Invisalign vs braces: Let’s weigh up the pros and cons

It’s the big decision at the start of every teeth straightening journey: Invisalign vs braces. Do you go with the discreet, barely-there Invisalign or the more traditional option of braces? Which is the better way to straighten your smile?

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The truth is that both options offer an effective way to straighten and perfect your teeth. But both also come with a list of pros and cons you should consider before making your decision. Read on to explore the key differences between Invisalign vs braces and weigh up the pros and cons of each.

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Invisalign pros and cons

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Invisalign offers a discreet and flexible way to straighten your smile. It uses a series of clear, removable aligner trays to gradually move your teeth into the ideal position. The most notable difference between Invisalign and traditional braces is that the aligners can be removed to eat, drink, brush, floss or for a special event.

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Invisalign also uses special software to precisely plan your treatment and customise each set of aligner trays. This software allows your Invisalign dentist to move each tooth individually — unlike braces, which apply the same pressure across all the teeth. More precise control over the movement of the teeth via the aligners means fewer adjustment appointments and more predictable outcomes.

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Let’s explore each of these pros and cons in detail below…

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Invisalign pros

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• Barely noticeable in mouth
  Invisalign aligners are made from clear plastic and are barely visible in your mouth.
  
  

• More comfortable than metal braces
  The smooth plastic aligners are customised to fit snugly over your teeth and won’t move or rub, meaning less irritation to your gums, lips and cheeks.
  
  

• Freedom to remove aligners to suit your lifestyle
  Your aligners can be removed to eat, drink, brush or for special social and work events.
  
  

• Precise, predictable outcomes
  Invisalign technology allows each tooth to be moved individually, offering more precision than braces.
  
  

• Easy to maintain oral hygiene
  Aligners are removed for brushing and flossing, making it much easier to keep your teeth and gums clean.
  
  

• No need to avoid certain foods or drinks
  Aligners are removed for eating and drinking, meaning you can enjoy all the food and drinks you normally would without the risk of staining or foods getting stuck.
  
  

• Fewer follow-up appointments
  Invisalign aligners can be replaced without your dentist’s assistance, so you’ll only need to see your dentist in-person every 6 to 8 weeks.

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• Suitable for most cases, even complex issues
  Invisalign is proven to be effective for most orthodontic concerns, including bite corrections, tooth gaps and overcrowding. In adults, it’s rare to see a case that cannot be treated with Invisalign.

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Invisalign cons

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• Requires discipline
  For treatment to be effective, Invisalign aligners must be worn for at least 20 to 22 hours per day. This means you must be diligent about putting them back in after removing them.

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• Must remove aligners before eating or drinking
  Aligners must be removed before eating or drinking anything other than water, and you must brush your teeth before putting them back in again. For some patients, this can be an inconvenience, especially when out in public.

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• Aligners may be easily lost when not being worn
  Since the aligners are taken out of your mouth a few times throughout the day, there is a higher risk of them getting lost, thrown away or damaged.

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• Patient is responsible for replacing trays every few weeks
  You are responsible for replacing your aligners every few weeks as per your dentist’s instructions to ensure your treatment works. Some patients, especially teens, may find this difficult to manage.

Braces pros and cons

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Braces use permanently fixed wires and brackets to gradually straighten your teeth. This means they cannot be removed intermittently and stay attached to your teeth for the duration of your treatment. There are a few different types of braces:

• Traditional metal braces
• Ceramic braces
• Lingual braces (which are fixed to the back side of the teeth)

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Unlike Invisalign which moves each tooth individually, braces apply the same constant pressure across all the teeth. This means your dentist must make more frequent adjustments to ensure your teeth are moving correctly.

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Want to know more? Let’s break down each of these pros and cons below…

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Braces pros

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• No need to remove for eating or drinking
  Some patients find braces easier to manage because once they’re on, that’s it — they cannot be removed for brushing, eating or drinking.
  
  

• Dentist is responsible for all adjustments
  Likewise, some patients prefer that their dentist controls all of their adjustments and they don’t need to worry about replacing aligners on a set schedule.
  
  

• Cannot be lost or thrown away
  No need to worry about your braces being accidentally thrown away or lost — you’re (literally) stuck with them for the entire duration of your treatment.
  
  

• Suitable for all orthodontic concerns
  Braces are an effective teeth straightening solution for all cases, even those with highly complex issues that may not be suitable for Invisalign.

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Braces cons

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• More noticeable
  While ceramic braces blend in better than metal braces and lingual braces are fixed behind the teeth, they are still much more noticeable than Invisalign.
  
  

• Can be uncomfortable
  The wires and brackets are not smooth and jut out from the teeth, which can cause cuts and irritation to your lips, tongue, cheeks and gums.
  
  

• More difficult to clean
  Patients must be extra diligent with their oral hygiene. It can be tricky to brush and floss around braces and ensure any stuck food particles are cleaned away properly.

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• Must avoid certain food and drinks
  Patients should avoid certain foods while wearing braces to reduce the risk of damage, staining and cavities. For example, foods and drinks with strong pigments like red wine or turmeric can easily stain your teeth, while hard or chewy foods could break your wires.
  
  

• More frequent follow-up appointments
  Your dentist will need to make more frequent adjustments to your braces to ensure your teeth move into the desired position. This means you’ll likely be visiting your dentist every 4 to 6 weeks.

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Invisalign vs braces: which costs more?

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If you’re trying to decide between Invisalign vs braces, cost will likely play a big role in your decision. Many people simply assume that the cost of Invisalign will be higher than traditional metal braces — but this is not always the case. In fact, in some cases, Invisalign may end up costing less than some types of braces.

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Check out our Invisalign vs braces cost comparison table below for a quick breakdown:

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^{* These prices provide a general guide only, the total cost of your teeth straightening treatment will depend on your unique case.}

On average, the cost of Invisalign in Australia ranges between $5,000 to $9,000. For braces, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,500 for traditional metal braces to upwards of $8,000 for lingual braces.

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But bear in mind that the cost of your teeth straightening treatment — regardless of whether you opt for Invisalign or braces — will largely depend on the complexity of your case. And the more complex your issues, the more you can expect to pay.

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At our Sydney Invisalign clinic, Invisalign treatment starts from around $6,500. Plus, we also offer a range of flexible Invisalign payment plans so you can start your journey to a straighter smile now and pay for your treatment in easy instalments over time.

Trying to decide between Invisalign vs braces? Let us help!

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We get it. Deciding between Invisalign and braces can be confusing. There’s a lot of information out there and it can leave you with more questions than answers. But we’re here to help! Feel free to contact us with any questions you have about your teeth straightening options — or better yet, book your free Invisalign consultation for more personalised treatment advice.