Invisalign vs Braces – What’s the Best Way to Straighten Teeth

What is the best way to straighten teeth without braces? Do I need to remove teeth? Does it hurt? These are all questions that our patients ask us when they are interested in straightening teeth.

What is Invisalign / Tooth Fairy?

Invisalign is the name of a brand, that straightens teeth. It is similar to Tooth Fairy in the fact that they are clear aligners. The difference is Tooth Fairy’s aligners are made here in the UK. Both systems are planned by a dentist, and involve a dentist’s prescription to treat patients.

What are braces?

Braces are appliances that are stuck against the teeth, with wires. These pull teeth and guide teeth into a semi circle organisation. These require adjustment and tightening every few weeks/months by dentists, and therefore require regular dental attendances.

What do braces look like?

Many patients are concerned with what braces, Invisalign, Tooth Fairy aligners, or any teeth-straightening system look like.

Braces can be metal or white but are obvious to see as they are a little bulky and stick on the teeth. The wire and elastic can become stained over time hence they are more obvious compared to aligner systems.

Food and bacteria can get stuck around the braces – which means they can attract easy stains from foods such as pasta, Thai green curries or your local Indian.