Invisalign Clear Braces Vs. Traditional Braces

What’s Right For You?

When it comes to orthodontic correction in Hornsby, you have more options than ever to get a straighter smile. Two of the most commonly used orthodontic treatments in Australia are traditional metal or ceramic braces, and Invisalign clear braces. 

We offer both of these treatments at Hornsby Dental, and both Invisalign and traditional braces are a great option for patients who want a straight, beautiful smile. But what’s right for you? Braces or Invisalign? Find out below! 

The Basics Of Traditional Braces

Braces consist of metal brackets or ceramic brackets, which are bonded directly to your teeth. A metal “arch wire” is run through each of these brackets, and secured in place using a small rubber elastic band. Every few weeks, this arch wire is tightened by your orthodontist, and it gently shifts the position of your teeth. 

For decades, traditional braces have been a top treatment option for orthodontic problems. With braces, you can improve your smile and treat oral health issues like crooked teeth, jaw positioning issues and malpositioned bites, such as an open bite, overbite, or crossbite.

However, this does not mean they have not changed with the times. While today’s braces are still sometimes made out of metal, they can also be made out of a clear or tooth-colored ceramic material, which blends in with your teeth.

When it comes to overall versatility, braces are the winner. They can be used to treat a much wider range of orthodontic issues, compared to Invisalign. However, they are not as comfortable or convenient, and it usually takes longer to correct your smile with braces than it does with Invisalign. 

Mouth model of traditional braces | Hornsby Family Dental Care

The Basics Of Invisalign Clear Braces

Invisalign clear “braces” are not actually braces at all! Invisalign treatment uses a special type of aligner, which looks similar to a mouthguard or a retainer. Invisalign clear aligners are designed to exert gentle pressure on your teeth and move them over time, without using metal wires or brackets.

Compared to braces, Invisalign has a number of great benefits. First, when you wear Invisalign, your aligners will be completely invisible, and will not affect your speech. You can also remove the aligners, so there are no dietary restrictions, and you can brush your teeth and floss more easily compared to wearing braces. This can reduce your risk of issues like gum disease and tooth decay.

Woman using clear braces | Hornsby Family Dental CareAfter you’re approved for treatment, the dentists at Hornsby Family Dental will work with Invisalign to develop your smile correction plan. Then, you’ll get your first several sets of Invisalign aligners. You’ll wear your aligners for 20-22+ hours per day, and remove your aligners only to eat or drink (except for water) and to brush and floss. 

If you’re diligent about wearing the aligners for at least 20 hours per day, you will switch to a new pair of aligners about every 2 weeks, and see the team at Hornsby Dental every 4-6 weeks to get your next few sets of aligners, and for a quick exam to check your progress. Most patients require about 20-24 sets of aligners to correct their smile, so the average treatment time for Invisalign is under a year. 

But while Invisalign does have a number of great benefits, it’s not right for everyone. It can only be used to correct minor-to-moderate orthodontic issues. It usually cannot be used to treat serious bite or jaw positioning issues, or to treat extremely crooked teeth.

Which Option Is Right For Me? Find Out At Hornsby Family Dental!

Both Invisalign and traditional braces have their pros and cons. Still not sure which one is right for you? There’s only one way to be sure! Contact the team at Hornsby Family Dental now. We can explain the differences between braces and Invisalign in further detail. 

We’ll also perform an orthodontic exam, and help you determine whether or not you’re a good candidate for Invisalign, or if you’d be better off with traditional braces. Don’t wait. Contact us online, or call 02 9477 1212 and schedule your consultation today.