Braces vs Invisalign® in Broome and the Kimberley
· DNTL Code
Braces or Invisalign®? It’s one of the most common orthodontic questions we hear in Broome, from parents of teenagers and from adults who have been thinking about their teeth for years.
They’re different tools, and each has advantages depending on what needs to be corrected. This guide explains how each one works, what living with them involves, and why travel and appointment frequency matter when you live in the Kimberley. It isn’t a substitute for an assessment: the right option depends on your teeth, bite, treatment goals and individual circumstances.
How do braces work?
Braces are fixed to the teeth. Small brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth and joined by a wire. Over a series of appointments, the orthodontist adjusts the wire so that steady, gentle pressure moves the teeth into a planned position.
Because braces stay on all the time, they keep working without you needing to put anything in or take anything out. Reliable, precise and better looking than people remember.
How does Invisalign® work?
Invisalign® is a brand of clear aligner. Instead of brackets and wires, a series of custom-made, clear plastic trays is made from a digital scan of your teeth. Each set moves the teeth a small amount before you change to the next one.
Aligners are removable. You take them out to eat, drink anything other than plain water, and clean your teeth. That flexibility comes with responsibility: they only move teeth while they’re being worn, so they need to be worn for most of the day and night, typically around 20 to 22 hours a day. Your orthodontist will tell you what your treatment plan needs.
Who do braces and clear aligners tend to suit?
There isn’t a single answer, and which option is better depends on the person. As a general guide:
- Braces are used for children, teens and adults, and for a wide range of tooth and bite problems. Teeth don’t suddenly start behaving once you turn 18.
- Clear aligners may suit teens and adults, depending on your teeth. They also suit people who will reliably wear them for the hours required.
- Younger children sometimes need a different conversation altogether. Some children benefit from early treatment, others just need keeping an eye on. Early-intervention appliances, such as a palatal expander, are explained in our orthodontic FAQs.
Some tooth movements and bite corrections are more straightforward with one approach than the other. Rather than choosing based on which one looks better online, Dr Gavin can assess your teeth and bite and explain which options are suitable for you.
Braces or Invisalign® for adults?
Orthodontic treatment isn’t only for teenagers. Adults may choose orthodontic treatment to straighten teeth, improve their bite or address concerns they’ve had for years. Your teeth don’t have an orthodontic expiry date.
For many adults the practical questions matter as much as the clinical ones: how treatment fits around work, how often you need to come in, and whether you’d prefer something fixed or something you can remove. Those are all fair things to raise at the consultation.
What’s involved day to day?
| Braces | Invisalign® clear aligners | |
|---|---|---|
| Wear | Fixed, on all the time | Removable; worn most of the day and night |
| Eating | Avoid hard and sticky foods that can damage brackets and wires | Take aligners out to eat, and brush before putting them back in |
| Drinks | Normal drinks, with care around sugary drinks | Take aligners out for anything other than plain water |
| Cleaning | Brush and clean carefully around brackets and under the wire | Brush and floss as usual, and clean the aligners as instructed |
| Appointments | Regular in-clinic adjustments | Regular in-clinic reviews; new aligner sets as your plan sets out |
With either option, keeping your teeth and gums healthy matters. Before braces or aligners begin, we need to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for orthodontic treatment, and regular check-ups and cleans continue during treatment. When active treatment finishes, retainers are usually needed to help hold teeth in their new position.
What happens at the first orthodontic consultation?
You don’t need to decide between braces and Invisalign® before you arrive. That’s what the consultation is for.
At the consultation, Dr Gavin will:
- look at your teeth, bite and jaws, and how they relate;
- take records where needed, such as full-mouth and side-profile X-rays, taken on site, and a digital scan, so you can see on screen what we’re seeing;
- explain the options that are suitable for you, including what each involves, the risks and how long treatment may take;
- talk through costs and payment options.
An orthodontic assessment doesn’t automatically mean orthodontic treatment. If treatment isn’t needed, or isn’t needed yet, we’ll tell you.
Why travel and appointment frequency matter in the Kimberley
Both braces and aligners need regular in-person reviews for as long as treatment runs. In a city that might mean a short drive. In the Kimberley it can mean flights, accommodation and time away from school or work.
For orthodontic treatment provided through DNTL Code, your routine orthodontic care can be managed here in Broome. Consultations, treatment planning and ongoing orthodontic appointments can happen here, across different days of the week, rather than your care being structured around an occasional visiting clinic.
If you live in Kununurra or elsewhere in the Kimberley, how often you can get to Broome is worth raising at the consultation, because it can be part of deciding which option suits you. We have also announced planned visits to Kununurra for orthodontic consultations; read about the Kununurra visits or call 08 9192 1624 to ask about upcoming clinic dates.
Braces and Invisalign® questions
Is there an orthodontist in Broome?
Yes. DNTL Code is home to Dr Gavin Brown, Specialist Orthodontist, who provides orthodontic care for children, teenagers and adults in Broome. Meet Dr Gavin.
Is Invisalign® better than braces?
They’re different tools, and each has advantages depending on what needs to be corrected. Dr Gavin can assess your teeth and bite and explain which options are suitable for you.
Do you offer braces and Invisalign® in Broome?
Yes. We provide specialist orthodontic treatment for children, teenagers and adults, including braces and Invisalign® where clinically appropriate. See orthodontics in Broome.
Can I see an orthodontist if I live in Kununurra?
Yes. Routine orthodontic care can be managed in Broome, and planned consultation visits to Kununurra have been announced. Call 08 9192 1624 to ask about current dates.
How much do braces or Invisalign® cost?
It depends on what needs to be corrected and the treatment plan. Dr Gavin will explain the costs of your options at the consultation, and payment plan options may be available.
How do I book?
Book an orthodontic consultation online, call 08 9192 1624 or fill in the orthodontic enquiry form. Dentists can refer a patient. More answers are in our orthodontic FAQs.
Invisalign® is a registered trademark of Align Technology, Inc.