Many Kenyan patients come into the clinic asking the same question: “Should I do Invisalign or braces?”

Clear aligners are heavily marketed as modern and discreet, while braces are often seen as old-fashioned. However, when we look at real-life results, daily lifestyles, and long-term success, braces often work better for most Kenyan patients.

At Gentle Dental, we offer both Invisalign and braces, and with over 30 years of orthodontic experience, we have seen what truly works in practice.

Discipline vs Reliability

Invisalign only works if aligners are worn 20–22 hours a day. Braces work 24 hours a day, whether you remember them or not.

For many Kenyans, daily life includes long workdays, unpredictable meal times, frequent tea and coffee, eating away from home, and limited access to hygiene facilities during the day. With Invisalign, every meal or drink requires removing aligners, cleaning teeth, cleaning aligners, and reinserting them. When this is done inconsistently, treatment slows or fails.

Braces remove this burden. Once they are on, they are always working.

Invisalign as a Trend

Many patients choose Invisalign because it looks modern or discreet. However, orthodontic treatment is a medical process, not a fashion choice.

At Gentle Dental, we have seen many patients start Invisalign as a trend and struggle to complete treatment. This is not because Invisalign does not work, but because it requires a level of discipline that does not suit every lifestyle.

Braces do not rely on motivation. They rely on consistent mechanical force.

Effectiveness for Complex Cases

Braces are more effective for significant crowding, bite problems, rotated teeth, jaw alignment issues, and cases requiring precise control.

Invisalign works best for mild to moderate cases. In complex cases, patients may need many attachments, multiple refinements, longer treatment times, or eventually switch to braces.

Hygiene Reality

While braces require careful brushing, Invisalign requires constant cleaning of both teeth and aligners. In busy days or warm climates, aligners can stain, smell, or trap bacteria.

For many patients, braces result in simpler and more consistent hygiene routines.

Social Confidence

Many adults and teens who fear braces later realise that braces are noticed far less than expected. Braces are common and socially accepted.

What matters most is completing treatment successfully.

Cost and Continuity

Invisalign often costs more than braces. Because aligners are manufactured abroad, replacements and refinements can cause delays and additional costs.

Braces are managed entirely in-clinic, are more affordable for many patients, and allow adjustments without long waiting periods.

Why We Recommend Braces More Often

At Gentle Dental, we recommend braces more often because they:
• work consistently 
• do not depend on daily discipline 
• handle complex cases better 
• finish treatment more reliably 
• suit Kenyan lifestyles 

We recommend Invisalign when the case, discipline, and lifestyle truly support it.

Final Thoughts

Invisalign is not bad, and braces are not outdated. The best orthodontic treatment is the one that is completed successfully.

For most Kenyan patients, braces remain the most reliable, effective, and successful option.