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Invisalign vs Braces ─ Which Is Best For Me?

Faris Kirmani • May 26, 2022

When it comes to getting straighter teeth, Invisalign vs. braces is something many people find themselves weighing up. Traditional fixed braces have come a long way over the past couple of decades but aren’t always the preferred choice. But when it comes to Invisalign vs. braces, which is better? This article compares both treatments to help you decide.

Invisalign vs. braces: Can I choose which treatment to have?

One of the first factors to consider is if you are even suited to Invisalign. Invisalign clear aligners are an excellent choice for many people, but there are still times that traditional braces are the only option or recommended course of action.

Not all orthodontic concerns can be treated with Invisalign. More complex cases, including:

Severe teeth crowding
Overly large gaps between the teeth
Rotated teeth
Severe overbite
Tooth displacement

...are best treated with fixed metal braces.

Your dentist or orthodontist will discuss your situation and let you know if you are limited to traditional braces or if there are other options if Invisalign is not suitable for you.

Patients with minor to moderate orthodontic issues can probably decide for themselves which treatment they would prefer. However, to help you decide between braces vs Invisalign, and which is better, it helps to know the pros and cons.

Invisalign vs. braces: The pros

Aesthetics are one of the most significant benefits of Invisalign. Clear aligners are almost undetectable. Most people can’t tell if someone is wearing them unless they look very closely. Feeling self-conscious is one of the key reasons people are less likely to choose braces vs. Invisalign. Other reasons people choose Invisalign clear aligners include:

Clear aligners are removable. Fixed braces are not, making meal times and oral hygiene more complicated. Invisalign users can take their clear aligner out to eat, drink and brush their teeth.
There are no food limitations. Traditional braces mean avoiding certain types of food throughout treatment, but because aligners can be removed, patients can tuck into those steaks and enjoy popcorn and all their other favourite foods.
Invisalign is more comfortable than conventional braces for most patients. Of course, pain and discomfort are individualised and subjective, but clear aligners use a more gentle, gradual pressure to move teeth into their desired position. Traditional braces are more rigid and robust, made from wire and metal, and there is often increased temporary discomfort or pain following adjustments.
Invisalign treatment is easier to plan. You generally know how many aligners you will need to wear and how long the treatment should take. Conventional braces don’t always have a timeline, as it often depends on progress along the way.

Invisalign vs. Braces: What are the cons?

Every treatment option has its downsides, and for some people, Invisalign isn’t their best option, even if they can choose between braces vs. Invisalign to straighten their teeth.

Some of the reasons for not choosing Invisalign are as follows:

Invisalign is often more expensive than traditional braces, and while practices like Riverlands provide payments through providers like Zip and SuperCare, the overall costs are still going to be higher even with an instalment plan.
Invisalign has room for patient compliance errors and omissions. Fixed braces can only be removed and adjusted by a dentist or orthodontist. However, Invisalign requires patients to wear their aligners for the recommended amount of hours per day and change them according to the treatment plan. Most people find it reasonably easy to manage their Invisalign routine. Still, it needs to be noted that failing to wear their aligners for the allocated time each day can extend their treatment duration.
Clear aligner trays can be lost or misplaced if patients aren’t careful. Some parents prefer traditional braces for their teens for this reason.
Invisalign does require you to remove and insert your own clear aligners. Your dentist will give you comprehensive instructions and is always available for guidance and advice, but not all patients are comfortable or confident to do this themselves.

What’s next?

The first step of any orthodontic treatment is to book an appointment with your dentist. They will examine your mouth, take some x-rays and discuss your smile goals to determine which orthodontic treatment best meets your dental needs, budget, and lifestyle.

If you’re seeking a discreet solution to teeth straightening, Invisalign wins hands down. With Invisalign treatment, patients can view their smiles on screen, enabling their dentist to make real-time adjustments to help patients achieve the smile of their dreams.

Getting started with Invisalign couldn’t be easier. Our dentist takes x-rays and digital photos and impressions of your teeth which are used to plot the journey of your teeth to their desired position. The details are sent to the Invisalign lab to create your custom aligners, and once they’re received back at the clinic in a few weeks, your treatment begins.

We recommend check-up visits every 6-8 weeks to monitor progress and help with any concerns you may have.

Ready to explore your orthodontic options?

The best way to choose between Invisalign VS braces is to make an appointment with the friendly, experienced team at Riverlands Dental. Get in touch with us on (02) 4501 7930 today.