Orthodontics
Clinical Guide · 2025
Clinical Guide · 2025
Real differences, indicated cases, prices, and everything you need to know before choosing, explained by our dentists in Benalmádena.
Choosing between invisible orthodontics or braces is one of the most frequent questions in consultations. Both options correct teeth, but they work in very different ways and have specific indications. As experts in orthodontics in Benalmádena, we explain everything with clinical criteria and without beating around the bush.
01
What is invisible orthodontics?
Invisible orthodontics, also known as aligner orthodontics, uses a series of transparent, custom-made plastic splints that are placed over the teeth and gradually move them. The best-known system is Invisalign, although there are other brands such as Spark or Angel Aligner.
How does it work in practice?
01
The orthodontist takes a 3D intraoral scan of your teeth, without plaster moulds or discomfort.
02
The entire treatment movement is digitally designed. You can see the final result before starting.
03
The laboratory manufactures all the necessary aligners to complete the treatment in one go.
04
You wear the aligners for a minimum of 20–22 hours a day, removing them only for eating and brushing.
Clinical Evidence
According to studies published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, aligners achieve results equivalent to braces in cases of mild-to-moderate malocclusion when the patient adheres to the recommended wearing hours.
02
What are braces?
Conventional braces are the classic fixed orthodontic system: metal or ceramic pieces glued to the surface of the teeth and connected by an archwire. The patient does not remove them during treatment; only the orthodontist can do so in the clinic.
Most common types of braces
| Type | Material | Aesthetics | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal | Stainless steel | Visible | Low |
| Ceramic | Ceramic or sapphire | Discreet | Medium |
| Sapphire | Polycrystalline sapphire | Very discreet | Medium-High |
| Lingual | Metal (inner surface) | Invisible from outside | High |
Comparison
03
Full comparison: invisible orthodontics vs braces
Quick view · key points of each system
Invisible Aligners
Invisible Orthodontics
- ✓Practically invisible during the day
- ✓Removed for eating: no dietary restrictions
- ✓Complete and easy dental hygiene
- ✓No rubbing or ulceration of the mucosa
- ✓Check-ups every 6–8 weeks
- —Requires high discipline of use (22h/day)
versus
Fixed Orthodontics
Braces
- ✓Fixed: result does not depend on discipline
- ✓Indicated for complex and severe cases
- ✓Greater biomechanical control of movement
- ✓Most economical option in metal variant
- ✓Ideal for children and adolescents
- —Restrictions with hard or sticky foods
| Feature | Invisible Aligners | Braces |
|---|---|---|
| Aesthetics | Practically invisible | Visible (except lingual) |
| Comfort | No rubbing or sharp edges | Initial adaptation |
| Eating | No restrictions | Avoid hard and sticky foods |
| Dental hygiene | Easy (removed) | Requires more technique |
| Discipline | High (22h/day mandatory) | Low (they are fixed) |
| Complex cases | Mild-moderate and selected | From mild to severe |
| Average duration | 12–24 months | 18–36 months |
| Average price Spain | €2,500–€5,500 | €1,500–€4,000 |
⚠
Indicative prices. Vary according to the system, case complexity, and clinic. The only reliable quote is the one you receive after a real examination by the specialist.
Indicative prices. Vary according to the system, case complexity, and clinic. The only reliable quote is the one you receive after a real examination by the specialist.
04
When is invisible orthodontics recommended?
Aligners are especially suitable when these circumstances apply:
- You want total discretion: you work with the public or do not want the treatment to be noticeable.
- You have mild or moderate malocclusion: diastemas, mild crowding, simple crossbite, or minor rotations.
- You value comfort and convenience: no metal edges and generally faster adaptation.
- You play contact sports: by being able to remove them, the risk of mucosal injuries is much lower.
- They are not the best option if you require multiple extractions, skeletal corrections, or if you know you will not adhere to the wearing hours.
05
When are braces recommended?
- The complexity is high: severe crowding, very open or deep bites, necessary extractions.
- The patient is a child or adolescent: lack of discipline for 22 hours a day can compromise the result with aligners.
- The greatest biomechanical control is needed: in complex cases, the orthodontist manages each movement with greater precision.
- The budget is tighter: metal braces are the most economically accessible option.
The best orthodontics is not the most expensive or the most discreet. It is the one that is well indicated for your case and directed by a qualified specialist.
AllDent® · Dental Clinic · Benalmádena
06
Frequently Asked Questions
01How long does invisible orthodontic treatment last?
The average duration ranges between 12 and 24 months, depending on the complexity of the case and patient compliance. A study published in The Angle Orthodontist (2022) concluded that patients who wore aligners for more than 21 hours a day finished treatment 20% sooner.
02Is invisible orthodontics more expensive than braces?
Generally, yes, although the difference has significantly reduced. In Spain, the average gap is around €500–€1,500 depending on the system and clinic. At AllDent, we offer interest-free financing for both options.
03Are the results the same with both systems?
For most cases, yes, provided the treatment is well-planned and the patient follows instructions. The key is not the system, but the specialist who directs it and adherence to the treatment.
04Does invisible orthodontics hurt?
When changing to a new aligner, it is normal to feel mild pressure for 24–48 hours. The reported level of discomfort is generally lower than with braces in the first few days and rarely requires painkillers.
05What happens when treatment finishes?
In both systems, the retention phase is essential: a fixed retainer on the inner surface of the teeth and/or a removable night retainer. Without retention, teeth tend to return to their original position. This phase is as important as the treatment itself.
07
How to make the right decision?
The honest answer is that you cannot decide alone, but you can come to the consultation well-informed. These are the factors we consider at AllDent:
What the specialist evaluates
- Complete clinical and radiological diagnosis
- Degree of malocclusion (Angle’s classification)
- Need for dental extractions or not
- Patient’s age and bone development
- Current oral hygiene status
What you should communicate
- Your priority: aesthetics, economy, or comfort
- Your actual level of discipline and daily routine
- If you play contact sports
- Your available or maximum budget
- If you have a deadline (wedding, event…)
AllDent Team Recommendation
Always consult a specialist orthodontist, not a general dentist who also performs orthodontics. The title of Specialist in Orthodontics in Spain is recognised by the General Council of Dentists and requires additional postgraduate training of at least three years.