The real orthodontic question adults should ask first
Most adults come in asking which aligner brand they should get. That is the wrong starting question. The right question is whether aligners are even the best option for their case at all. Let me answer both.
Clear aligners
All aligner systems work the same way. A digital scan is taken, software plans the tooth movement through a series of stages, and custom plastic trays are fabricated. You wear each tray for seven to 14 days then advance to the next one. Treatment typically runs six to 18 months depending on complexity.
The variables between systems are the tray material, the planning software, the precision of the attachments, and the monitoring protocol your dentist uses during treatment. These differences matter more for complex cases than simple ones.
Invisalign is a brand, not a category. It was the original commercialised system and has more published clinical research than any competitor. It is also a franchise-like system where dentists pay per-case fees to access it, which is why Invisalign cases cost more than alternatives for equivalent complexity.
At Lumi Dental we offer Angel Aligners, Spark, and Invisalign. For mild to moderate cases, Angel Aligners produce excellent outcomes at a significantly lower cost. For more complex cases where the planning software genuinely matters, Spark or Invisalign may be more appropriate. I recommend the right system for the case, not the most expensive one.
Advantages: Near invisible when worn. Removable for eating and brushing. No food restrictions. Easier to maintain oral hygiene during treatment.
Disadvantages: Treatment success depends almost entirely on wear compliance. Patients who wear aligners less than 22 hours per day will not achieve the planned result. Most aligner treatment failures trace back to inconsistent wear, not system limitations.
Damon System self-ligating braces
The Damon System uses self-ligating brackets with a built-in sliding door rather than elastic ties. This reduces friction, allows lighter forces, and means fewer adjustment appointments, typically every eight to 10 weeks rather than four to six weeks with traditional braces. Damon Clear brackets are available for a more discreet appearance.
Fixed braces work continuously regardless of patient behaviour. That is a meaningful advantage for patients who are not confident they can commit to 22 hours per day of aligner wear. Damon braces are also generally more appropriate for significant bite correction, substantial rotations of multiple teeth, and cases involving extractions.
Traditional metal braces
Traditional braces use elastic ligatures rather than self-ligating brackets. They require more frequent adjustments, typically every four to six weeks. They are generally the lowest-cost fixed orthodontic option and have excellent long-term outcome data. For patients where cost is the primary driver and aesthetics during treatment are secondary, traditional braces are a legitimate choice.
Cost comparison in Sydney, 2026
- Angel Aligners comprehensive: $4,500 to $6,500
- Spark Aligners comprehensive: $5,500 to $7,500
- Invisalign comprehensive: $6,500 to $9,500
- Damon System braces: $5,500 to $8,000
- Traditional braces: $4,500 to $7,000
Health fund orthodontic lifetime benefits typically run $1,500 to $3,500 and apply across all systems.
The case complexity question
Before choosing a system, the more important question is whether aligners are clinically suitable. Aligners work well for mild to moderate crowding, minor spacing, and minor overbite. They are a poor choice for significant open bite, severe underbite, complex rotation requirements, and cases needing strategic extractions with large space closure.
At Lumi Dental we provide digital records, a treatment simulation, and an honest recommendation between Damon braces and clear aligners for your specific case. Free consultation, written quote. Open 7 days at Melrose Central. Book online.
