The Invisalign system is a series of invisable, thin mouth guards that fit over your teeth and, like traditional braces, straighten your teeth over a period of time. Invisible braces have proved to be an effective alternative to metal braces and have the added advantage that the mouth guards can be removed to eat and brush your teeth thus preventing trapped food and reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. 

Invisable braces are a brilliant alternative to metal braces but not in every situation. They are mainly suitable for adults who have slight to moderate spacing or crowding of their teeth or minor rotation problems. It can be found that candidates who are not initially suitable for invisible braces can wear traditional metal braces for just a few months and then switch to the Invisalign system.

Generally, if you are found to be suitable for invisible braces, you will need between 15 and 45 mouth guards (aligners) and will need to visit your orthodontist every 6 weeks throughout the course of the treatment which generally takes between 9 & 15 months compared to 2 years with metal braces.

The main downsides of invisible braces compared to metal braces are:

·        the cost with the Invisalign system costing 25-50% more than traditional braces which won’t be covered by dental insurance. Invisible braces typically cost $3,000 - $9,000 for the full treatment.

·        the limited functionality with invisible braces, as yet, only being suitable for more minor dental corrections.

·        any restorative work cannot be carried out during the treatment process.