Twice as many people would consider Invisalign versus traditional braces

Independent research* conducted on behalf of Invisalign Australia has revealed that more than twice as many Australians with orthodontic concerns would consider straightening their teeth with Invisalign (82%) versus traditional braces (40%).

The findings also confirm just how much Australians value a nice smile, with 99% considering it an important asset and one in five going as far as to say a nice smile is essential. In fact, teeth top the list of facial features most would like to improve.

"We were staggered to learn that just 18% of Australians are really happy with their teeth," said Mark Van Weelde, Managing Director at Invisalign Australia Pty Ltd. "This represents a huge opportunity for practices to start communicating to patients the options available to them to improve their smile. The problem seems to be getting them in the door - around 40% of those that would love to get their teeth fixed said they dislike going to the dentist to such an extent that this alone prevents them from doing something about it."

Other key findings from the survey include:

• 71% link straight teeth with a nice smile;
• 74% notice someone's teeth are crooked the first time they flash a smile;
• Around half associate straight teeth with good health;
• Three quarters associate straight teeth with good dental care;
• 85% say cost is the biggest barrier to getting their teeth fixed; and
• Only 6% understand the link between malocclusion and serious health complications like heart disease.

"Despite the fact that the vast majority of Australian adults aren't happy with their teeth and clearly value the health and beauty implications of a straight smile, cost remains the biggest obstacle for conversion. We've found that consumers respond well to payment plans and would suggest more doctors offer flexible finance options to their patients," Mr Van Weelde added.

* Research conducted by Galaxy on behalf of Invisalign Australia in June 2011. The sample was 1,007 respondents aged 18-39 years from across Australia.