Face 
Dentistry 
Short answer: There isn’t one “best” type of brace. The right treatment depends on your smile, your bite, your lifestyle and your goals. A personalised assessment is the best way to understand which option is most suitable for you.
If you’ve been researching orthodontics, you’ve probably discovered there are lots of different types of braces.
Clear aligners.
Fixed braces.
Ceramic braces.
Self-ligating systems.
Each one promises different benefits.
It’s no wonder many people feel overwhelmed.
The reassuring news is this:
You don’t have to work it out on your own.
Why this decision feels so difficult
When patients come to see us, many already have a favourite.
Usually because they’ve:
That’s completely understandable.
But choosing orthodontic treatment isn’t like choosing a new phone.
The “best” option depends on far more than popularity.
The goal isn’t to choose the newest system.
The goal is to choose the treatment that’s most likely to achieve the result you’re hoping for.
Start with your goals – not your braces
Before we discuss different appliances, we want to understand what matters most to you.
For example:
The answers to those questions often tell us much more than the type of brace you initially thought you wanted.
The main treatment options
A discreet, removable option that many adults appreciate because they can take them out for meals and brushing.
They’re suitable for many adult cases and work best when worn consistently as advised.
Fixed braces
Attached to the teeth and working continuously throughout treatment.
Modern fixed braces are smaller and more comfortable than many people expect and remain an excellent choice for many types of tooth movement.
Ceramic braces
These work in a similar way to fixed braces but use tooth-coloured brackets to make them less noticeable.
For some patients, they offer a balance between effectiveness and appearance.
The Evolve perspective
One of the most common questions we hear is:
“If I were your family member, which braces would you recommend?”
We love that question.
Because it shifts the conversation away from products and back to people.
Our answer is always based on the individual sitting in front of us.
We’d recommend the treatment that offers the healthiest, most predictable result for your smile—not simply the one that’s most fashionable.
A simple comparison
This isn’t a recommendation. It’s simply a starting point for your conversation with us.
What about cost?
Some patients assume one type of brace is automatically better because it costs more.
That’s not necessarily true.
Different treatments involve different planning, materials and clinical techniques.
The best value isn’t always the cheapest—or the most expensive.
It’s the treatment that’s most appropriate for your smile.
What about comfort?
Modern orthodontic treatment is designed to move teeth using gentle, controlled forces.
Whether you choose aligners or fixed braces, you may notice some temporary pressure as your teeth begin to move.
Most patients adapt much more quickly than they expect.
Comfort alone rarely determines the best treatment.
What if there are two good options?
Sometimes there isn’t a single right answer.
There may be two treatments capable of producing an excellent result.
If that’s the case, we’ll explain:
Then we’ll decide together.
That’s how healthcare should work.
Questions to ask yourself before choosing
Before deciding, it can help to ask yourself:
There are no right or wrong answers.
Only the answers that are right for you.
Myth vs reality
There’s one “best” type of brace.
The right treatment depends on your individual smile and goals.
Myth
The newest system is always the best.
Successful treatment comes from good planning—not simply choosing the latest appliance.
Myth
You should choose your braces before your consultation.
The consultation helps determine which options are suitable for you.
Questions patients often ask
We’ll always listen to your preferences, but we’ll also explain which options are clinically suitable for your smile.
Are clear aligners always more discreet?
They’re designed to be very discreet, but the best treatment depends on more than appearance.
Can I change my mind?
Sometimes treatment plans can be adapted, but it’s always better to choose the most appropriate option from the start.
Which option do you recommend most often?
There isn’t one treatment we recommend most often.
Our recommendation changes depending on the patient.
Key takeaways
Related Knowledge Pages
Download The Evolve Guide to Adult Braces
If you’re comparing treatment options, our comprehensive guide includes detailed explanations of every stage of the orthodontic journey, decision checklists and practical advice to help you choose with confidence.
Download The Evolve Guide to Adult Braces
Ready to explore your options?
Choosing braces doesn’t start with picking an appliance.
It starts with understanding your smile.
A consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss your goals, ask questions and receive personalised recommendations without any pressure to make a decision.
Read our CQC report
The best part of our job?
It’s this.
That first smile when someone sees the result of their treatment.
The confidence that comes from feeling comfortable smiling in photos again.
The relief of finally being out of pain.
The moment someone realises visiting the dentist wasn’t nearly as daunting as they expected.
Behind every smile is a person, a story and a journey. Being trusted to be part of that is something we never take for granted.
Thank you to every patient who chooses Evolve Dentistry. Helping you smile with confidence really is the best part of what we do. 💙
✨ How can you keep your teeth white?
In this short video, Dr Richard Ford shares some simple ways to help keep your smile looking its best:
• Attend regular hygiene appointments to help remove surface staining.
• Brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste.
• Be mindful of foods and drinks that can cause staining, such as black coffee, red wine and turmeric.
• If you’d like a brighter smile, professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective option.
The reality is that teeth naturally pick up stains over time. The good news is that a few simple habits can make a real difference.
If you’re thinking about whitening your teeth, or you’re not sure which option is right for you, we’re always happy to help you understand your choices with no pressure.
Have you got a question about keeping your teeth white? Leave it in the comments and we’ll do our best to answer it.
“Friendly staff and everything runs smoothly.”
When people describe their experience at Evolve, it’s often the little things they remember.
A warm welcome. A friendly conversation. Feeling listened to. Appointments that run smoothly. A team that genuinely cares.
We believe great patient care starts long before you sit in the dental chair. That’s why every member of our practice works together to make your visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Thank you to everyone who shares their feedback with us. It helps us continue to provide the experience we would want for our own families.
If you’re looking for a dental practice where you’ll feel genuinely looked after, we’d love to welcome you.
📞 Get in touch to arrange your first visit.
Can you spot the odd object? 🔍
This summer, we’re proud to be taking part in the RNLI Portishead Lifeboat Station Spot the Odd Object trail! 🚤❤️
From 25 July to 29 August, explore Portishead, visit participating businesses and see if you can spot the mystery object hidden in each window - including ours here at Evolve Dentistry!
Not only is it a great way to enjoy a family day out, but every £5 entry helps support the incredible volunteers at RNLI Portishead Lifeboat Station, who work tirelessly to help keep people safe at sea.
📍 Visit our practice and see if you can find our hidden object.
👀 Don’t forget to complete your entry form for your chance to win one of the fantastic cash prizes!
If you take part, we’d love to see your photos - tag Evolve Dentistry and let us know when you’ve found our mystery object!
Good luck… and happy spotting! 🔎💙
#Portishead #RNLI #SpotTheOddObject #SupportLocal #FamilyFun #EvolveDentistry #PortisheadEvents #SummerHolidays
Will composite bonding damage my teeth?
It’s a common concern, especially for patients who want to improve their smile while protecting their natural teeth.
The good news is that composite bonding is often one of the most conservative cosmetic dental treatments available. In many cases, little or no preparation of the tooth is required, meaning your natural tooth structure can be preserved.
Composite bonding can be used to improve the appearance of:
✔ Chipped teeth
✔ Small gaps between teeth
✔ Uneven tooth shapes
✔ Worn edges
✔ Minor imperfections
Because the treatment is minimally invasive, many patients choose composite bonding when they want to enhance their smile without significant changes to their natural teeth.
Every smile is unique, so we’ll always discuss your options and explain exactly what’s involved before any treatment begins.
📍 Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
#Northsomerset #multiawardwinning #patientsatisfaction #patientsfirst #compositebonding #smilemakeovers #cosmeticdentistry #newpatients #naturalteeth #healthysmiles #healthysmile #acceptingnewpatients #nailsea #portishead #clevedon #portisheadmarina #dentist #smiledesign #bonding #confidentsmile #cosmeticsmile
Reading comments like this reminds us why we do what we do.
Helping people feel comfortable and cared for is just as important as providing great dentistry.
Thank you for your kind words.
You could be grinding your teeth every night… without even knowing it. 😴
Many people assume they’d know if they were clenching or grinding their teeth.
In reality, most don’t.
As Richard explains, while we’re asleep our brains continue processing the events and stresses of the day. For some people, that stress is released through clenching or grinding their teeth - but because the part of the brain that would normally recognise it is effectively switched off during sleep, we often have no idea it’s happening.
Over time, tooth grinding can contribute to:
• Worn or chipped teeth
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Morning headaches
• Sensitive teeth
• Disrupted sleep
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, it’s worth mentioning them at your next appointment. We can look for the signs of tooth grinding and discuss ways to help protect your teeth before more damage occurs.
Have you ever been told you grind your teeth, or has someone heard you doing it while you sleep?
#ToothGrinding #Bruxism #HealthySmile #DentalHealth #Portishead #EvolveDentistry
