Invisalign vs Braces: Cost, Speed and Results Compared

For mild to moderate crowding and spacing, Invisalign and fixed braces cost a similar amount, with London adult Invisalign from around £2,650 and metal braces from around £2,800, and they give similar results, so the choice usually comes down to lifestyle. For complex bite problems, fixed braces are often faster and more predictable.

Both are proven treatments when a clinician has examined you and planned the case properly. At Orthodontists London we offer both, and we will tell you honestly if one suits your teeth better than the other.

Which is better, Invisalign or braces?

Neither is better for everyone. Aligners are a good choice when the movements needed are within what plastic trays can do reliably and when you are confident you will wear them. Fixed braces are the more versatile tool. They work around the clock, they handle large rotations, root movements and bite correction well, and they do not depend on you remembering to put them back in.

A useful way to think about it: if your case is simple, choose the one that fits your life. If your case is complex, choose the one your orthodontist thinks will get the result, and then look at how to make it as discreet as possible.

Compare typical fees for every treatment, in central and outer London, in our London Invisalign and braces price index.

Is Invisalign cheaper than braces?

Sometimes. Short aligner courses for minor crowding can cost from about £1,500 outside London, which is less than most fixed braces. Comprehensive aligner treatment, which corrects crowding and the bite across both arches, often costs £3,500 to £5,500, which is more than metal braces and similar to ceramic braces.

London shows the same pattern. Our typical fees put adult Invisalign from £2,650 in central London, against £3,650 for metal braces and £4,000 for ceramic braces. In outer London, aligners start from £2,800 and metal braces from £2,800, so the two are level. Our guides to Invisalign cost in the UK and how much braces cost break the prices down further.

When comparing quotes, check what is included. Aligner fees should include refinements, which are extra aligners if teeth do not track as planned. Braces fees should include breakages and emergency visits. Both should say which retainers are included.

Is Invisalign faster than braces?

For simple cases, often yes. Minor alignment of the front teeth with aligners can take as little as 3 to 6 months, while a full course of fixed braces usually takes 18 to 24 months. For complex cases the gap narrows or reverses, because some movements are slower with aligners and may need extra refinement stages.

Speed also depends on you. Aligners only move teeth while they are in your mouth. If you wear them for 16 hours a day instead of 22, treatment stalls and the timeline stretches. Fixed braces work continuously, so the timeline depends mainly on biology and appointments. Our guide to how long Invisalign takes sets out typical timelines by case type.

Does Invisalign work as well as braces?

For the cases it suits, yes. Modern aligners with attachments, elastics and careful digital planning can straighten crowded teeth, close gaps and correct many bite problems. The results depend heavily on the planning: a clinician who checks each stage of the digital plan, rather than accepting the software's first proposal, gets better outcomes.

Fixed braces still have the edge for some problems:

• Severely rotated teeth, particularly rounded teeth such as lower premolars.
• Large vertical movements, such as pulling a tooth down into the bite.
• Significant root movement, for example when closing a large extraction space.
• Complex bite problems caused by the position of the jaws, which may also need surgery.

Which is more comfortable?

Both cause pressure and tenderness for a few days after each change. With aligners that happens each time you start a new set, usually every one to two weeks, and it is generally mild. With braces it happens after each adjustment, every 6 to 10 weeks, and can last a little longer. Braces can also rub the cheeks and lips until you get used to them, which orthodontic wax helps with.

Aligners have no wires to break and nothing sharp, so there are fewer emergency visits. On the other hand, attachments can feel rough at first, and some people notice a slight lisp for a day or two with new aligners.

How do Invisalign and braces fit into daily life?

If your days are full of meetings, snacks and coffee, aligners take some planning, because each time you eat or drink anything other than water you need to take them out and brush before putting them back. Some people find this helps them snack less. Others find it hard to keep up. Our guide to eating, drinking and vaping with Invisalign explains the rules.

Are aligners or braces better for teenagers?

Both work for teenagers. Braces remove the risk of aligners being left out, lost or forgotten, which is a real issue at some ages. Aligners designed for teens have wear indicators that fade with use, so the orthodontist can see whether they are being worn. If your teenager is motivated and organised, aligners are a reasonable choice. If not, fixed braces usually give a more predictable result.

Do you need retainers after both?

Yes. Whether you choose aligners or braces, teeth tend to drift after treatment, so you will need retainers to hold the result. That usually means a removable retainer worn at night, a thin bonded wire behind the front teeth, or both. In London, replacement removable retainers cost about £110–£145 each and upper and lower bonded retainers about £450–£500.

How do you decide?

Start with an examination. We look at your teeth, gums and bite, take a 3D scan and, where needed, X-rays. If both options would work, we explain the trade-offs and the cost of each, and you choose. If only one would work well, we tell you why. Request a consultation through our online form and we will be in touch to arrange a time.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• How Much Do Braces Cost in London? (2026 Price Guide)
• Invisalign Cost in London: 2026 Prices and What’s Included
• Retainer Costs After Braces and Invisalign
• Lingual Braces in London: Cost, Pros and Cons (2026)
• Clear and Ceramic Braces: Cost and Who They Suit
• London Invisalign and Braces Price Index 2026
• Orthodontists in London: Invisalign and braces
• Areas of London we cover