Are Braces or Invisalign More Effective? 

27 / 01 / 2023

When a person’s teeth are crooked or their bite is misaligned, they will usually consult a dentist and employ either dental braces or Invisalign treatment to straighten the teeth and align the bite. These treatments are most common when a person is in their teen years, however, adults also use these treatments when teeth have become misaligned over the years. Teeth straightening treatment involves two consultations: one with a dentist and one with an orthodontist when braces are applied and two with a dentist when Invsalign treatments are employed. Both of these treatments have pros and cons and it is up for debate which is more effective. We discuss. 

What are Invisalign Treatments? 

Invisalign treatments use clear plastic aligners to gently push teeth back into place. They are custom-fitted and made from a mould of the mouth. Multiple aligners are used over the course of treatment to ensure teeth are straightened properly. Constant evaluation is also undertaken by infrequent check-ups with a dentist. 

Are Invisalign Treatments Effective? 

The most noticeable quality of Invisalign treatments is… that they are mostly unnoticeable. They are therefore very effective as an aesthetic teeth straightening solution. On the flip side, Invisalign retainers can be removed, but must be worn for 20-22 hours per day. They should only be removed for eating, brushing the teeth and cleaning. The implications are that without due dilligence, Invisalign retainers may not prove to be as effective as fast as dental braces. With proper care and attention, however, Invisalign treatments are equally as effective as braces at straightening teeth and less invasive. 

What are Dental Braces? 

Dental braces are three-part solutions used to straighten teeth. They employ metal braces which support a steel wire and elastic bands to slowly adjust the teeth into a straighter position. Braces are applied by an orthodontist who uses scans taken by a dentist as a guide. They are used from between six months to eight years. 

Are Dental Braces Effective? 

Braces are a semi-permanent solution: they cannot be removed by anyone other than a dentist. They tend to be more observable and less appealing to look at than Invisalign treatments. Despite their aesthetic quality, braces are still incredibly effective at straightening teeth. Furthermore, because they are semi-permanent, they may work faster than improper Invisalign treatments. 

To Summarise 

In the grand scheme of things, both dental braces and Invisalign treatments are incredibly good ways to straighten the teeth. If you are concerned about the aesthetic function of your teeth straightening treatment, Invisalign treatments are for you. If you are undisciplined, however, braces may be a more effective solution that works faster. 

Book an Appointment at Big Smiles Dental Today 

Teeth straightening treatment can be absolutely essential for confidence and self-esteem. If you have any questions around teeth straightening treatment, or if you are due for a check-up, please don’t hesitate to book an appointment at Big Smiles Dental today.