Invisalign and dental braces are the most popular teeth straightening methods used in Australia. They are both excellent orthodontic treatments to fix crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, gaps and everything in between.
Aside from straightening teeth, Invisalign and braces offer many benefits, such as an enhanced smile, boosted self-confidence and long-term oral health.
Whilst both processes use the same concept of slowly applying gentle pressure to the teeth until they reach the desired alignment, the treatments’ procedures and maintenance differ.
So which solution is right for your teeth? While you should ultimately seek advice from your orthodontist about which treatment suits your case, we can give you a head start. In this blog, we’ll outline the advantages, disadvantages, symptoms, and costs of both Invisalign and braces.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a clear, plastic aligner that gradually straightens teeth over time. Using modern 3D technology, Invisalign is uniquely customised to each patient’s desired positioning. A sequence of aligners moves teeth a quarter of a millimetre until the correct positioning is achieved. The aligners are removable and must be worn at least 20-22 hours a day to be effective.
What are braces?
Braces are dental brackets that hold each tooth in place by an arch wire or a ring band. The brace is tightened over time to slowly force teeth into the correct positioning. There are two main types of braces: metal and ceramic. Traditional metal braces are a classic yet effective solution that guarantees precise results and can correct all orthodontic problems. Ceramic braces offer the same results but are a more discreet option as they match the natural colour of your teeth.
The pros and cons of Invisalign
Opting for Invisalign is an ideal option if you’re after a more subtle look, however, it entails self-discipline for the aligners to work effectively.
The advantages of Invisalign:
- Aligners are removable. This means you have the option of taking them out whenever you like, as long as they are in for at least 20 hours of the day.
- You are not limited with your eating and drinking if you remove aligners for hard or chewy foods.
- Aligners are designed to be discreet, so the patient doesn’t feel as self-conscious.
- Invisalign requires fewer dentist visits due to its extreme precision.
- It is easier to maintain oral health with Invisalign. You can floss and brush your teeth as normal, meaning you won’t easily develop plaque.
- Aligners are comfortable in the mouth and won’t cause any harm or injuries to your gums.
The disadvantages of Invisalign:
- You need to be disciplined enough to remember to wear your aligner at least 20 hours per day to see results.
- Having to constantly put them in and out is an inconvenience. This also increases the risk of the aligner getting lost.
- Invisalign is not advised if you have bad dental hygiene.
- Requires brushing your teeth more frequently.
The pros and cons of braces
While braces are more evident on the face, they are guaranteed to fix any dental issue and have a faster treatment time than Invisalign. Keep in mind, extra caution is required to prevent breakage and plaque build-up.
The advantages of braces:
- Braces have the fastest treatment time compared to all other teeth straightening methods.
- They require minimal effort as they are permanently attached to your teeth, meaning there is no risk of forgetting or losing them.
- No matter how complicated the case, braces are guaranteed to fix any dental problem.
- Braces enhance overall oral hygiene and prevent infections.
Improves digestion and speech.
The disadvantages of braces:
- Braces are noticeable and generally less aesthetically pleasing.
- Braces can be irritating to your lips and the inside of your cheeks, especially when first applied.
- Brushing and flossing teeth is harder and more tedious. If you don’t clean properly, plaque can build up around the braces, which can lead to staining and decay.
- You must be mindful of the food you consume. Any hard, sugary, or sticky foods can cause breakage.
- More dentist visits are required throughout treatment to make adjustments.
How to determine if you need Invisalign or braces
Invisalign is typically best for cases where you suffer from mildly crowded, crooked or gapped teeth. It also fixes overbites, underbites, crossbites or open bites. On the other hand, braces can fix any of the aforementioned dental problems but are used to combat more complex cases. Your orthodontist will ultimately diagnose which treatment is best for your case, but here are the symptoms to look out for.
Symptoms that indicate you need Invisalign:
- Trouble flossing
- Tooth pain
- Poor bite condition
- Misaligned biting
- Off-centre midline
- Insecurity about showing your teeth
Symptoms that indicate you need braces:
- Frequent tongue-biting
- Teeth rotated more than 20 degrees
- Large gaps between teeth
- Intrusions or extrusions
- Speech difficulties due to tongue’s positioning under teeth
- Teeth creaking
- Teeth not closing over each other when mouth is at rest
Invisalign vs braces cost
The cost of Invisalign and braces are dependent on various factors, but the below provides a ballpark cost of what you can expect for each treatment.
Invisalign cost Sydney:
Invisalign in Sydney typically costs between $6,500 and $9,500, but this number varies from case to case. Factors to consider include the number of aligners required, the extent of teeth movement, and the frequency of dental visits.
Braces cost Sydney:
Metal braces typically cost between $6,000 and $9000 and ceramic braces around $6,500-$9,500. To reiterate, the final cost of your treatment ultimately depends on the complexity of the case, the duration of treatment, and the frequency of visits.
Choose Gentle Dental for the best teeth straightening results
Whether you opt for Invisalign or braces, you can trust Gentle Dental to provide the best treatment and care when undertaking these orthodontic procedures.
We are a family-friendly practice that provides comprehensive dental care for patients across Sydney. Offering competitive pricing and flexible payment plans, we make sure our quality care can be accessed by all. Put your smile in the trusted hands of the best orthodontists in Sydney. Reach out today!
