For most patients, deciding the method of orthodontic treatment that is right for them will normally be a two-part process. Firstly, during an initial consultation, your dentist will help you to create a short-list of orthodontic treatments or products that will get you the effect you are looking for.

Secondly, you will need to cut this short-list down to one. This is normally done by considering further, contributory factors on a sliding scale of importance. How important are aesthetics for you when choosing your treatment? How important is comfort for you when choosing your treatment? How important is cost for you when choosing your treatment?

	Invisalign	Metal braces
How does it works	Invisalign uses a series of clear removable aligners to straighten your teeth without braces, metal wires or brackets.	Metal braces use wires and brackets to pressure your teeth into straighter alignment.
Nearly invisible		No. Metal braces are usually noticable.
Removable during treatment		No. You cannot remove braces until treatment is completed
Treatment doesn’t involve metal that can irritable teeth and gums.		No. The metal wires and brackets used with braces can cause mouth irritation
Allows you to brush and floss normally during treatment		No. Braces hinder the ability to reach the entire tooth/gum area when brusing and flossing.

All of these contributory factors will impact on the final decision. But ultimately, with the help of your dentist, you should be able to identify the treatment which suits your requirements.

As we mentioned earlier, Invisalign is primarily suited to individuals who require mild to moderate  orthodontic work. If we apply the above decision-making process, its cost and the fact that the aligners are removable probably means that most dentists would recommend this treatment to adults who are interested in a fast, low maintenance cosmetic solution.

If, for whatever reason, Invisalign is not quite right for you, there are a number of other treatments available on the market that you could consult your dentist about instead. Speak candidly to our team to ensure that you make the most informed decision possible.