Key takeaways: For adults, “invisible braces” usually means Invisalign clear aligners or Clarity ceramic braces, with traditional braces as a more affordable option. The right choice depends on your teeth, your daily routine and your budget. Your specialist orthodontist will help you weigh it all up and give you a personalised plan.
Orthodontic treatment for adults is becoming increasingly common, and today’s options are far more discreet than many people expect. For most adults, the big questions are practical ones: which option suits my lifestyle, how long will it take, and what will it cost?
We’ll go through each of your options and discuss what you need to consider, so you’ll have a clear picture of what treatment could look like for you.
Invisible Braces Options for Adults
Our specialist orthodontists help adult patients choose between two common treatment options: Clarity Braces and Invisalign.
Invisalign is nearly invisible, but it only works when you wear it
Invisalign uses a series of thin, clear, removable trays that gradually move your teeth over time. You can read more about what to expect during clear aligner treatment here.
Ethos is proudly an Invisalign Diamond provider, which means our orthodontists treat a high volume of Invisalign cases each year, from simple to complex.
What people love about Invisalign
- Very hard to spot once they’re in
- You take them out to eat, so there’s no list of foods to avoid
- Easy to brush and floss as normal
What to consider about Invisalign
- You’ll need to wear them for around 20 to 22 hours a day, which takes some discipline
- They come out for anything other than cold water, which can be tricky if you like to snack or sip coffee throughout the day
- Some people notice a slight change in their speech while they get used to the aligners
Clarity braces are discreet and fixed, so there’s nothing to remember
Clarity braces are made from fine-grained ceramic that blends in with the natural colour of your teeth. The brackets are small and translucent, with smoother edges for a more comfortable fit.
What people love about Clarity braces
- They blend in with your teeth, so they’re far less noticeable than traditional braces
- Fixed in place, so there’s nothing to take out, lose or remember
- Resist staining, so they stay discreet throughout treatment
What to consider about Clarity braces
- Fixed braces mean you’ll need to avoid certain foods like hard or sticky lollies, and cut up crunchy foods like apples and raw carrots
- Cleaning takes a little extra care, with floss and interdental brushes to reach the spots your toothbrush can’t
Our braces vs Invisalign guide goes into more detail on the differences.
Invisible Braces Treatment Time for Adults
Adult treatment can take a little longer
In many cases, treatment takes a little longer for adults than for teens, because adult jaws have finished growing. How long yours takes depends on how severe your case is, and your orthodontist will give you a personalised timeframe at your consultation.
If you only have minor crowding or gaps, it’s worth asking about Ethos Lite. It’s our shorter treatment for simpler cases, typically taking 6 to 9 months.
The Cost of Invisible Braces for Adults
You’ll get a personalised cost breakdown before you commit
Cost is one of the first things most adults ask about. Every treatment is different, so at your consultation we’ll give you a clear, personalised cost breakdown before you commit to anything.
We offer flexible, interest-free payment plans to help make treatment manageable, and we’re a preferred provider with major health funds. If you have extras cover, it’s worth checking with your fund what’s included.
Book a Consultation With a Specialist Orthodontist
If you’re still weighing up your options, we’d love to help. Come in for a relaxed chat with one of our specialist orthodontists, ask all your questions and find the approach that suits your smile and your life, with no pressure to decide on the day.
We have 13 clinics across Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Townsville, so there’s likely one close to home or work, and you don’t need a referral. Book a consultation or find your nearest clinic.
If you’re still deciding whether now is the right time, our post on the benefits of orthodontic treatment at any age is a good read.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are invisible braces really invisible?
Not completely, but they’re very discreet. Invisalign and Clarity ceramic braces are both designed to blend in with your natural teeth, so they’re hard to spot in everyday conversation.
Do I need a referral for invisible braces?
No. You can book a consultation at any ethos clinic without a referral from your dentist.
Can I still snack and drink coffee with Invisalign?
Yes, but aligners need to come out for anything other than water. That means taking them out, brushing or rinsing, then popping them back in every time. If you like to graze at your desk or sip coffee all morning, that can get tedious and cut into your wear time. If that doesn’t sound like you, fixed braces like Clarity might suit you better.
Can I keep playing sport during orthodontic treatment?
Absolutely. With fixed braces, we recommend a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces. With Invisalign, let your orthodontist know how often you play so they can advise how to protect your teeth while keeping up your wear time.
Will braces affect playing a musical instrument?
Wind and brass instruments like the trumpet or flute might feel a bit different at first, but this usually gets better with practice.
Do I have to put treatment on hold for a wedding or big event?
No. With fixed braces, we can remove some or all of them for a special event (usually the upper front ones) and put them back on afterwards. This adds a little treatment time and a small fee may apply, so give your orthodontist plenty of notice.
With Invisalign, you can take your aligners out for the event. Just keep in mind that leaving them out for long stretches too often can slow your progress.
