Aligners vs Braces (teeth)

[dandeloin]

Hi All, what a delightful topic😉 So, I want/need to get some orthodontal work done. I have the option of either traditional old style metal braces or going with Invisalign. While Invisalign seems great, I'm really concerned that I won't have the discipline to wear them for 22 hours every day. I enjoy lingering over my coffee in my thermos flask in work (it lasts all morning) and I enjoy having a couple of glasses of wine at home some evenings - apparently the aligners have to be removed whilst eating and drinking anything other than having water.
On the other hand, I had metal braces as a teenager and I will never forget the discomfort when the elastics would be tightened, or the inside of my lips/cheeks being sore from the friction of the braces rubbing off them. Can anyone share their own experiences or opinions please? The cost would be the same for either option, and I'd have to wear them for approx. 18 months, in case that makes any difference. Thank you.

I don’t know as an adult, but I had metal braces as a child and my child has them at the moment and it is quite different. Apparently these days they don’t over tighten, he’s never had any discomfort (and he would let me know!) and they go slower as there is no advantage to going quickly.

He is with a private dentist in Australia.

He has also got a palate expander as they don’t do extractions over here any more unless they really have to. I would also look at Myofunctional (sp?) therapy too because if you’ve had orthodontics before and you now need them again, it suggests there is some underlying muscular or jaw issue which is moving things about.