Invisalign Vs Braces

If you have crooked, crowded or gappy teeth and are thinking about straightening them, there are two main routes: clear aligners (Invisalign and Angel Aligners) or fixed braces. Both move teeth, both have genuine advantages, and the decision usually comes down to the complexity of the case, your lifestyle and your budget. Below is a comparison of the pros and cons of each so you can go into a consultation with better questions. Every mouth is different and needs to be assessed individually, so treat this as background rather than a recommendation.

Invisalign vs braces: a comparison

The fundamental difference is how force is applied. Braces use brackets bonded to the teeth and a wire that is adjusted over time. Clear aligners use a series of removable trays, each slightly different from the last, that move teeth in small increments. Both approaches are well established, and in many cases either could achieve a similar outcome; in others, one is clearly the better fit.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a brand of clear plastic aligner worn over the teeth to shift them gradually into position. The trays are custom-made from a digital scan and are changed on a schedule set by your dentist, commonly weekly or fortnightly. Clear aligners have been in use for more than two decades and have become popular largely because they are difficult to notice at conversational distance. Helix Dental provides clear aligner treatment using both Invisalign and Angel Aligners.

Pros of clear aligners

• Discreet. The trays are clear and hard to spot, which is the main reason many adults choose them.
• Removable. They come out for eating, drinking, brushing and flossing, so there are no food restrictions and cleaning your teeth is unchanged.
• Comfortable. Smooth plastic tends to be gentler on the lips and cheeks than brackets and wires.
• Predictable planning. Treatment is planned digitally, so you can usually see a simulation of the projected result before you commit.

Cons of clear aligners

• They rely on you. Aligners typically need around 20 to 22 hours of wear a day. Leaving them out, or losing a tray, can extend treatment and affect the outcome.
• Not suitable for every case. Severe crowding, significant bite discrepancies or skeletal jaw problems may need fixed braces, or a combination, or referral to an orthodontist.
• Attachments. Most cases need small tooth-coloured attachments bonded to some teeth to grip the aligners, which makes them a little more visible than the trays alone.

What are braces?

Braces use metal or ceramic brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by a wire, which is tightened or changed at regular appointments to move teeth into position. Fixed appliances have been used for well over a century and remain the reference point for orthodontic treatment, particularly in complex cases.

Pros of braces

• Effective across a wide range of cases. Fixed appliances can handle movements that are difficult to achieve with aligners, including significant rotations and bite correction.
• Compliance is not an issue. They cannot be taken out, which suits people who know they would struggle to wear trays consistently.

Cons of braces

• Noticeable. Brackets and wires are visible, although ceramic brackets are less obvious than metal.
• Comfort. Braces can be sore for a few days after fitting and after each adjustment, and brackets may rub the lips and cheeks initially.
• Cleaning is harder. Plaque collects around brackets and wires, which raises the risk of decay, decalcification marks and gum inflammation if brushing and flossing are not thorough.
• Diet restrictions. Hard, sticky and chewy foods need to be avoided to prevent brackets breaking.

Risks worth knowing about

Both options move teeth through bone, and orthodontic treatment of any kind carries risks. These can include temporary discomfort, gum irritation, shortening of the tooth roots, decalcification or decay if cleaning is poor, and relapse. Retainers are required after treatment with either method, usually long term, because teeth drift back towards their original position without them. Your dentist will explain the risks that apply to your case before treatment starts.

Which is better for you?

Both clear aligners and braces can move teeth well, and each has trade-offs. Many adults prefer aligners because they are discreet and can be removed for meals and important occasions. Teenagers can also be good candidates where they are reliable enough to wear the trays for the required hours each day. Where the case is more complex, fixed braces may be the more sensible choice, and if that is what your assessment shows, your dentist will tell you and can refer you to an orthodontist.

If straightening is not what you are actually after, and the concern is chips, small gaps or the shape of individual teeth, more conservative cosmetic options such as composite resin bonding may be worth discussing instead. A check-up to confirm your teeth and gums are healthy is the sensible first step either way, since orthodontic treatment should not begin over untreated decay or active gum disease.

Talk to Helix Dental

Helix Dental is a cosmetic and general dental practice at 2/299 Rio Vista Blvd, Mermaid Waters. If you would like to discuss your situation, understand how aligners and braces compare for your case, or see a simulation of how your teeth could look after treatment, our dentists and treatment coordinators offer a complimentary clear aligner consultation and scan. Offer terms apply. You can also see examples of completed work in our gallery.

To book, call 07 5572 8969 or email hello@helixdental.com.au.