Nov 28, 2025

LightForce™ Braces vs Regular Braces: What's The Difference?

Choosing braces is a big decision. You want a treatment that fits your life, feels comfortable and delivers great results without surprises.

LightForce™ Braces are a newer option designed with 3D printing and full customisation. Here is how they compare with regular braces, plus answers to the most common questions so you can choose with confidence.

What are LightForce™ Braces?

LightForce™ Braces use 3D-printed, tooth-specific brackets that are designed from your digital scan. Each bracket is customised to the shape and position of each tooth. Your orthodontist plans the final smile digitally, then prints brackets and guides to place them precisely. The goal is efficient tooth movement, fewer adjustments and a smoother journey.

Regular braces use prefabricated brackets. They work very well and remain the trusted standard for many cases. However, they are not custom made to the exact contours of your teeth. That difference in design and placement workflow is where LightForce™ aims to lift comfort and efficiency.

LightForce™ vs regular braces at a glance

• Custom fit: LightForce™ brackets are 3D printed for each tooth. Regular braces use standard parts in set sizes.
• Appearance: LightForce™ offers tooth coloured, low profile brackets that blend in more. Metal braces are more visible; ceramic options can soften the look.
• Comfort: Custom bases can sit flatter on the tooth, which many patients find more comfortable after the first few days.
• Adjustments: The precise setup can reduce wire bends and mid-course tweaks, which may mean fewer in-person visits.
• Planning: Your orthodontist designs the end result digitally from the start. This gives clear direction for each tooth movement.

Are LightForce™ Braces worth it?

For many patients, yes. LightForce™ can be worth it if you value:

• A more personalised fit and potentially less chair time.
• A subtler look than metal braces.
• A clear digital plan from day one.

Patients at Mysmile often tell us they like how tidy and tooth coloured LightForce™ looks in photos. Our team also sees practical benefits in precision placement and streamlined reviews. That said, worth is personal. Some cases will do equally well with regular braces, including ceramic options that look discreet. The best way to decide is a specialist assessment so you can compare your results, costs and timeline side by side.

What is the difference between LightForce™ Braces and regular braces?

The biggest differences are customisation and workflow:

• Bracket design: LightForce™ uses 3D printed brackets that match each tooth. Regular braces use stock brackets.
• Placement guides: LightForce™ comes with digital positioning jigs that help place each bracket exactly where planned. Regular braces rely on the orthodontist positioning each bracket by hand on the day.
• Aesthetics: LightForce™ brackets are tooth coloured and low profile. Traditional metal brackets are stronger in appearance. Ceramic braces can offer a middle ground with a lighter look.
• Efficiency: Because the custom setup reflects the planned final result, LightForce™ may need fewer wire adjustments. Regular braces can need more in-visit fine tuning.

Both options can deliver excellent smiles under specialist care. Your bite, goals and lifestyle will guide the choice.

How long do you wear LightForce™ Braces?

Treatment length depends on your case, not just the appliance. Minor alignment can take months. Comprehensive bite correction usually takes longer. With LightForce™, many patients complete treatment on a similar timeline to regular braces, with the potential to save time through fewer refinements. After your free consultation, we give you a personalised estimate and milestones so you know what to expect.

Remember, retainers are essential once braces come off. They keep your new smile stable long term.

How much do LightForce™ Braces cost?

Costs vary with complexity and length of treatment. At Mysmile Orthodontics, you receive an all inclusive quote after your assessment. We also offer flexible, interest free payment plans  to fit family budgets.

Comfort and lifestyle

• Getting started: With digital scans, you avoid gooey impressions. Many patients find the first week of LightForce™ gentler due to the custom fit.
• Eating and care: Food guidelines and hygiene are similar for both. You will avoid hard, sticky foods and brush carefully after meals.
• Appointments: LightForce™ planning often reduces unplanned adjustments. We also use DentalMonitoring for many patients to check progress between visits using your smartphone, which can cut down on time away from school or work.

Appearance and confidence

If you prefer a lower profile look but want fixed braces, LightForce™ is appealing. The tooth coloured brackets are subtle in person and in photos. If invisibility is your top priority, clear aligners are another path. Our team also offers Invisalign®, Spark aligners and Angel Aligners for suitable cases. If you are curious about fixed braces that blend in, you can also explore clear braces with our specialists.

Who is a good candidate?

LightForce™ Braces suit many teens and adults, including complex cases that benefit from the precision of custom brackets. Regular braces remain excellent for a wide range of needs and may be ideal if you prioritise simplicity, durability or certain budget considerations. During your complimentary consultation, we map your bite, gum health and goals, then recommend the most efficient route to your result.

Why choose Mysmile for your braces?

• Specialist care: You see a Specialist Orthodontist who plans every tooth movement.
• Personalised options: LightForce™, ceramic or metal braces, and leading clear aligner systems.
• Digital detail: iTero scans and precise 3D planning support accuracy from day one.
• Flexible finance: Interest free plans and transparent quotes.
• Family friendly: Welcoming clinics in Miranda and Engadine, with convenient scheduling.

If you are weighing LightForce™ against regular braces, we will show you your likely outcome and timeline for each, so your choice feels easy.

Key takeaways

• LightForce™ Braces are fully custom 3D printed brackets designed for each tooth. This can improve comfort and reduce adjustments compared with regular braces.
• Regular braces remain a reliable, effective option. Ceramic brackets can help you keep a discreet look.
• Treatment length depends on your case. LightForce™ often keeps timelines efficient through precise planning.
• Costs vary. Get an all inclusive quote and flexible payment plan at your free consultation.

Ready to compare your options in person? Book a free consultation with our team to discuss LightForce™, regular braces and aligners, and walk out with a clear plan and price for your new smile.