceived depends on previous experience. We recognise that many people experience dental fear due to poor dentist behaviour, treatment, or communication. We know that the only way to overcome this is to have an experience that truly delights you. We take the time to get to know and understand you and to allow you to get to know and trust us. Trust and mutual understanding are paramount to your experience.

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areas we serve

We welcome new patients for general, cosmetic, and emergency care. Each clinic is easily accessible, with free onsite parking, clear service options, and flexible booking available online or by phone.

Hamilton & Ascot

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Brighton & Sandgate

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Burpengary & Burpengary East

Dental Clinic in Burpengary Contact Information
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Sandstone Point & Bribie Island

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14/39 Hercules St, Hamilton QLD 4007

(07) 3268 2116

Serving: Ascot, Hendra, Albion, Bowen Hills, Clayfield

Shop 10/9-11 Burpengary Rd, Burpengary QLD 4505

(07) 3067 2325

Serving: Narangba, Deception Bay, Morayfield, Dakabin, North Lakes, Petrie, Caboolture. See all suburbs in Moreton Bay.

Shop 9/204-208 Bestmann Rd E, Sandstone Point QLD 4511

(07) 5429 5628

Serving: Bellara, Bongaree, Ningi, Banksia Beach, Beachmere, and Bribie Island. See all suburbs in Moreton Bay.

54 North Rd, Brighton QLD 4017

(07) 3869 4555

Serving: Sandgate, Deagon, Bracken Ridge, Shorncliffe, Bald Hills.

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