What is better, braces or Invisalign?

Invisalign vs. Braces

Invisalign vs. Braces
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Choosing between Invisalign and traditional braces is a significant decision for your oral health and daily life. As an Invisalign Provider, we’ve helped many Melbourne patients transform their smiles with both treatment options. This detailed comparison will help you understand which option might be best for your unique situation.

 

Invisalign arch

Invisalign: Best For

  • Professionals concerned about appearance during treatment
  • People who prioritise easier oral hygiene maintenance
  • Adults and responsible teens who will follow wearing guidelines
  • Patients with active lifestyles or who play contact sports
  • Those with mild to moderate alignment or spacing issues
  • Anyone wanting the flexibility to remove their orthodontic appliance
  • Musicians, especially those who play wind instruments
  • Patients with metal allergies
MC Dental is proud to offer an exclusive Invisalign Open Day (Friday, May 16th, 4-8pm) at Highpoint Shopping Centre.
Limited spots. Click here for details or phone: 03 8644 7029.
teeth braces

Traditional Braces: Best For

  • Patients with complex orthodontic issues requiring precise control
  • Growing children and younger teenagers
  • Those concerned about compliance with removable appliances
  • Patients seeking potentially lower costs for complex treatments
  • Cases requiring significant tooth movement or rotation
  • Those who prefer not to worry about removing/replacing appliances
  • Patients who might lose removable appliances

 

Why do people choose Invisalign over braces?

Invisalign & Braces Side-by-Side Comparison Chart:

Feature Invisalign Clear Aligners Traditional Metal Braces
Appearance Nearly invisible clear plastic aligners Noticeable metal brackets and wires (tooth-coloured options available at additional cost)
Treatment Time 12-18 months (average) for comparable cases; highly dependent on complexity and compliance 12-24 months (average); may be more efficient for complex cases
Comfort Level Smooth plastic with no sharp edges; initial pressure with new aligners Brackets and wires may irritate cheeks and lips; routine adjustments cause temporary discomfort
Removability Removable for eating, drinking, and special occasions Fixed to teeth for entire treatment duration
Oral Hygiene Remove to brush and floss normally Requires special brushes, floss threaders, and more time for cleaning
Food Restrictions No restrictions (aligners removed for eating) Must avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods that can damage braces
Appointment Frequency Every 6-8 weeks for monitoring Every 4-6 weeks for adjustments
Effectiveness for Complex Cases Best for mild to moderate cases; some limitations for severe issues Highly effective for all cases, including complex bite issues
Compliance Requirements High – must wear 20-22 hours daily Low – fixed to teeth and working 24/7
Speech Impact Temporary minor lisp possible for first 1-2 weeks Minimal speech impact after initial adjustment period
Sports Compatibility Excellent – remove for contact sports or wear over aligners Requires special mouthguard; potential for injuries from brackets
Playing Musical Instruments Minimal impact; can remove for performances May require technique adjustment, especially for wind instruments
Treatment Predictability Highly predictable with good compliance Very predictable regardless of patient behaviour
Emergency Visits Rarely needed (no broken components) Sometimes required for broken brackets or poking wires
Price Range in Melbourne $3,800-$9,500+ depending on complexity $4,500-$8,000 depending on complexity
Aesthetic Options Clear plastic (one option) Metal standard; ceramic, clear, or coloured bands available
Maintenance Daily aligner cleaning; replacement if lost Regular adjustments; occasional repairs if damaged
Technology 3D computer imaging and custom manufacturing Traditional orthodontic mechanics with regular adjustments
Drinking Restrictions Should remove for all drinks except water No restrictions, but sugary drinks increase decay risk
Retention After Treatment Removable retainers required Removable or fixed retainers required
Suitable Age Groups Best for teens and adults with good compliance Suitable for all ages, especially younger patients
Lifestyle Impact Minimal disruption to daily activities Moderate adjustment period for eating, speaking, cleaning
Travel Considerations Must bring cleaning supplies and extra aligners Requires travel with special cleaning tools
Invisalign open day Melbourne - highpoint shopping centre

Take the first step on your smile journey.

Book your spot at our Invisalign Open Day at Highpoint Shopping Centre. Our experienced dentist will assess if your teeth are suitable for Invisalign, advise on your expected outcome, and explain everything you need to know about the treatment.

BOOK a SPOT at INVISALIGN OPEN DAY

 

T&Cs: The patient must undergo a consultation with a dentist to determine suitability for Invisalign treatment. Invisalign is not suitable for all patients. Treatment results and duration vary depending on individual circumstances and compliance with wearing aligners 20-22 hours daily. Patients may require additional dental work (at extra cost) before commencing Invisalign treatment. The Invisalign Day promotional price cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. No further discount applies. Components of the package are not transferable or redeemable for cash. Regular follow-up appointments must be attended as scheduled. Replacement aligners due to loss or damage will incur additional fees. Invisalign treatment is available with participating dentists only.

Invisalign Clear Aligners

The Experience Difference: Quality Invisalign Provider

As an Invisalign Provider, MC Dental offers:
  • Extensive Experience: A professional team that prioritises patient care
  • Efficient Treatment: Experience translates to more effective treatment protocols
  • Comprehensive Care: Both Invisalign and traditional braces available under one roof
  • Multilingual dentist team: Smooth communication without any language barriers

 

FAQ -Invisalign vs. Braces in Melbourne

Is Invisalign as effective as traditional braces for complex orthodontic issues?

Invisalign can effectively treat most orthodontic issues, including many complex cases that once required traditional braces. As an Invisalign Provider, our experienced dentists can address severe crowding, spacing issues, and many bite problems using Invisalign. For extremely complex cases, we’ll recommend the most appropriate option during your consultation.

How does treatment time compare between Invisalign and traditional braces?

Invisalign treatment typically ranges from 12-18 months, while traditional braces often require 18-24 months. The most significant factors affecting treatment time are compliance—wearing Invisalign aligners for the recommended 20-22 hours daily—and the complexity of your case, both of which determine how quickly you’ll achieve optimal results.

Can children and teenagers use Invisalign, or are braces better for younger patients?

Invisalign Teen is specifically designed for younger patients with features like compliance indicators and accommodation for growing molars. Many teenagers are excellent candidates for Invisalign, while very young children with early orthodontic needs might sometimes benefit more from traditional options.

How do cleaning and maintenance differ between Invisalign and braces?

Invisalign aligners are removable, allowing you to brush and floss using your regular routine. Traditional braces involve working around brackets and wires during oral hygiene, using specialized brushes and floss threaders as part of your daily cleaning process.

Discover more about Invisalign

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Invisalign® Open Day at Highpoint Shopping Centre

Invisalign Open Day Highpoint

As a Melbourne Invisalign® Provider, we’re inviting you to an exclusive event to begin your smile transformation journey with professional care and incredible savings. Register now – limited spots available!

Join Open Day »

Invisalign vs. Braces

Invisalign® Open Day at Docklands Dental Clinic

Invisalign vs. Braces

Our second Invisalign® Open Day. We’re inviting you to an exclusive event at Docklands Dental Clinic! Experience your smile transformation with professional care and incredible savings. Hurry, limited spots available!

Join Open Day »

 

For any enquiries about Invisalign, please contact us at 03 8608 8968

MC Dental welcomes you to visit any of
our 6 locations across Melbourne.

We’re open 7 days a week (Brighton clinic open 6 days) and offer appointments during extended hours, including public holidays. Book a dentist near you today.

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