Everything You Need to Know Before Straightening Your Smile
📍 Johannesburg Professionals Want Discreet, Effective Smile Solutions
Adult life moves fast – meetings, weddings, parenting, presentations. If your smile isn’t aligned, but metal brackets don’t fit your lifestyle, you’re not alone.
At Designer Smiles Inc. (with locations in Rosebank and Bedfordview), we treat hundreds of adult patients who want to straighten their teeth without sacrificing comfort, confidence, or daily life. The two most popular options? Invisalign and Braces.
Let’s break down which is right for you.
Quick Overview: What Are We Comparing?
| Feature | Invisalign | Braces |
| Appearance | Clear, virtually invisible | Metal or ceramic brackets |
| Comfort | Smooth plastic, no wires | May cause irritation or tightness |
| Removability | Removable | Fixed to teeth |
| Eating Restrictions | None (remove trays) | Yes, avoid sticky/hard foods |
| Cleaning | Remove & brush normally | Brushing/flossing is more difficult |
| Ideal For | Mild to moderate cases | Mild to severe alignment issues |
| Checkups | Every 6–8 weeks | Every 4–6 weeks |
| Compliance Needed | High (must wear 22 hrs/day) | Passive – always working |
Why Invisalign Is So Popular Among Johannesburg Adults
✅ Discreet: Perfect for working professionals, presenters, and brides/grooms
✅ Lifestyle-Friendly: Remove for meals, events, meetings
✅ Comfortable: No wires or brackets irritating your cheeks
✅ Digitally Designed: Custom-fitted via 3D scanning and smile simulation
✅ Predictable: You’ll preview your smile before treatment even starts
👉 Learn more about Invisalign in Bedfordview
👉 Explore Digital Smile Design planning at Designer Smiles
When Braces Might Be a Better Option
While Invisalign is the modern go-to, braces still serve a purpose, especially for:
- Complex bite corrections
- Jaw misalignment
- Severe crowding or rotation
- Patients who may not wear aligners consistently
Modern braces now come in clear ceramic options that are more discreet than older metal styles.
Our Approach at Designer Smiles
We don’t sell products, we engineer smiles that fit your life. Your consultation includes:
- Full digital scan + smile analysis
- 3D simulation of Invisalign outcome (DSD)
- Bite function & alignment exam
- Discussion of goals, lifestyle, budget
- Side-by-side comparison with honest recommendations
“I loved how discreet my aligners were. Nobody noticed I was doing Invisalign. Dr. Ranchod and the team made the process seamless.” – Claire M.”
“Best investment ever! The DSD preview helped me visualise my new smile. I’m finally confident in photos.” – Tebogo N.”
What About the Cost?
Invisalign and braces are comparable in cost, depending on your specific needs. At Designer Smiles:
- We offer transparent pricing and full treatment breakdowns
- Smile transformations are an investment in confidence and health
Locations for Adult Orthodontics in Johannesburg
You can start your Invisalign or braces journey from either of our modern, tech-powered clinics:
- Rosebank: Steps from The Zone, ideal for Sandton-area professionals
- Bedfordview: Near Bedford Centre, easy access for Edenvale, Bruma, Greenstone
Ready to Straighten Your Smile?
Your consultation includes:
- Full digital smile scan
- DSD-powered smile simulation (for Invisalign cases)
- Honest comparison of Invisalign vs braces
- Personalised treatment quote and timeline
📞 Call Us: 011 615 9352
📅 Book Online: Insert booking link
💬 DM Us: @designersmilesinc
Adult orthodontics isn’t just about straight teeth; it’s about reclaiming confidence.
Let us help you choose the path that fits your lifestyle.
10 FAQs: Invisalign vs Braces for Adults in South Africa
1. Is Invisalign as effective as braces for adults?
Yes, for mild to moderate cases, Invisalign is equally effective. For complex bite issues, braces may be more suitable.
2. How long does Invisalign treatment take compared to braces?
Most Invisalign cases take 6–18 months. Braces may take 12–24 months, depending on complexity.
3. Can I eat normally with Invisalign?
Yes! Invisalign trays are removable, so you can eat all your favourite foods, just pop them out and rinse before replacing.
4. Is Invisalign painful?
You may feel light pressure when changing trays, but it’s typically less painful than braces and doesn’t cause soft tissue irritation.
5. Do I need to wear Invisalign all day?
Yes, you’ll need to wear them 22 hours per day for the best results. That means only removing them for eating and brushing.
6. Are braces better for severe alignment problems?
Yes. Traditional braces may be the better choice for complex issues like extreme crowding, rotations, or jaw misalignment.
7. Can I switch from braces to Invisalign mid-treatment?
In some cases, yes, depending on progress and goals. We’ll assess your eligibility during a consultation.
8. How much does Invisalign cost in South Africa?
Invisalign treatment typically starts from around R50,000, but the total cost can vary based on your individual case.
9. What is Digital Smile Design and how does it help?
DSD is our digital planning tool that lets you preview your new smile in 3D before treatment starts. It’s a game-changer for Invisalign patients.
10. Is there an age limit for adult orthodontics?
No! We treat adult patients well into their 60s. As long as your gums and bone structure are healthy, you can absolutely straighten your smile at any age.