When it comes to straightening teeth, both Invisalign and clear braces have become popular options for those looking for a more discreet alternative to traditional metal braces.
Both types of braces have their unique benefits and potential drawbacks. To help you make an informed decision, we have compared Invisalign and clear braces, focusing on key factors such as aesthetics, comfort, effectiveness, and cost.
1. Aesthetics
The main reason for opting for either Invisalign and clear braces is to have something less noticeable than traditional metal braces, but they differ in how they achieve this.
- Invisalign: Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners that are virtually invisible. Made from smooth plastic, these aligners are designed to fit snugly over your teeth. The discreet nature of Invisalign makes it an attractive choice for adults and teenagers who are concerned about the appearance of their orthodontic treatment.
- Clear Braces: Clear braces use ceramic brackets that, though less visible than metal ones, are not completely invisible. The brackets are usually matched to the colour of your teeth with the wires are often coated to blend in. While still more discreet than traditional metal braces, they are still more noticeable than Invisalign aligners.
2. Comfort & Cleanliness
Comfort is a crucial factor when choosing an orthodontic treatment, and both options have their advantages when it comes to comfort and keeping your oral hygiene on top form.
- Invisalign: Due to the smooth plastic material used for Invisalign, the aligners are less likely to irritate the inside of your mouth or cause sores compared to traditional braces. Additionally, since aligners are removable, you can take them out to eat and clean your teeth, which can make maintaining oral hygiene easier.
- Clear Braces: Though clear braces are less bulky than metal braces, they still involve fixed brackets and wires that can cause discomfort and irritation. Some people may experience mild soreness or irritation on the inside of their cheeks or lips. Maintaining oral hygiene can also be more challenging with fixed braces.
3. Effectiveness
Both Invisalign and clear braces can effectively straighten teeth, but you may consider choosing one over the other depending on the complexity of your case.
- Invisalign: Invisalign is best suited for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, such as minor crowding, spacing, or slight bite adjustments. For more complex cases, Invisalign is known to not be as effective as other orthodontic options. Although, thanks to recent technological updates, Invisalign can now address more complex cases with the help of additional attachments or aligners.
- Clear Braces: Clear braces can handle a wider range of orthodontic issues, including more severe cases of misalignment or bite problems. They use the same principles as metal braces but with clear or tooth-coloured materials. This makes them a potentially better option for patients with more complex dental needs.
Neither clear braces nor Invisalign are covered by the NHS. Clear braces can cost between £1,500-£5,500 whereas Invisalign can cost up to £6,000.
4. Cost
Cost is an important consideration for many patients when choosing orthodontic treatment. Neither Invisalign nor clear braces are funded by the NHS, as they are considered cosmetic so must be paid for privately.
- Invisalign: In the UK, Invisalign treatment tends to be more expensive than clear braces. The cost can range anywhere between £2,000 to £6,000 (Source: Ocean Orthodontic Clinic), depending on the complexity of your case and the length of treatment. As it is a customised technique, prices vary between patients. Some private dental practices may offer payment plans to make the cost more manageable.
- Clear Braces: Clear braces are generally less expensive than Invisalign, and costs can range from £1,500 to £5,500. The exact price will depend on the duration of treatement, complexity of the case and the clinic where you’re undergoing treatment. Flexible payment options are available in many orthodontic practices.
5. Treatment Duration
The duration of orthodontic treatment can vary depending on the method used and the severity of the dental issues.
- Invisalign: The duration of the Invisalign treatment can range between 6 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of your case. In general, Invisalign takes less time than traditional braces. Patients usually change their aligners every 1 to 2 weeks, gradually shifting their teeth into the desired position. Regular check-ups with your orthodontist ensure the treatment is progressing as planned.
- Clear Braces: Treatment with clear braces generally takes about the same amount of time as traditional metal braces – usually around 12 to 24 months. The exact duration will depend on the complexity of the case and how well you follow your orthodontist’s instructions.
Invisalign or Clear Braces?
Depending on your particular orthodontic case, you may have no choice when it comes to choosing Invisalign or clear prices. However, if you have the choice you should consider your priorities when it comes to aesthetics, cost, comfort and effectiveness. Both options offer more discretion than traditional braces but you may choose to opt for Invisalign if you prioritise comfort. Clear braces could be a better option if you want to pay less and have more efficacy.
