Invisalign vs. Braces - Pros and Cons of Each Explained

With the increased demand in cosmetic dental and dental technology advancements, there are now more teeth straightening options than ever. But with all these choices – it can be difficult to know which treatment option is actually the best for you.

The two most popular solutions for straightening teeth are Invisalign and traditional metal braces. Both options work to achieve similar results – straightening teeth – but the method used to obtain the results differs considerably from the next.

Invisalign is a brand of clear aligner that is removable and replaced with a new tighter aligner every 1-2 weeks to make incremental movements to teeth. Metal braces are secured to the teeth and tightened by an orthodontist during regular appointments on a 6-8 weekly basis.

At Glow Orthodontics, our AHPRA registered and Australian Board Certified specialist orthodontist Dr. Jessica Yeo can help determine if Invisalign or braces is the better option for you. But first, understand the pros and cons of each treatment so you have more knowledge going into your consultation.

Pros and cons of Invisalign

Pros of Invisalign

Invisible appearance

One of Invisalign clear aligner treatment's most enticing qualities is that the trays are virtually invisible. The subtlety of Invisalign means that it is unlikely to be seen by others, which is great for those who are anxious about appearance while undergoing treatment.

Invisalign can be removed when eating

The ability to remove Invisalign while eating means you won’t have to change what or how you eat. In fact, removing Invisalign while eating is recommended to avoid damaging the aligners. Clear aligners require full-time wear of a recommended 22 hours daily, so taking the aligners out while eating within those time frames won’t impact treatment.

Easy to brush and floss

Similar to eating, removing clear aligners for oral hygiene means you do not have to change your daily oral hygiene process. Maintaining brushing and flossing habits daily is essential, as bacteria and plaque can get trapped within the Invisalign trays.

Easy to clean your aligners

Taking out Invisalign makes it easy to clean the aligner trays thoroughly. To clean your aligners, gently brush them with a soft toothbrush in the sink. Cleaning your clear aligners every morning and evening will prevent plaque and bacteria from building up.

Proven effectiveness

The treatment results of Invisalign have been proven by scientific studies, although orthodontic treatment is complex and requires careful diagnosis, planning and treatment monitoring, this is best performed by a specialist orthodontist who is experienced in the use of the Invisalign appliance to obtain the best results.

Cons of Invisalign

Must be worn for 22 hours each day

Invisalign must be worn for at least 22 hours daily to ensure treatment is effective – this means that individuals must be disciplined. When individuals aren’t compliant with putting the aligners back on after eating, brushing or flossing, they risk losing treatment progress and can ultimately not achieve their desired treatment outcome.

More expensive than traditional braces

Depending on the level of treatment, Invisalign may not be as cost-effective as traditional braces. As Invisalign aligners are replaced every one to two weeks and are made with advanced technology and materials – clear aligners can cost between $2,500 and $11,000. Invisalign is also completely custom-made, which can also increase the price.

Longer treatment times

The length of treatment time can change depending on the individual’s compliance with the prescribed instructions given by their specialist orthodontist.

Pros and cons of braces

Pros of braces

Cost-effective treatment

Traditional metal braces are a cost-effective option for straightening teeth or correcting a misaligned jaw. The average cost for braces in Australia is between $9,000 and $11,000, depending on the case's complexity.

Proven treatment for a range of orthodontic issues

Braces can treat various orthodontic issues, no matter how difficult the case. Braces use durable materials and more effective equipment, like anchors and archwires, to pull teeth into place – making them a strong solution for straightening teeth.

Shorter treatment timeline

Generally, the timeline for straightening teeth with traditional metal braces is shorter than Invisalign. Metal braces typically take 6 months to 2 years to achieve the desired results. This is primarily because braces cannot be removed – taking away the potential of an individual leaving out their aligner for long periods of time.

Cons of braces

Initial discomfort

Metal braces often require an adjustment period. Initially, individuals can feel slight pressure and soreness in their teeth and jaw, and feel the braces rub against their cheek and tongue. With that said, discomfort from braces generally lasts 1 to 2 weeks.

Requires careful maintenance and cleaning

It’s easy for plaque to build up around metal braces, so practising good oral hygiene during treatment becomes more important than ever. Ideally, individuals with metal braces should brush their teeth after every meal using small circular motions around all the brackets. Flossing multiple times will also help reduce the risk of bacteria to grow.

Cosmetics (noticeable appearance)

Metal braces are placed outside each tooth and connected through a thin metal wire, so there’s no hiding them. This fact can make some individuals feel insecure and self-conscious about their appearance. Other brace alternatives offer a more subtle look, such as clear ceramic and lingual braces; however, they come with their own pros and cons list to consider.

Which is better for you, Invisalign vs. braces?

Metal braces and Invisalign are both effective treatment options for straightening teeth and improving jaw alignment. Deciding whether Invisalign or metal braces are better for you depends on personal preference, budget, lifestyle, and your unique dental case. Consider the pros and cons of each treatment solution, like cost, length of treatment, appearance, and which option will have the smallest lifestyle changes.

Different options suit different patient’s needs, and discussing your personal case at the initial consultation with your orthodontist can help make your decision easier. Glow Orthodontics is led by specialist orthodontist Dr Jessica Yeo, who is an experienced Invisalign orthodontist. She can help make recommendations and guide you as to what would best suit your orthodontic and lifestyle needs. Get in touch with the friendly team at Glow Orthodontics and find the best solution for you.