Comparing treatments

At Class 1 Orthodontics, we will recommend the treatment option we believe is right for you, but we also understand you want to know what your options are. This comparison table shows the different treatments we have available and the benefits of each.

	Invisalign	Clear braces	Metal braces

Description	Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable plastic trays (aligners) that fit over teeth. Aligners are custom-made and changed every 2 weeks in order to gradually move teeth into the desired position.	Unlike regular braces that use elastics and clips to apply force, braces are self-ligating and use a slide mechanism to move the teeth into place. Clear braces are almost invisible.	Unlike regular braces that use elastics and clips to apply force, braces are self-ligating and use a slide mechanism to move the teeth into place.
Cost	Treatment cost varies. For more information about the cost of treatment please call 1300 922 722.	Treatment cost varies. For more information about the cost of treatment please call 1300 922 722.	Treatment cost varies. For more information about the cost of treatment please call 1300 922 722.
Aesthetics	Virtually invisible.	Less visible than traditional braces but more visible than lingual braces and Invisalign.	Similar to metal braces but with much smaller brackets and no elastic ties.
Efficiency	Suitable for most cases from mild to moderate complexity. Treatment outcomes are dependent on the experience level of the practitioner.	Suitable for most cases.	Suitable for most cases.
Oral hygiene	Invisalign aligners can be removed for normal brushing and flossing. Therefore it’s easier to maintain a good level of oral hygiene throughout the course of treatment.	Oral hygiene can be more difficult to maintain with fixed braces because you may find it difficult to floss and brush between the teeth.	Oral hygiene can be more difficult to maintain with fixed braces because you may find it difficult to floss and brush between the teeth.
Comfort	Most people experience temporary, minor discomfort at the beginning of each new stage of treatment. This short-term effect is typically described as a feeling of pressure. Speech may be temporarily affected at the beginning of treatment.	The discomfort that some patients feel might be a result of the brackets rubbing against the side of the mouth.	The discomfort that some patients feel might be a result of the brackets rubbing against the side of the mouth.
Compliance	Research shows that because aligners are virtually invisible, there is a high level of patient acceptance with Invisalign treatment^{1, 2}.

1. Improving Periodontal Health through Invisalign treatment, by Robert L. Boyd, DDS, MEd
2. Invisalign Australia survey amongst 6 Invisalign Teen providers. Data on file