What’s the difference between Invisalign and braces?
Invisalign and braces are both treatments a dentist might recommend in order to help straighten your teeth. While their purpose is much the same, they differ when it comes to the materials used, who they may be suited to, how they’re used by the wearer and how they actually help to straighten your teeth.
Does Invisalign or braces cost more?
Both treatments sit in the same price range, so the cost may not be as important as other factors.
Cost of braces
Prices for braces range depending on how long the treatment lasts and what kind of braces you choose to go with, as well as the complexity of your personal dental requirements. Orthodontics Australia lists the following price estimates for braces:
- Metal: $7,000 to $9,000
- Ceramic: $7,500 to $10,000
- Lingual: $10,000 to $12,000
It’s nearly impossible to determine the full cost of braces without a consultation, notes Orthodontics Australia. These prices are indicative for treatment that correctly aligns the jaw, in addition to straightening teeth, and include estimates for regular consultation fees. Bear in mind the above prices are for a 15-18 month treatment period.
Cost of Invisalign
Invisalign costs can be determined by factors such as how complex your case is, the length of your treatment and your chosen provider. Modern Orthodontics and Orthodontics Australia estimate the cost being:
- Invisalign: $6,500 to $9,500
- Clear aligners (Invisalign and other similar products): $8,000 to $10,000
What are braces?
Braces are an orthodontic device that applies even and constant pressure to your teeth in order to straighten them. Before braces are placed in a patient’s mouth by an orthodontist, separators (dental rubber bands) may be positioned between the back molar teeth to create space.
These separators are removed after enough space has been created and bands are placed around the molars to anchor the braces. At this point, small brackets are glued onto each tooth and wire is placed through and attached to the bands. Once installed, the device applies pressure on the teeth which is designed to move them into a straighter position.
Your dentist will likely book you in for follow up visits in order to check on progress and to make any adjustments to the tension of the braces so that they continue to apply the necessary pressure and movement.
What types of braces are available?
- Metal: These are the most traditional type of braces and can be used to correct most dental problems.
- Ceramic: With this style of braces, tooth-coloured, ceramic-made brackets are used with a white wire, making them less visible.
- Lingual: With this style of braces, brackets are attached to the back of the teeth, making them less noticeable. Although, they can be harder to clean.
What is Invisalign?
Mimicking the look of a mouth guard, Invisalign is a specific brand of clear aligners that apply force to the teeth in order to cause movement and straighten them.
After your initial consultation with your orthodontist, a 3D image of your teeth will be created and a set of aligners is designed specifically to meet your needs. You would typically wear each aligner for about two weeks before moving onto the next set. With each aligner, teeth move incrementally until the desired result is reached.
Do braces or Invisalign take longer?
There’s no exact time frame as every individual case is different, but braces may need to be worn for several months through to three years, depending on the complexity of the case. On the other hand, Invisalign treatment usually takes an estimated 12 to 18 months and must be worn for 20-22 hours a day for changes to be made, according to Align Technology, the makers of Invisalign.
Braves vs Invisalign: which is more painful?
While this will ultimately depend on personal experiences, the advantage of Invisalign and other clear aligners is that they’re made from smooth flexible plastic and that you can remove them from your mouth whenever you need to. You unfortunately don’t have this luxury with braces, which need to remain in place for the duration of the treatment. Irritation caused by braces can be treated with orthodontic wax, which can help create a smoother surface over annoying wires or brackets.
Will my private health insurance cover braces or Invisalign?
The cost of orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign, other clear or invisible aligners or braces may be partly covered under extras health insurance with the policy option of ‘major dental’. How much of the cost is covered will depend on your provider and your specific policy. You should be able to find more information in a policy’s Private Health Information Statement (PHIS) or by contacting a provider directly.
Remember, before claiming on an extras policy, you may need to serve a waiting period of up to 12 months. If you don’t have health insurance and are considering other ways to pay for your braces or Invisalign or other clear aligners, some dentists may offer payment plans, while others accept Buy Now Pay Later options.
Is Invisalign or braces better?
There’s no simple answer to whether braces or invisible aligners, such as Invisalign, are better. Invisalign may not be recommended for more complex orthodontic cases, as it’s removable by you at any time, whereas braces deliver more force to teeth and cannot be removed until the treatment is finished.
You may also read about choices such as ‘DIY braces’ or ‘at-home teeth straightening kits’, but dental professionals caution against these.
What are the benefits of straightening your teeth?
According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), as well as the confidence boost that can come from having a straight teeth, other benefits can include:
- Easier cleaning of teeth and gums
- Reduced wear and tear on your teeth from clenching and grinding
- Reduced chance of damaging your gums
- Less stress on the jaw joint from bad biting patterns
While teeth straightening might not always fix major dental problems, it can help with many problems that are caused by misaligned teeth.
