Invisalign vs braces: which brace is best?

When most people ask us this question they are comparing Invisalign aligners with clear fixed braces. Both options are inconspicuous and provide excellent results, but which brace is the right one for you?

The answer to this question varies patient by patient, and in the end it might come down to your personal preference. That’s not to say that these braces don’t have some important differences, though, so let’s see how they stack up against each other.

Discreetness

If you’re choosing between two clear braces, discreetness is probably high on your agenda. While both options are inconspicuous, Invisalign is undoubtedly the most ‘invisible’ of the two. You need to wear your aligners for at least 20 hours a day, but that does give you some time to take your aligners out for eating, drinking and the odd special occasion.

Time

Usually, the length of your treatment will be linked to the complexity of your case instead of your brace. Mild problems can be treated in just months, while more complex problems can take around 12 to 18 months to complete.

For most patients, fixed braces provide quicker results. However, one of the benefits of Invisalign is that thanks to its 3D treatment planning software we can give you an accurate idea of how long your treatment should take (and show you your planned end result!).

Comfort

Any kind of orthodontic treatment can make your teeth slightly achy at first as they start to move. But when it comes to comfort, in our opinion, Invisalign is the clear winner. Its smooth aligners have been thoughtfully designed and based on our patients’ feedback they cause very little discomfort.

Fixed braces can rub the inside of your mouth during the first few days, creating some initial soreness. However, this will quickly improve and we can give you some wax to cover any troublesome areas while your mouth adapts.

Effectiveness

Invisalign isn’t suitable for every patient, but providing you’re a candidate for both options, Invisalign and clear braces can both achieve excellent results. To get the most from Invisalign, it’s important to wear your aligners for between 20 and 22 hours a day. If you don’t think that your willpower is up to the job, you may be better suited to fixed braces.

Oral hygiene

Keeping your teeth clean and healthy during your orthodontic treatment is a big priority. With a little extra care and attention you can maintain excellent oral hygiene with both Invisalign and clear braces. Although, Invisalign will make the job much easier. You can simply remove your aligners to brush and floss your teeth as normal.

In the case of clear braces, you need to navigate around brackets and wires, so it’s important to have the right tools for the task in hand. To make sure you’re doing a good job, try using disclosing tablets. These clever tablets stain any plaque, so you can see the areas you’re missing when you brush your teeth.