Invisalign or braces: how to choose what suits you

Invisalign and braces both straighten teeth. Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners that most people never notice, while braces use brackets and wires fixed to your teeth. Invisalign suits most adults and teens with mild to moderate crowding, gaps or bite issues. Braces can suit more complex cases. An Invisalign consultation at Dentist @ Burswood will tell you which fits your teeth.

How Invisalign works

Invisalign is a series of clear plastic aligners made for your teeth. Each set moves your teeth a little, and you swap to a new set every week or two, with regular check-ins along the way. Before you start, a digital preview shows how your teeth will move, so you can see your new smile before you commit.

How braces work

Braces use small brackets bonded to the front of your teeth, joined by a wire. The wire is adjusted at regular visits to move your teeth into place. Braces stay on for the whole treatment, and you can't take them out.

Invisalign vs braces at a glance

• Look: Invisalign aligners are clear and hard to notice. Braces are visible.

• Eating: you take aligners out to eat, so there are no food rules. With braces, you avoid hard, sticky and chewy food.

• Cleaning: you brush and floss as normal with aligners out. Braces take extra time to clean around.

• Comfort: aligners are smooth plastic. Braces can rub your cheeks and lips at first.

• Discipline: aligners only work if you wear them around 22 hours a day. Braces work without you having to remember anything.

• Complex cases: braces can suit some more complex bite problems.

Who is Invisalign best for?

Invisalign is a good fit if you have mild to moderate crowding, gaps between your teeth or some bite issues, and you want something discreet you can take out for meals, photos and meetings. It suits adults and teens who are happy to wear their aligners most of the day and switch sets on time.

When braces may suit you better

If your teeth need large or complex movements, or you know you'd struggle to wear aligners consistently, braces may be the better choice. Your dentist will tell you honestly which option suits your teeth at your consultation.

How long does treatment take?

Invisalign treatment at Dentist @ Burswood usually takes between six months and two and a half years, depending on how much your teeth need to move. You get an estimated timeframe at your consultation. Braces treatment time also depends on how much your teeth need to move.

Does it hurt?

Most people feel some pressure for a day or two when they switch to a new set of aligners. It's a sign your teeth are moving and usually settles quickly. Braces can feel tight for a few days after each adjustment.

What does it cost, and will my health fund help?

The cost depends on how much your teeth need to move, so you'll get a written quote before you start. Many health fund policies with orthodontic cover pay part of the cost of Invisalign. Check your policy, or ask us and we'll help you find out. Dentist @ Burswood also offers Afterpay, so you can spread the cost. Read more about health funds and payment.

Keeping your new smile straight

Whichever you choose, your teeth can drift back after treatment without a retainer. Most people wear a retainer to hold their result. See clear retainers.

What happens at an Invisalign consultation?

• Meet your dentist and talk about what you'd like to change.

• Check that Invisalign suits your teeth.

• See a digital preview of how your teeth will move, before you commit to anything.

• Get an estimated timeframe for your treatment.

Book a consultation

If you're weighing up Invisalign vs braces, the easiest way to decide is a consultation at our Rivervale practice. Book online or call Dentist @ Burswood on (08) 9361 2796. Learn more about Invisalign at Dentist @ Burswood.