If you want to straighten your teeth, but the thought of wearing braces is holding you back, Invisalign clear aligners could sound more appealing. Both options have their pros and cons, and either could be the best choice depending on your individual needs and preferences.
Our dentists can assess your teeth and jaws to tell you whether you're a candidate for Invisalign treatment or if discreet braces could be a better option.
Suitability
Invisalign and braces can both be effective for treating a range of orthodontic conditions, including overbite, open bite, crowding and gaps between teeth. However, Invisalign is generally less effective at treating more complex or severe orthodontic issues, which may need the extra pressure of braces.
Appearance
If you don't want to draw attention to your orthodontic treatment in your day-to-day life, Invisalign will be more appealing than braces. Your custom aligners will be made from clear plastic that's designed to fit perfectly over your teeth and should be virtually invisible in your mouth.
Braces are more visible on the teeth, but this can be lessened by choosing options such as tooth-coloured ceramic braces or lingual braces, depending on your suitability.
Comfort
Both Invisalign and braces can feel a little uncomfortable at first, when you're not used to the pressure on your teeth. This will normally fade as your mouth adjusts, and the adjustment period is usually shorter for Invisalign.
Invisalign aligners are made from a soft material that fits over the teeth like a mouthguard. This can mean less irritation to your lips and the inside of your mouth compared to rubbing from braces. Injuries from loose or damaged brace wires can also be avoided with aligners, which don't have sharp components.
Convenience
Unlike braces, which are fixed in place, Invisalign aligners are removable. This makes daily oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing your teeth easier with Invisalign than with braces. Your dentist will also
advise that you avoid certain types of foods with braces, such as hard, sticky and chewy foods, which isn’t necessary with Invisalign treatment.
Braces usually require monthly appointments with your dentist so they can make adjustments. Invisalign check-ups are scheduled at longer intervals, and your dentist can provide you with several sets of aligners to use before your next visit.
Reliability
Braces exert more force on the teeth than aligners, which makes them capable of treating a wider range of issues. Your orthodontic treatment may also be completed in a shorter time frame with braces.
Invisalign can still offer predictable outcomes, as long as you follow your dentist's advice and wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day. This reliance on patient compliance can make Invisalign unsuitable for people who feel they may lack the discipline to wear their aligners as advised.
Book an orthodontic consultation in Brisbane
If you want to know more about the benefits of Invisalign vs braces and which treatment would be the best fit for you, book a consultation with our dentists at Swish Dental so we can give you all the information you need to decide. Call our Everton Park team on (07) 3355 1422 or our Mitchelton branch on (07) 3354 3341, or book online.
Invisalign® aligners are a registered medical device. Always read the label and follow and instructions for use from your dentist.