Feb 24, 2026
New Year Smiles for Adults - Clear Aligners or LightForce™ Braces?
Thinking about straightening your teeth this year? You are not alone. More adults are choosing orthodontic care to improve bite function, confidence and long-term oral health. The good news is that modern options are discreet, precise and designed to fit busy lives.
In this guide, we compare leading clear aligners - including Invisalign®, Angel Aligners and Spark™ - with LightForce™ 3D printed braces. We explain how each works, what day-to-day life feels like, and how Dental Monitoring supports weekly check-ins from home. We also outline typical treatment times for adults, comfort, visibility, maintenance and practical pricing in Australia, including what Medicare does and does not cover.
Our Specialist Orthodontists at Evolve Orthodontics plan every case digitally, then recommend the option that best suits your bite, goals and budget.
Clear Aligners for Adults
Clear aligners use a series of near-invisible trays to move teeth gradually. You wear each set for 1 to 2 weeks, typically 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them to eat and drink anything other than water.
Most adult plans also use small tooth-coloured attachments on selected teeth to help achieve complex movements, and elastics in some cases for bite correction.
Invisalign®
The longest-established aligner brand with sophisticated staging tools. Suitable for mild through to complex cases when planned by a Specialist Orthodontist.
Spark™ Aligners
Made from a highly clear material designed for stain resistance and comfort. Many adults like the clarity and smooth edge finish.
Angel Aligners
A modern system used globally, with staged aligner series. Treatment works similarly to other systems, with attachments and elastics used as needed.
Effectiveness is not about the logo on the box. Outcomes depend on diagnosis, case complexity and the expertise of your clinician. We choose the best system for your bite and lifestyle after detailed digital planning.
LightForce™ 3D Printed Braces
LightForce™ braces use 3D printed, tooth-specific brackets designed from your digital scan. Each bracket base is customised for the exact shape and planned position of your tooth.
The goal is precise control, efficient tooth movement and fewer unplanned wire adjustments compared with one-size-fits-all brackets. LightForce™ is available in tooth-coloured ceramic for a low-profile look.
What to expect:
- Brackets are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth
- Tooth movement is guided by a sequence of wires
- Elastics may be used to fine-tune your bite
- You brush and floss carefully around brackets each day, with guidance from our team
Comfort, Visibility and Lifestyle Fit
Visibility
Clear aligners are almost invisible when worn. LightForce™ ceramic braces are discreet but still visible up close.
Eating and Drinking
Aligners come out for meals. Braces stay on, so you avoid very hard and sticky foods to protect brackets.
Oral Hygiene
Aligners allow normal brushing and flossing after meals before reinserting. With braces, use interdental brushes and floss threaders. Our Oral Health Therapists coach you on simple routines either way.
Comfort
Expect a short settling-in period with any appliance. Aligners have smooth edges, while LightForce™ brackets are contoured and low profile. Orthodontic wax helps while cheeks adjust.
Wear-Time Discipline
Aligners require 20 to 22 hours of wear per day to stay on track. Braces do the work continuously, which some adults prefer.
How Dental Monitoring Supports Weekly Checks from Home
Dental Monitoring is a smartphone app that allows us to review your progress remotely. You send quick intraoral scans each week using a ScanBox. Our DM team, including Specialist Orthodontists, compares these images with your digital plan and messages you with guidance.
We bring you in when clinically needed - not just because a calendar says so.
For aligners, Dental Monitoring helps keep wear-time accountable and can accelerate safe progress. For braces, it allows early identification of issues such as loose brackets or hygiene concerns. At Evolve Orthodontics, eligible patients use Dental Monitoring at no additional charge.
Treatment Time for Adults
Every smile is unique, and adult timelines vary by diagnosis and goals.
Many comprehensive treatments run between 12 and 24 months, with some shorter cosmetic cases finishing sooner. Adults can achieve excellent results, and treatment does not automatically take longer than it does for teenagers.
Precise digital planning, attachments, elastics and LightForce™ custom brackets all support efficient outcomes. Your personalised timeline will be confirmed after digital planning.
Costs, Payment Plans and Medicare
Pricing depends on case complexity and appliance choice.
After your free initial consultation, we create a Specialist digital plan for a $120 Digital Treatment Planning Fee. Your plan outlines:
- Appliance options
- Estimated duration
- A tailored fee
- Flexible payment schedules
Typical guidance for adults in Australia:
- Comprehensive aligner or braces treatment often falls within a similar overall fee range for the same case complexity
- Interest-free payment plans are available, with weekly or fortnightly options
- Standard orthodontic treatment for adults is not covered by Medicare
- Some private health funds offer orthodontic rebates, subject to waiting periods and annual limits
We help you navigate your health fund benefits at your plan presentation.
Brand Myths - Debunked
Is Angel Aligner as good as Invisalign®?
Both can be highly effective when your Specialist Orthodontist plans the case correctly. The right choice depends on your diagnosis and goals.
Which is better, Spark™ or Invisalign®?
Both are advanced systems. Selection depends on fit for your tooth movements, material preferences and case specifics.
Are LightForce™ braces worth it?
For many adults, personalised bracket design supports efficiency and comfort. Suitability is case-dependent and discussed during consultation.
What to Expect at Evolve Orthodontics
- Free initial consultation with 3D scans and photos
- Specialist-led digital planning
- Clear explanation of attachments, brackets, elastics and review schedules
- Dental Monitoring for eligible patients
- Practical payment plans and health fund guidance
- Clinics in Albury, Wangaratta and Yarrawonga, with remote support for busy schedules
A confident smile starts with an accurate diagnosis. Book your free consultation with Evolve Orthodontics and discover which option best fits your bite, lifestyle and budget.
FAQs
Is it worth getting braces as an adult?
Yes. Adults gain functional and aesthetic benefits, and modern options are discreet and efficient. Treatment supports long-term oral health.
Do braces take longer for adults?
Not necessarily. Many adult cases complete within 12 to 24 months, depending on diagnosis and goals.
How do Angel Aligners work?
You wear a series of clear trays for 20 to 22 hours per day, changing sets as directed. Attachments and elastics may be used for specific movements.
Is Angel Aligner as good as Invisalign®?
Both systems are highly effective when planned by a Specialist Orthodontist. The best choice depends on your individual case.
How effective are Spark™ Aligners?
Spark™ Aligners are highly effective for suitable cases. Success depends on careful planning and consistent wear-time.
What is the difference between LightForce™ braces and regular braces?
LightForce™ brackets are 3D printed and customised for each tooth using your digital scan. Traditional braces use standardised brackets.
How long do you wear LightForce™ braces?
Most comprehensive adult treatments finish within 12 to 24 months, though timelines vary by case.
How much do adult braces cost in Australia?
Fees vary depending on complexity and appliance type. You will receive a personalised quote after digital planning, with payment plan options available.
Are braces covered by Medicare?
Standard orthodontic treatment for adults is generally not covered by Medicare. Private health fund rebates may apply depending on your policy.
How does Dental Monitoring work?
You submit weekly scan photos through the app. Our team reviews your progress against your digital plan and provides guidance, scheduling in-person visits only when necessary.
Is Dental Monitoring worth it?
Most adults find it increases convenience, reduces unnecessary visits and keeps treatment progressing smoothly between appointments.