Do you know what teeth straightening options are available to you? It is usually a straight choice between braces and Invisalign aligners. But what is the difference? We explain everything you need to know about Invisalign vs braces here.
What Is The Difference Between Invisalign vs Braces?
Braces consist of metal brackets that are fixed to each tooth and attached to a thin wire, known as an ‘archwire’, by elastic ties (or ligatures). Newer treatments, like Six Month Smiles®, use clear brackets and white wires for a discreet alternative, but Invisalign uses near-invisible, clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth. The big difference between Invisalign vs braces is that Invisalign aligners can be removed for eating, drinking and brushing.
How Does Invisalign Work, And Is It The Same As Braces?
Although their methods differ, braces and Invisalign broadly follow the same principles for straightening teeth by applying gentle pressure to each tooth. Braces use increasingly rigid archwires to move teeth into position. However, Invisalign uses a series of subtly modified, individually designed aligner trays, which are replaced every two weeks. These exert the necessary pressure needed to straighten teeth – often more quickly and conveniently.
Are Braces Better Than Invisalign Or Vice Versa?
Invisalign and braces are both effective treatments. For all but the most complex cases, whereby a fixed brace may be the only viable option, it comes down to personal preference. If you think you might lack the self-discipline to wear an Invisalign aligner for 20-22 hours a day, then a brace might appeal. However, if an adult brace will make you self-conscious, and you would prefer a faster, more convenient, more discreet route to straighter teeth that allows you to enjoy all your favourite food and drinks, then Invisalign is the clear choice in the battle of Invisalign vs braces.
Is Invisalign Painful Or More Comfortable Than Braces?
There is no denying that Invisalign offers a more comfortable experience than braces. Many people experience mild pain or discomfort at the point of having braces fitted, and every time they are tightened. As well as sore teeth and gums, braces can cause cuts and sores to the cheeks and tongue when you first get used to them. So, does Invisalign hurt? It is not without discomfort (we are moving teeth after all!), but this is only ever minor.
Invisalign aligners are laboratory made just for you using advanced computer imaging technology. While they still exert pressure on your teeth and require a period of adjustment with each new aligner, this quickly subsides. To the extent that you, and everyone around you, will barely notice they are there. The fact that Invisalign aligners are removable also means total freedom over what you eat and drink, with no worries about food getting stuck in your braces and any subsequent difficulties cleaning your teeth.
Do Braces Or Invisalign Work Faster?
Braces typically need to be worn for one to three years to achieve the best results, whereas Invisalign treatment usually takes 12 months for adults on average. However, as the name suggests, our Six Month Smiles® treatments can deliver effective results in just half a year. Of course, the complexity of your case and how strictly you follow your dentist’s recommendations if you go down the Invisalign route will naturally impact the overall time it takes to achieve your smile goals. But for the fastest results, Invisalign certainly takes some beating. Read on to find the cost difference between Invisalign vs braces.
What Is The Cost Of Invisalign Vs Braces?
Our experienced team here at Ollie & Darsh can provide an accurate estimate of the cost of your treatment during your initial free consultation. But, of course, every case is different, so every treatment and its cost will vary on a case-by-case basis. But to give you an idea, our Invisalign treatments start from £2,995, while our Six Month Smiles® treatments cost a little less. Both treatments are highly tailored, but Invisalign is more so and comes with those added benefits of being virtually invisible, comfortable and convenient.
Don’t forget that we offer 0% finance across all our dental plans, including braces and Invisalign. So, for example, if you chose a 24-month Invisalign dental plan, you would pay a £300 deposit and then £112.50 per month for 24 months. That means you could achieve your perfect smile for just £4 a day!
Ollie & Darsh Can Set You Straight
If you would like straighter teeth with the least amount of waiting, discomfort or impact on your day-to-day routine, then Invisalign should be your go-to orthodontic treatment of choice. Braces are highly effective and can deliver rapid results if you opt for a Six Month Smiles® treatment, but they are not for everyone. In 90% of cases, Invisalign can provide just as effective results as braces. Except you can remove them whenever you like, you (and everyone else) will barely notice they are there, they are easy to clean, and they deliver fast results.
Those sorts of outcomes are genuinely priceless.
Ollie & Darsh is a Diamond Apex Invisalign Provider, which means we represent Europe’s top 0.5% of Invisalign providers. We are also certified Six Month Smiles® practitioners and clinical instructors. As such, we have helped countless patients to achieve their dream smiles, and you could be next. With interest-free finance available to spread the cost of your orthodontic treatment and monthly open days (on the last Friday of every month) offering the chance to receive £1,000 off your treatment, you can afford to invest in yourself – starting today!
If you would like more information about our teeth straightening treatments or would like to book an appointment, please contact us on 0151 236 6578. The Ollie & Darsh team will be only too happy to talk you through how to get Invisalign and share Invisalign before and after photos from satisfied patients to help your decision-making process.