What is the difference between night-time and full-time scoliosis braces?

Night-time bracing systems are meant to worn for sleeping and just before bed only. Full-time braces are typically worn more hours during the day and at night, and are designed to be worn in an upright position.

In-brace X-rays taken with a night-time brace should be taken with the patient supine because that is how the patient wears it sleeping. The full-time brace in-brace X-rays are taken standing because the patients are typically upright during the day.

Some patients are not able to sleep with a night-time brace due to the corrective forces being more aggressive because they wear it for a shorter length of time. Some patients can’t tolerate full-time braces due to the restrictive nature of having it on during the day.

The decision must be made by the doctor and family to decide which design is best in the patient’s situation.