Download See the comparison of braces and Invisalign

Newpark Clinic
Dr. Máirlín O’Donnell
Specialist Orthodontist
Tel: (01) 210 4588
70 Newtownpark Ave.
Blackrock, Co Dublin
Web: www.dublinbraces.ie
Email: [email protected]
facebook.com/newparkclinic
Braces vs. Invisalign
If you are considering Orthodontic treatment to straighten your teeth, or your child’s teeth, you may have
questions regarding fixed braces (wire) vs. Invisalign (clear plastic). Both braces and Invisalign were designed
to straighten teeth whilst improving your smile and oral health, but their methods of movement differ. Only
by attending a specialist who is equally competent in treating with both systems can you get impartial and
objective advice about the best treatment choice for you.
Braces
What Are
They
Braces consist of metal brackets which are
glued to your teeth, and tied together by
wires and tiny rubber bands.
Look/Colour Metal wire
Can add colour around the brackets
Can pay extra for enamel colour wire and
brackets
Removable
No, but can be taken off and put back on for
very specific social occasions (weddings, MRI
scans)
Gum-shields are available specifically for fixed
braces
Invisalign
Invisalign is designed to be invisible. Aligner
trays made of smooth, comfortable, BPA-free
clear plastic are worn over your teeth to
subtly and gently move your teeth.
Clear/Invisible with regular cleaning
Yes, but need to be worn 23 hours a day
Only taken out for meals and sport
Braces
Invisalign
Pros
More effective for very complex bites
No temptation to leave them out, less self
discipline is needed
Extra cleaning required with regular brushing
and flossing due to non-removable nature of
the brace
Invisible, more discreet
Removable
No food caught around brackets
No difficulty eating or flossing
No discomfort from wires
Cons
May have some pain, sores or discomfort
from wires, brackets or tooth movement
May have some superficial tooth discoloration
Breakages can be irritating to gums
Advised not to eat sticky or hard foods
Noticeable appearance
Tends to have less discomfort from tooth
movement
Must remove before eating or drinking
anything but water
Must brush after each meal to avoid staining
Attachments may initially rub against lips or
be more noticeable from a social standpoint
Patients playing contact sports or wind
instruments
Patients with:
Bridgework
Back tooth bite problems
The need to rotate canines or premolars
The need to extrude teeth vertically
Poor discipline to keep the trays in for at
least 23 hours daily
No speech impairment
Slight speech impairment/lisp for the first
1-3 days
Not Ideal
For
Speech
Orthodontic Every 6-8 weeks
Visits
Change aligners every 2 weeks at home
Orthodontic visits every 12-16 weeks
Brush brackets and wires regularly
Water pick may be helpful
Floss frequently with Super-floss
Invisalign cleaning system
Brush and rinse trays in cold water daily
Can use retainer brite cleaning fluid
Daily flossing as normal
Follow Up
Care
Similar for both:
Plastic retainer worn every night for 2 years
and/or bonded retainer (small wire on the
inside of the front teeth) if recommended,
to stay on forever, but can easily be
removed
Similar for both:
Plastic retainer worn every night for 2 years
and/or bonded retainer (small wire on the
inside of the front teeth) if recommended, to
stay on forever, but can easily be removed
Length of
Treatment
1-2.5 years, treatment times always vary on
an individual basis
1-2.5 years, treatment times always vary on
an individual basis
€3,000-5,000 prices always vary on an
individual basis
€4,000-5,000 prices always vary on an
individual basis
Upkeep
Cost