Invisalign vs. Quick Straight Teeth. In recent years, Invisalign and Quick Straight Teeth have emerged as popular alternatives to traditional metal braces for orthodontic treatment. While both treatments offer a more discreet option for teeth straightening, they differ in several ways. In this blog post, we’ll compare Invisalign and Quick Straight Teeth to help you decide which treatment is proper for you.

Invisalign is a transparent aligner system that uses a series of custom-made, transparent trays to gradually move teeth into the desired position. Quick Straight Teeth™, on the other hand, uses a combination of clear brackets and tooth-coloured wires to straighten teeth. QST is a variety of orthodontics labelled Short Term Orthodontics or STO for short. Another prominent version of this would be Six Month Smiles™.

Both treatments are designed to be discreet and comfortable for patients. One difference between Quick Straight Teeth and ceramic brackets is the scope of the goals. QST is designed to give you straight front teeth from canine to canine. These teeth – the six front ones are colloquially known as ‘the social 6’- meaning they’re the ones everyone else sees. Another difference is that when a QST case is ordered from the company, they supply the brackets to the dentist on a jig, which can then be used to place the brackets accurately in the mouth. This is an advantage to less experienced operators who maybe aren’t very comfortable placing brackets.

Age Group Suited to Treatment:

Invisalign is primarily suited for adults, but there are also Invisalign Teen and Invisalign First options designed for teenagers and children. Quick Straight Teeth is generally suitable for adults only. In our experience at Cork City Dentist, one would solely approach a child’s treatment, aiming to complete the most comprehensive and final treatment possible. I cannot think of many situations where I would not refuse to do Short Term Orthodontics (STO) on a younger child apart from something related to the particular child’s medical history.

Adults are different in that we have so many more pulls on our time and finances. If orthodontics was planned in a younger patient using ceramic orthodontic brackets, it would be part of a comprehensive, duration treatment plan, and that would be fine. A quicker solution to our orthodontic problems purely for aesthetic purposes is reasonable. We are in a position to understand the limitations of a ‘quick fix’, calculate the downsides, and consent to them. Most younger teenagers are unaware of the aesthetic differences between metal and ceramic brackets. Bearing that in mind, metal brackets have some advantages – easier to remove, less abrasive, less friction(slightly quicker), and more resistant to fracture. So, in a not-very self-aware younger teenager, you would probably use metal if a fixed braces option was chosen. That may be different in an older teenager, particularly female in our experience. The boys don’t seem to care as much. However, Invisalign can be used to complete definitive treatment and may be perfectly suitable.

Popularity Worldwide/Number of Users:

Invisalign is a widely recognised brand with a robust global presence, and it is estimated that over 14.5 million people have been treated with Invisalign aligners worldwide. On the other hand, Quick Straight Teeth is a relatively new treatment option and has not yet gained the same level of popularity as Invisalign.

Cost:

The cost of Invisalign can vary depending on the type of treatment and the length of the treatment plan. On average, Invisalign treatment can range from €2100 to €4600. Quick Straight Teeth is generally less expensive than Invisalign, with treatment costs ranging from €2200 to €3,000.

Here is a table of our orthodontic treatment costs

Benefits:

Both Invisalign and Quick Straight Teeth offer some benefits over traditional metal braces. They are both discreet and comfortable, making them popular options for adults and teenagers who do not want the aesthetic of conventional metal braces. With regards to QST, the benefit is really aesthetic only. The other notional benefit is in the remote decision on bracket placement. In our experience, though, if an operator is not confident in placing his brackets, they shouldn’t be taking on the case in most likelihood.

A dentist should be confident and competent to remove and move brackets as the situation warrants. Invisalign is even more aesthetic and removable, making it easier for patients to maintain good dental hygiene during treatment. Quick Straight Teeth offers a faster treatment time, but that has more to do with the limited scope of the limited goals than the system itself. Those limited goals could be planned into both metal braces and Invisalign aligners.

Limitations:

While both Invisalign and Quick Straight Teeth are effective orthodontic treatment options, they may only be suitable for some. Invisalign may not be the most effective option for those with severe orthodontic issues. Quick Straight Teeth is not ideal for those with complex orthodontic problems. QST suffers from all the limitations of fixed braces, such as discomfort relating to rough surfaces and food trapping.

The main issue with Short Term Orthodontic systems such as QST is the stability afterwards. Placing the roots of the teeth in the correct place has an essential effect on stability, and moving the roots of teeth takes time as they have to be moved slowly through the bone to protect the tooth and reduce tenderness. This is different from a 6-month treatment plan.

The ceramic brackets of QST have some limitations compared to metal brackets. Namely, they are a little harder to remove and slightly more likely to damage the enamel during removal, or if they come into contact with an opposing tooth, they may wear it down. They are also slightly more prone to fracture because of their hardness. The surface isn’t as smooth as stainless steel metal brackets and can be slower to move teeth.  

It is not for everyone or, more importantly, not for every set of teeth. For example, if you have a lot of crowding and quickly straighten the teeth, the gums may recede because they are being moved away from their bony support. Similarly, the teeth may have to come forward to have enough space to align, and you can end up with hugely prominent teeth- which will not be aesthetic even if straight. This lack of planning mishap can happen with either treatment modality but will usually be picked up and noted during the clincheck process of Invisalign treatment prior to treatment.

The main limitation with Invisalign is the discipline and work required from the patient, wearing the aligners 20-22 hours daily, not eating or drinking with the aligners in (water only), cleaning and caring for the aligners and changing into the new aligner according to the schedule. If any of these things are sub-optimal, then issues can arise. A patient may get away with the odd day of less wear time, but persistent non-compliance will lead to the teeth not moving as planned. Eating or drinking sugary food and drinks with the aligner in is a recipe for rampant decay.

In conclusion, Invisalign and Quick Straight Teeth offer effective orthodontic treatment options for those seeking a more discreet alternative to traditional metal braces. While Quick Straight Teeth may be a more cost-effective and faster option, Invisalign remains the more popular of the two treatments, with a more significant global presence and more extensive research supporting its effectiveness. Ultimately, the decision between the two treatments will depend on the individual’s specific orthodontic needs, preferences, and budget for treatment. Of concern also will be whether a patient wants a fixed or removable option.