Is Invisalign the only teeth straightening treatment you have heard of other than braces? You don’t have to live with only two options if you want to straighten your teeth. While Invisalign lives up to its reputation in providing exceptional results, you now have a world of possibilities when it comes to discreet teeth straightening appliances. Dive into the world of orthodontics to discover the best Invisalign alternatives and make an informed decision after consulting your dentist.
Invisalign Alternatives
Invisalign has ruled the world of clear aligners since its inception over 2 decades ago. It has revolutionised the world of orthodontics, giving people a more subtle and aesthetic solution to correct teeth misalignments. Modern dentistry now allows you to choose from a range of clear aligners and braces options according to your lifestyle and budget.
If you feel Invisalign might not be the right fit for you or are interested in exploring other options before settling on a treatment, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few of the best Invisalign alternatives:
Braces are one of the most proven treatment options for orthodontic issues such as crooked, gapped, or uneven teeth, bite problems and jaw misalignments. But the obvious visibility of metal brackets and wires on teeth makes them less appealing, especially for adults. Fortunately, advancements in dental technology provide more aesthetic braces that offer the same reliability and results.
Some of the braces options you can choose from include:
Traditional Braces
Reliable and proven, traditional braces remain one of the most used orthodontic treatments to date. They are made of metal brackets bonded to your teeth and connected with wires to gradually align the teeth into the desired position. The braces are adjusted by your dentist over periodic visits as the gentle pressure from the wires shifts teeth into proper alignment.
Pros
- Can be used for almost all types of orthodontic issues, such as teeth and jaw misalignments, overcrowding, bite problems, and spacing.
- More suitable for younger children whose jaws and teeth are still developing
- Help with early intervention of orthodontic issues in children before they become more severe, thus preventing the need for more extensive future treatments.
- More cost-effective than other treatments.
Cons
- The metal wires and brackets are clearly visible on your teeth.
- Require more visits to the dentists for adjustments.
- May cause gum and tooth abrasion because of the wires.
- Certain foods have to be avoided as they can get stuck in the wires or damage the brackets.
- Maintaining oral hygiene is more difficult as it can be challenging to clean around the wires and brackets.
- Can be less comfortable than custom-fitted aligner options.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are made of tooth-coloured or ceramic brackets and wires instead of traditional metal. They can deliver results comparable to metal braces, helping correct a wide range of orthodontic issues but with a less noticeable appearance.
Pros
- The ceramic colour blends with your existing teeth for a more aesthetic appearance.
- Can treat teeth misalignments, spacing, and bite problems.
- Offer a quicker treatment time than clear aligners.
- You can customise your ceramic braces by choosing different colours for a more unique look.
Cons
- Are more expensive than traditional braces.
- May cause gum sensitivity as they are bigger than metal braces.
Quick Straight Teeth
Quick Straight Teeth are clear removable braces that use clear wires and tooth-coloured brackets focusing on your front six to eight teeth only. They are suitable for mild to moderate misalignment problems, gummy smiles, front teeth spacing and crowding.
Pros
- Virtually invisible, QFS are less noticeable than other braces options
- Are more comfortable as they are custom-made for your teeth
- Allow for easier oral hygiene as they are removable
- Provide a cost-effective and quick treatment for mild orthodontic problems
Cons
- Have a limited scope, being suitable for the front teeth and mild problems and cannot treat complex alignment issues.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces but are placed on the back surface (lingual side) of the teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front. They are custom-made for your teeth and require periodic dental visits for adjustments as the teeth change and shift position.
Pros
- Can provide treatment for a range of orthodontic issues.
- Are more discreet than traditional braces as they are placed on the back of the teeth.
- Offer a more personalised and efficient treatment because they are custom-made for your teeth.
Cons
- Are more expensive than traditional braces
- May not be suitable for all problems, such as very deep overbites.
- May have a longer treatment time than traditional braces.
- Initially, you might get a temporary lisp, and speech may be affected because they are placed at the back of your teeth.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners use a series of transparent, removable trays to gradually move and align your teeth to the desired position. Each aligner is custom-made to fit your teeth and is typically worn for a specific period before being replaced with the next aligner in the series.
The aligners are created using advanced digital technology that involves taking digital impressions of your teeth to create a 3D model of your mouth. This allows your dentist to create a personalised treatment plan and a set of custom-fitted aligners for each phase of your treatment. Clear aligners must be worn for 22 hours a day to get results. At the end of your treatment, your dentist will provide clear retainers to cement your newly aligned teeth into position.
Most clear aligners work on the same principles as Invisalign, the only difference being the quality of the material used. Your dentist’s advice, budget, dental requirements, and preferences play a pivotal role in determining the right clear aligner treatment for you.
Some of the more popular clear aligner treatment options in Australia include Invisalign, Angel Align, Clear Correct, Byte, Spark, Inman Aligners and more. Talk to our dentists to find out more about clear aligner treatment options.
Pros
- Made of a clear plastic material, clear aligners are virtually invisible when worn, making them a more aesthetically pleasing choice.
- Custom-made and fitted, clear aligners fit your teeth flawlessly, providing optimal comfort without any wires rubbing against your gums.
- Are highly durable and made to last.
- Efficient and proven in treating most orthodontic issues.
- Can be removed to brush and floss your teeth or eat your favourite foods.
- Require fewer visits to the dentist as the entire treatment plan is created digitally, giving you a series of aligner trays to be replaced as your teeth shift position.
- Minimal lifestyle disruption as you can enjoy your daily personal and professional routine with ease.
Cons
- Are more expensive than braces.
- May not be able to treat complex orthodontic issues.
- Your treatment may be disrupted if you lose or damage your aligners as it takes time to fabricate new ones.
Align Your Smile Your Way
At Superior Smiles, we offer a range of orthodontic treatments tailored to your dental and cosmetic needs. Our friendly dentists can help guide you with options 100% tailored to your requirements, conducting a comprehensive consultation to recommend the best solution for you. Talk to our dentists today.