When looking to achieve that dream smile you’ve always wanted, it is important to consider all the options at your disposal for that journey to commence.
Two of the most popular treatments are traditional braces and aligners like Invisalign.
So, which one is better?
This is a question that we are asked often at Ortho Co., and there isn’t a direct answer.
Overall, both braces and aligners are effective in straightening your teeth and helping you to smile with confidence.
Each has its own set of advantages and considerations that you’ll need to understand before you can pick which is the appropriate choice for you.
As a leading Parramatta orthodontist, we’re not just about treatments; we’re about the journey you embark on.
In this blog, we will clearly break down both braces and aligners, so you can feel confident in making the decision that’s right for you.
What are Braces?
Traditional braces have been one of the staples of orthodontics for more than 100 years, with the original braces developed by Christophe-Francois Delabarre in 1819.
Today, they are one of the top choices among Australians in working towards a perfect set of teeth.
Metal is traditionally the material braces are made of, but the makeup of braces is always individualistic and based on the specific oral circumstances
Braces assist with problems such as overcrowding, crooked teeth, and alignment issues. Over time, as you wear braces, your teeth will slowly align and straighten until you have a normal bite.
Braces are incredibly tough and durable and perfect when it comes to working with complex cases. There are three main types of braces that you’ll find.
They include :
- Metal Braces : The most common type of braces you’ll come across. Brackets are used that stick to the front of your teeth or metal bands that go around them. An arch wire then connects the brackets or bands to guide your teeth into the right position.
- Ceramic Braces : Are similar to the former, but instead use clear brackets that create a more discrete look. Many people choose to opt for this, as a result of them looking a lot less noticeable than traditional braces. They do, however, incur a slightly higher cost than traditional braces..
- Lingual Braces : Similar to ceramic braces. Lingual braces opt to create a more minimalistic look. These brackets are attached to the back of your teeth, making them truly invisible to see. They are also a more expensive option, and can be harder to adjust to compared to regular braces.
What’s the right option for you? Speak to a Sydney-based orthodontist at Ortho Co. today, and we can create a customised treatment plan that’s tailored to you.
What are Aligners?
Aligners, or clear aligners as they are often referred to, are one of the most popular orthodontic treatments in Australia today.
They work like any other orthodontic tool, through the application of pressure that slowly moves the teeth to straighten them.
However, the transparent and custom nature of the aligners is what makes them such a widely in-demand orthodontic treatment.
Once an initial consultation is booked, the orthodontist at Ortho Co will take digital scans of your teeth, so that a custom set of aligners can be created and a treatment plan can be curated for you heading forward.
You will keep these aligners in your mouth for around 22 hours per day, only taking them out to eat or brush your teeth. This is an added flexibility that traditional braces do not offer.
Brands like Invisalign are some of the most popular in Australia, and aligners continue to make waves in the orthodontics world as an effective and subtle way to build your dream smile.
Think this is right for you?
Speak to one of our Sydney orthodontist at Ortho Co. today, and we can create a customised aligner treatment plan that’s tailored to you.
Key Differences Between Braces and Aligners
At the end of the day, whichever you decide to go with between braces and aligners, the same end result will be achieved – a dream smile and a better quality of life.
Both are excellent options when it comes to addressing oral issues such as overbites, gaps, underbites, and crowding.
So what are the main considerations that you need to take into account when it comes to both treatment options?
– Visibility
Off the bat, there is a stark contrast between the two treatment options when it comes to visibility.
Self-consciousness is often a massive reason why people seem to shy away from traditional braces. While they do have a more noticeable look, there are ways to make braces less eye-catching.
One of the biggest factors that makes treatment options like Invisalign so popular is that they boast an almost invisible appearance, meaning your teeth can be repaired without having to show off to the world that you are doing so.
– Suitability
One of the reasons that braces have stood the test of time is their effectiveness in treating oral cases of all types and complexity. No matter your orthodontic situation, it can almost always be corrected with traditional braces.
Aligners, on the other hand, while effective, are not always appropriate for treatment.
They are effective for mild to moderate cases; however, sometime more severe orthodontic issues may not be suitably treated with aligners or may take longer than braces and in some cases aligners may be more effective than braces, your specialist Orthodontist at Ortho Co. can guide you to the most suitable appliance for you.
– Comfort
Aligners are comfortable and built exactly for your dental structure. As a result, they fit snugly inside your mouth, and the material overall is less likely to irritate the person or cause irritation to your gums.The ability to remove aligners also helps make it an overall comfortable experience.
Traditional braces, on the other hand, especially when they’re first fitted, can cause slight discomfort to the patient. Irritation to the inside of your mouth is a common side effect due to how the brackets and wires are tightened.
However, you will adjust over time and using tools such as orthodontic wax and eating soft foods can make it a more comfortable experience.
– Commitment
It’s probably almost unfair to compare the two types of treatment when it comes to commitment, but it should be something that is considered.
The ease with which you can remove your aligners means that those who aren’t committed may not adhere to the 22-hour wear time, and consequently, their treatment may not be that effective.
On the other hand, braces you cannot remove, and as such, this temptation is avoided entirely, meaning you can’t interfere in the treatment process.
– Treatment Duration
Between braces and aligners, which is going to get you to your end goal the fastest? Well, overall, it depends on the complexity of your case, but there are average timelines for each that you can expect.
For braces, it usually involves a longer period of treatment, ranging on the low end of 15 months through to 2.5 years. This can be even longer for those who are on the severe side of the orthodontic spectrum.
For aligners, due to the cases it treats being less complex in nature, treatment time usually ranges from 12 to 18 months.
However, this all depends on how committed you are to adhering to the treatment plan as set out by your orthodontist.
– Cost of Treatment
The cost of orthodontic treatment, whether with traditional braces or aligners, can vary widely based on the materials used, the complexity of the case, and adjustments needed throughout the process.
Braces range in price depending on the type.
Metal braces are typically the most affordable option, while ceramic and lingual braces tend to be more expensive. On average, braces can cost anywhere from $5,800 to $9,000.
Fortunately, many dental insurance plans cover part of this cost, especially for children and teens.
Aligner Treatment generally fall between $5,800 and $9,000, though the final cost can be higher depending on individual needs, particularly the number of aligners required over the course of treatment.
Since Invisalign is often chosen for its convenience and aesthetics, it may come at a premium compared to traditional braces.
Who Should Choose Braces?
Braces are a perfect choice for those individuals facing complex orthodontic issues such as severe crowding, deep overbites, or severe bite misalignments.
Braces are especially effective for children and teenagers. Braces offer precise control over tooth movements, and the fact that they’re fixed in place means that consistent progress will be achieved without having to rely on the compliance of the patient.
For those seeking reliable, long-term results and who don’t mind the look or feel of brackets and wires, braces may be the best option. Book with Ortho Co today for a consultation.
Who Should Choose Aligners?
Aligners are a great option for those facing mild to moderate orthodontic issues along with openbites and patients with spacing.
The fact that they’re clear, removable and discreet makes them ideal for those who want a subtle and flexible treatment option. Aligners allow you to eat, brush, and floss normally, helping you to maintain top oral hygiene.
However, they require discipline from the wearer, as they must be worn for 22 hours a day. If you regularly miss the mark, the treatment process will not go as planned. For flexibility and aesthetics, aligners are an effective and appealing option.
Why Choose Ortho Co?
The first step to figuring out what the right treatment is between braces and aligners is to come see one of our specialist Orthodontists at Ortho Co. We can walk you through your options and help you figure out the right treatment plan.
As experienced Burwood orthodontists, we understand that fixing your teeth isn’t just about looks—it can also improve your speech, jaw pain, chewing, and overall dental health.
If you’ve been putting off taking the next step in your orthodontics journey, now is the perfect time to take that first step.
Call and book an appointment today. Whether you’re in Parramatta, Canterbury, or wider Sydney, we can help you.
