After 10 years of providing cosmetic orthodontics & Invisalign for various cases, I genuinely believe Invisalign treatment is the superior option for most people.
Invisalign can handle 98% of cases effectively. The technology is backed by data from over 7 million cases worldwide. That means it’s accurate, predictable, and controllable. A well known brand amongst dentist, orthodontists and patients.
For me, safety is everything. Invisalign is 100% effective when used as directed. My patients appreciate the comfort and discretion it offers, and I’ve seen incredible transformations time and time again.
What Is Invisalign and How Does It Work?
Invisalign is a modern way to straighten teeth without the metal brace. Instead of brackets and wires, you get a series of clear aligners custom-made to fit snugly over your teeth. Here’s the process:
- Scan and Plan: Your dentist takes a 3D scan of your teeth. This creates a detailed map of how your teeth will move during treatment.
- Custom Aligners: You’ll get a set of aligners designed to gradually shift your teeth. Each aligner is worn for 1-2 weeks before moving on to the next one. Remove your aligners before eating.
- Need to Wear: Wear the aligners 20-22 hours a day. You only take them out to eat, drink, or brush.
- Regular dental Check-Ins: You’ll visit your dentist every 6-8 weeks to make sure things are on track.
That’s it—no wires, no hassle. Just steady progress toward a straighter smile.
Learn more about what Invisalign does to your smile here.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Virtually Invisible: No one can tell you’re wearing them.
- Removable: Eat what you like, brush easily, and pop them back in.
- Comfortable: No sharp brackets or wires digging into your mouth.
- Safe and Proven: Backed by millions of successful cases worldwide.
Cons
- Discipline Required: You’ve got to wear them 20 to 22 hours a day.
- Not for Everyone: Few very complex cases may need braces.
- Costs More: Yep, they’re not the cheapest option out there.
If you need a more detailed list of pros and cons, check out this article.
What Are Braces and How Do They Work?
Braces are a tried-and-tested way to straighten teeth and fix bite issues. They use a system of brackets and wires to gently move your teeth into the desired position over time. Here’s how it works:
- Initial Assessment: Your dentist or orthodontist examines your teeth and creates a customised treatment plan. X-rays or 3D scans may be used to map out the movement of your teeth.
- Fitting the Braces: Brackets are bonded to the front of your teeth, and a flexible wire is threaded through them. This wire applies consistent pressure to guide your teeth into place.
- Adjustments: Every 4-8 weeks, you'll visit your dentist for adjustments. These tweaks keep the pressure on your teeth just right, ensuring steady progress.
- Elastic Bands (If Needed): In some cases, elastic bands are added to correct bite alignment by guiding the jaw.
- Everyday Care: You'll need to brush carefully around the brackets and wires to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Certain foods might need to be avoided to prevent damage.
That’s the basics—braces do the hard work behind the scenes, steadily transforming your smile over time.
Pros and Cons
The 2nd orthodontic option is fixed braces (traditional braces). Typical with NHS treatment during teenage years, the metal brackets and wires are a well known orthodontic option. The technology with advanced wires and new ceramic brackets means that have also improved in appearance.
Pros
- Works for All Cases: From minor gaps to major realignments.
- No Temptation to Remove: They’re on for the whole journey.
- Variety of Options: Metal braces, ceramic braces, or lingual braces.
Cons
- Noticeable: They’re not subtle, especially metal ones.
- Harder to Clean: Food gets stuck, and cleaning takes effort.
- Diet Restrictions: Say goodbye to chewy, sticky, or hard foods.
- Lingual Braces: Very Expensive.
Key Differences: Invisalign vs. Braces
Here’s an orthodontic treatment side-by-side breakdown:
What Are the Costs of Each Treatment?
Let’s talk numbers for braces vs invisalign
- Invisalign: £1800 to £6,000.
- Braces: £1,500 to £3,500 (metal) or as high as £7,000 (ceramic/lingual).
Keep in mind, these are general ranges. At Dental & Wellness, we offer transparent pricing, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
Which is Better?
The million-pound question. If you’re looking for something discreet, comfortable, and easy to maintain, Invisalign is the clear winner. But if your case is more complex, or you don’t trust yourself to wear aligners consistently, braces might be the better
How to Choose the Right Treatment for You
Here’s how to decide:
- Think About Your Lifestyle: Are you okay with visible braces, or do you want something more subtle?
- Assess Your Discipline: Can you commit to wearing aligners for 20-22 hours a day?
- Budget Wisely: Invisalign costs more upfront but offers greater flexibility.
- Get a Professional Opinion: A dentist can assess your case and recommend the best option.
Still unsure? Book a consultation with us at Dental & Wellness. We’ll guide you every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
Both Invisalign and braces can give you a beautiful, straight smile. It’s not about which is "better" but which fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget. If you’re leaning towards Invisalign or just want more clarity, reach out to us. We’re here to help you make the right choice for your smile.
FAQs
Is Invisalign More Effective than Braces?
Invisalign is incredibly effective for most cases—about 98% can be treated with it. Its digital planning system ensures precision and predictability. But for complex cases like severe misalignment or jaw issues, braces might be more effective due to their ability to apply more force.
My Reassurance: Having worked with both systems extensively, I can tell you Invisalign's digital precision often achieves remarkable results. I'll be completely honest if your case needs traditional braces instead. Your success is my priority.
Which Is Faster?
Treatment times for Invisalign and braces are often similar. Invisalign typically takes 2-18 months, while braces range from 18-24 months. That said, Invisalign’s clear aligners are custom-designed for efficiency, and some cases can be completed faster (check out how long Invisalign takes here). The key is consistent wear—20-22 hours a day for Invisalign.
My Reassurance: I'll show you your projected timeline using our digital planning software. Stay consistent with 20-22 hours daily wear, and you'll see changes within weeks. I'm here to keep you motivated throughout your journey.
Which Method is More Painful?
Pain is subjective, but here’s what patients often report:
- Invisalign: Mild discomfort when switching aligners, described as gentle pressure rather than sharp pain (pregnant women might feel more discomfort, but you can learn more about it here).
- Braces: Tightening sessions can cause more noticeable soreness, along with irritation from wires and brackets.
My Reassurance: Any orthodontic treatment causes some pressure - that's how teeth move. But Invisalign's smooth aligners are gentler than wire adjustments. I'll teach you tricks to manage any initial discomfort, and you can always reach me if you need help.
Which Treatment do People Prefer?
Once you understand the treatment options fully. Preferences usually come down to lifestyle and priorities:
- Invisalign: Favoured for its discretion, removability, and comfort. Popular among adults and teens alike.
- Braces: Chosen by those needing complex corrections or looking for a lower-cost option.
My Reassurance: I've treated hundreds of cases with both systems. I'll help you weigh the pros and cons for your lifestyle. Many of my patients forget they're even wearing their aligners after the first week.
What Percentage of Patients Switch from Invisalign to Braces?
Switching is rare but happens in about 2-5% of cases. This usually occurs when complex adjustments are needed mid-treatment.
My Reassurance: I carefully screen every case to ensure Invisalign will work for you. If we need to adjust our approach, I'll handle everything. You're never locked into a treatment that isn't working.
Is It harder to Talk with Braces or Invisalign?
Invisalign and traditional orthodontic treatments have a mild temporary impact on speech.
- Invisalign: Minimal impact on speech, though some patients experience a slight lisp initially, which improves within days.
- Braces: Speech isn’t usually affected, but discomfort from brackets can make talking feel awkward at first.
- My Reassurance: Invisalign is the winner here too. Any initial lisp disappears quickly. I'll give you speaking exercises to speed up adaptation. By your second aligner, you'll be talking normally.
Which One Is More Comfortable?
Comfort is one of Invisalign’s standout features:
- Invisalign: Smooth, custom-fit aligners that won’t poke or irritate your mouth.
- Braces: Brackets and wires can rub against your cheeks and gums, causing occasional discomfort.
Why Do Dentists Push Invisalign?
Dentists recommend Invisalign because it’s:
- Effective: Treats most cases predictably.
- Patient-Friendly: Easier to clean, more comfortable, and lifestyle-friendly.
- Technologically Advanced: Digital scans and planning provide highly accurate results.
It’s a win-win for both patients and providers.
My Reassurance: I chose to focus on Invisalign because I've seen how it changes lives. The technology is incredible, but what matters most is seeing my patients' confidence grow. I'll be with you every step of way.
Can I Switch from Braces to Invisalign?
As an Invisalign expert, I've helped many patients make this transition. Here's what you need to know:
The short answer is yes - you can switch from traditional braces to Invisalign. But let me be straight with you about what this means.
Each smile journey is unique, and I'll need to look at:
- How far along you are with your braces treatment
- What specific movements we still need to achieve
- The current position of your teeth
Let me reassure you: If you're feeling uncomfortable with your braces, I understand completely. Many of my patients have made this switch successfully. Just last month, I helped patient who's a young professional, who was halfway through her braces treatment but struggled with client meetings. This change came about since a more client facing responsibility became part of her role, due to a promotion. We transitioned her to Invisalign, and she's thrilled with the flexibility it offers.
My promise to you: I'll thoroughly assess your situation and only recommend the switch if it makes sense for your dental goals, timeline and lifestyle requirements.
Will Invisalign Work if I've Had Braces Before?
I get this question a lot, especially from adults who've seen their teeth shift after wearing braces in their teens.
The clear answer is yes - Invisalign can definitely help fix those stubborn teeth that have moved back. In fact, many of my patients find Invisalign perfect for this situation because:
- The treatment time is often shorter than your first round of braces
- We can focus specifically on the teeth that have shifted
- You won't need to go through the full orthodontic process again
My reassurance: I've treated hundreds of post-braces cases with Invisalign. Your teeth can absolutely be guided back to their ideal position. Think of it as a gentle reset rather than starting from scratch.
Are Braces Cheaper than Invisalign?
Let me be upfront about costs - more or less traditional braces now has same price tag as Invisalign. In cases where braces and invisalign cost differ, one must ask further questions.
What affects the cost:
- The complexity of your tooth movements
- Treatment duration
- Your location
- Provider experience
- Insurance coverage
Based on treating thousands of patients, I've found many patients value Invisalign's advantages:
- Fewer emergency appointments
- Less time off work/school
- Less noticeable
- Easier maintenance
- Better comfort
My reassurance: I believe in transparent pricing and helping you make the best choice for your budget. We offer payment plans and help you to check your insurance coverage. I'll never push you toward a treatment you're not comfortable with financially. To learn more about our offerings, please click here.
Dr. Vishal Patel
I’m a dentist with a passion for creating beautiful, natural-looking smiles. With a Master’s in Aesthetics and Restorative Dentistry, I’ve honed my skills in treatments like Invisalign, clear aligners, fixed braces, veneers, bonding, and teeth whitening. Combining precision with a keen eye for detail, I aim to help patients achieve smiles they can feel proud of, using techniques that are tailored to each individual.
