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EnglishWhat Orthodontic Treatment Options Does the AAO Describe?
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The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) describes several orthodontic treatment options on aaoinfo.org, including braces, aligners, and retainers, plus supporting devices such as archwires, elastics, mouthguards, and orthodontic surgery. These descriptions are general categories, not recommendations for a specific person. Which option fits depends on the bite problem, age, and the treating orthodontist's plan, so the practical use of this list is to know what to ask about during a consultation.
The three main treatment options
Braces
The AAO describes braces as composed of brackets affixed to the teeth and wires threaded through slots in the brackets. This is a fixed appliance: the patient does not remove it, and the orthodontist adjusts it over time.
Aligners
Aligners are clear, thin, plastic-like trays formed to fit an individual's teeth. The AAO notes that patients are responsible for insertion and removal. That removable design is the key practical difference from braces, and it also means wear time depends on the patient following instructions.
Retainers
Retainers are removable, clear, thin, slightly flexible, and made of a plastic-like material. They fit the exact shape and placement of the teeth. Their role is distinct from braces and aligners: they hold teeth in position rather than moving them into position.
| Option | Fixed or removable | What the AAO says it is made of | Main role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Braces | Fixed | Brackets on teeth, wires through bracket slots | Move teeth |
| Aligners | Removable (patient inserts/removes) | Clear, thin, plastic-like trays formed to individual teeth | Move teeth |
| Retainers | Removable | Clear, thin, slightly flexible plastic-like material | Maintain tooth position |
Supporting devices and procedures
The AAO also lists components and add-ons that work alongside the main options:
- Archwires — fit into the slots in braces and actually move the teeth.
- Elastics — tiny rubber bands that apply extra force to a tooth or teeth in ways braces alone cannot, helping teeth move into ideal positions.
- Mouthguards — used by athletes of all ages to protect teeth from trauma during competitive and individual sporting activities.
- Orthodontic surgery — also called orthognathic surgery, corrective jaw surgery performed to remedy skeletal problems that affect the ability to bite, chew, and speak.
The distinction matters when you talk to an orthodontist: archwires and elastics are parts of a treatment, mouthguards are protective equipment, and orthodontic surgery addresses skeletal problems rather than tooth alignment alone.
How to use this list in a consultation
The AAO frames these options around customized treatment to match a patient's needs, and it states that AAO orthodontists have the training, experience, and treatment options to determine a plan. It also warns against at-home treatments, noting that orthodontic treatment is not a quick fix and that working with the right orthodontist to determine a treatment plan can yield life-enhancing results.
A practical way to use the page:
- Identify which category your concern falls into — tooth movement (braces or aligners), retention after treatment (retainers), or a skeletal issue (orthodontic surgery).
- Ask the orthodontist which options apply to your case and why, rather than choosing a device category on your own.
- If you are considering at-home aligner products, read the AAO's caution first and compare it against an in-person evaluation.
Who the AAO says needs orthodontic attention
Two age-related points on the site are worth knowing before choosing a treatment:
- Adults: today, one in four orthodontic patients is an adult.
- Children: a child should have a check-up with an orthodontist by age 7.
The AAO also explains why treatment matters at all: a good bite makes it easier to bite, chew, and speak, while misaligned teeth are harder to clean and can cause abnormal wearing of tooth enamel, which can lead to extensive and expensive dental procedures.
Where to go next
The AAO site provides a "Find an Orthodontist" tool to connect patients with an orthodontist, and it separates its content into adult orthodontics, child orthodontics, and treatment options. If your goal is to compare braces versus aligners for a specific case, the site's descriptions give you the vocabulary; the decision itself comes from an evaluation by an AAO orthodontist.