If you have been thinking about straightening your teeth, you have probably pictured two very different journeys. One involves metal brackets and wires and the familiar click of adjustments. The other, Invisalign feels almost like slipping on a tailored accessory that most people never notice. At Epsom Orthodontics, we look at both with the same calm lens: what will suit your smile, your lifestyle, and the result you want to live with for years.
At their core, both options are forms of orthodontic treatment designed to guide teeth into healthier, more confident positions. Traditional braces use fixed appliances, often metal braces, with metal brackets and wires that apply steady pressure. Clear aligners, such as Invisalign treatment, use a series of removable trays that gradually nudge teeth into place.
So how does invisalign work in real life? You wear each set of aligners for a set period, then move to the next. For best results, most patients aim for 22 hours of wear, which is often described as 22 hours a day. You only remove them to eat, drink anything other than water, and to brush and floss.
As a simple guide, aligners are often ideal for mild to moderate cases, where tooth movement is predictable and cosmetic goals are clear. Braces can offer more control for complex orthodontic needs, including certain rotations, vertical movements, and bite corrections. The right choice is less about what is “better” and more about what is better for you.
Lingual braces sit on the inside surface of the teeth, making them discreet from the front.
Many patients like the idea of a hidden brace without needing to remember wear time. Invisalign is also discreet, often described as virtually invisible, especially in everyday conversation, meetings, or photos.
The difference is in the feel. Lingual braces are fixed, so you cannot remove them for meals, and they may take a little time for the tongue to adjust, rather like breaking in a new pair of shoes.
Invisalign aligners tend to feel smoother, and the removability can make social occasions and dining out feel simpler.
The big advantage with lingual braces is that they can be used to treat more complex cases than Invisalign, giving more control to the orthodontist to achieve the results you want.
Speed is always tempting to chase, but it is not a race you want to sprint. Treatment time depends on the type of tooth movement required, bite goals, consistency, and biology.
In some situations, fixed appliances can move teeth efficiently because they are working 24 hours a day without relying on wear habits. That said, with excellent compliance, some patients find invisalign faster than braces, particularly for straightforward alignment. The key detail is consistency: if aligners are not worn for the recommended hours a day, progress can slow, and refinements may be needed.
A good way to think about it is steering a boat. Both a strong engine (the appliance) and a steady hand (your routine) matter. We focus on predictability and comfort, not pressure.
If you want something subtle, clear braces, or ceramic braces and clear aligners are the most common comparisons. Clear or ceramic braces work like fixed braces but use tooth-coloured brackets for a softer look. Clear aligners are removable, smooth, and discreet.
Ceramic braces can be a good option when you want the control of fixed appliances, but prefer something less noticeable than metal braces. Aligners can be appealing if you want the flexibility to remove them for important events, and to keep your hygiene routine straightforward.
Lifestyle often decides this one. If you travel frequently, present for work, or enjoy fine dining, aligners can feel seamless. If you prefer not having to think about wear time, ceramic braces can feel reassuringly “set and forget”.
An overbite can be cosmetic, functional, or both. It can contribute to wear on teeth, jaw strain, or a smile that feels less balanced. Both braces and Invisalign can address an overbite, but the best approach depends on the severity and the mechanics required.
Patients often talk about an overbite being when teeth stick out. However, the strict clinical definition is as follows:
With aligners, bite correction may involve attachments, elastics, and careful staging. With braces, bite correction can be managed with wires, elastics, and other fixed components. For more complex orthodontic bite corrections, braces may offer the strongest control, though many patients achieve excellent overbite outcomes with aligners when the plan is well designed and wear is consistent.
If you are comparing invisalign and traditional options for an overbite, the most useful question is this: what bite result are we aiming for, and what will you realistically keep up with day to day?
Teenagers often do brilliantly with both. Braces can be ideal when routine is unpredictable, because they are fixed and always working. Aligners can be a great fit for teens who are motivated, organised, and keen on a discreet look.
Invisalign Teen options can include features designed for younger wearers, and the removability helps with sports, musical instruments, and special occasions. The trade-off is responsibility. Wearing aligners properly is like practising an instrument: the results come from repetition and consistency.
Whichever route you choose, we keep the experience calm and supportive, with clear steps and gentle check-ins, so your teenager feels in control.
Cost is understandably important, but it is rarely a simple yes or no. The cost of invisalign depends on complexity, the number of aligners, and whether refinements are required. Braces pricing varies too, depending on whether you choose metal, ceramic, clear or lingual braces, and how complex the movements are.
Sometimes Invisalign is comparable to braces. Sometimes it is higher, particularly when the plan involves significant bite correction or longer sequencing. Rather than guessing, we prefer to give you a clear, tailored estimate based on what your teeth need and what you want your smile to feel like afterwards.
If you are weighing comfort, discretion, and control, it can help to picture your day. You wake up, you sip your coffee, you chat, you smile, you head out. The right option should fit into that rhythm without making your life feel “medical”.
If you are ready to explore the most suitable route for your smile, book a free consultation and let us map out your options with you.
Your future confidence is built one considered step at a time.
