Compare braces

	Invisalign	Traditional braces	Ceramic braces	Lingual braces
Description	Invisalign uses a series of clear, plastic aligners that fit over your teeth. Custom-made to your teeth, they can be removed for eating, brushing and flossing. Every two weeks the aligners are changed to gradually move your teeth into the desired position.	Traditional braces are made up of stainless steel brackets and wires that are bonded to the outside of your teeth. The archwires are adjusted throughout treatment to guide your teeth into a straighter position.	Traditional ceramic braces are clear brackets attached to the front surface of your teeth. Wires are adjusted throughout treatment in order to gradually move your teeth into the desired position.	Lingual braces are made up of metal brackets and archwires which are fitted to the back of your teeth, next to your tongue. Wires are adjusted throughout treatment in order to gradually move your teeth into the desired position.
Aesthetics	Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and are one of the most discreet treatment options available.	Traditional braces are noticeable when you speak, laugh, eat and smile.	Clear braces blend in with the colour of your teeth so are less visible than traditional braces but still noticeable.	Lingual braces are second to Invisalign in terms of visibility. Fitted to the tongue side of your teeth, they're extremely hard to see.
Cost	Invisalign starts from as little as £98/month.	Traditional metal braces start from £81/month.	Clear braces start from £98/month.	Lingual braces start from £248/month.
Efficiency	Invisalign can be used to treat mild, moderate and the most severe of orthodontic cases.	Traditional metal braces and clear braces can be used to treat all levels of orthodontic cases.		Lingual braces can be used to treat most orthodontic 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 is harder to maintain with fixed braces because you need to brush and floss around the appliance. There is a risk of plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation during orthodontic treatment but our team will advise you on effective tooth brushing techniques to avoid these problems.		With lingual appliances, because of their position on the back of teeth, it is more difficult to brush and floss normally during treatment. This increases the chance of plaque retention and possible tooth decay, although this risk can be managed.
Comfort	Invisalign aligners are extremely comfortable to wear. They are custom-made to the shape of your mouth and their smooth surfaces won't irritate your cheek or lips.	Fixed braces can irritate the inside of your cheeks, leading to mouth sores and ulcers if not managed. There is also the risk of broken brackets and wires, but advances in technology have made these more comfortable to wear than in the past.		Lingual appliances can affect your speech because of their proximity to your tongue, however, this only lasts for a few weeks. The brackets are small to wear so fit comfortably in your mouth.
Compliance	Most patients are happy to follow orthodontic instructions when wearing Invisalign because the treatment doesn't impact on their lifestyle.	Traditional braces, clear braces and lingual braces are fixed to your teeth for the duration of treatment. This means they can't be removed by the patient. However, some patients forget to wear the elastic bands which help to apply pressure to move the teeth into position and this can extend treatment time.
Removable	Invisalign aligners are removable but should be worn for 22 hours per day.	Traditional, clear and lingual braces are not removable. These braces are fixed to the surface of your teeth for the duration of treatment.