How Braces Work
A brace system is a fixed setup of brackets bonded to the teeth and a wire that applies constant pressure, gradually moving the teeth. Braces come in metal (the fastest, most predictable option) and ceramic (less visible, but somewhat more expensive).
How Aligners Work
Aligners are a series of clear, removable trays — each one shifts the teeth slightly closer to the target position. They can be taken out to eat and brush, which makes hygiene easier, but the result depends heavily on discipline: trays need to be worn at least 20–22 hours a day.
Who Aligners Suit — and Who They Don't
Aligners handle moderate crowding and small gaps well, but they don't solve every bite case: with complex vertical or skeletal issues, or when a tooth needs to be moved vertically, braces remain the more predictable tool.
Cost
Metal braces start from UAH 29,400 per jaw, ceramic braces start from UAH 42,000. Ukrainian-made aligners run from 45,000 to 155,000 UAH per course, Invisalign from 175,000 to 270,000 UAH.
Speed and Care
For a comparable case, braces often deliver a faster, more predictable result, since they don't depend on whether the patient took a tray out one time too many. Cleaning braces requires special interdental brushes and more time; caring for aligners is simpler, but requires the discipline to actually wear them.
How to Choose
The decision is made at an orthodontic consultation after an exam and, typically, diagnostic imaging — the dentist assesses the starting bite and explains which method will give a predictable result in your specific case.