Heaven sent? Angel Aligners vs Invisalign in the battle of smiles

A woman is putting invisible braces on her teeth.

The pursuit of a perfect smile has revolutionised modern cosmetic dentistry, with clear aligners emerging as the gold standard: discreet, comfortable, and more accessible than ever. Whereas in days gone by traditional metal braces were the norm, clear aligners are now the go-to orthodontic treatment for teens and adults alike. The leading name in this space has been Invisalign, but there’s a new kid on the cosmetic dentistry block in Christchurch: Angel Aligners. Both offer transformative results, but understanding their unique characteristics helps ensure you make the best decision for your smile journey.

The clear aligner revolution

Clear aligners have transformed orthodontic treatment as a more attractive alternative to traditional metal braces. The beauty of modern orthodontic treatment lies in its subtlety. Unlike conventional orthodontic braces, clear aligners allow patients to undergo comprehensive dental treatment without the metallic appearance that once defined teeth straightening procedures.

Key benefits of clear aligners:

Transparent aesthetics – practically invisible when worn

Custom fit – designed specifically for your mouth

Removability – ideal for eating, brushing, flossing, and special occasions

Comfort – fewer sharp edges compared to traditional braces

Invisalign: the established leader

Invisalign remains the most recognised name in Christchurch for clear aligner treatment, with over two decades of clinical research and millions of successfully treated cases worldwide.

A woman is making a heart shape with her hands.

Advantages of Invisalign:

Widespread adoption and trusted global brand

Supported by extensive clinical research and ongoing innovation

Advanced treatment planning and outcome prediction tools

Ideal for a wide range of orthodontic needs

Considerations with Invisalign:

Invisalign is arguably the most recognised brand in the clear aligner market, with over two decades of innovation and a proven track record of success. The premium positioning of Invisalign typically results in higher treatment costs compared to alternative systems. For budget-conscious patients, this factor can influence their decision.

Some patients also report that Invisalign aligners feel slightly thicker than alternatives, which may briefly affect speech or comfort during the adjustment period.

A black and white photo of a woman laughing with her hand on her face.

Angel Aligners: the rising star

Angel Aligners represent an innovative approach to cosmetic dentistry, manufactured using advanced 3D printing technology. It’s a China-based system that has gained significant traction among dental professionals for its precision and effectiveness — and is now considered the second-largest aligner brand globally, after Invisalign.

Advantages of Angel Aligners:

Flexible, lightweight material for enhanced comfort

Stain-resistant and discreet

Precision-fit trays guided by AI-powered software

Built-in angelButtons for anchoring elastics without compromising strength

Often more cost-effective than some other leading brands

Angel Aligners allow for highly accurate treatment planning and faster delivery of results. The integrated angelButtons are a unique feature that reduces the need for separate attachments and enhances the stability of the aligner.

A close up of a pair of clear braces on a white background.

Considerations with Angel Aligners:

Some dental clinics may have limited experience with the system, making it important to choose a provider with demonstrated expertise in Angel Aligner treatment.

Choosing What’s Right for You

At Duxton Dental, every clear aligner journey starts with a detailed oral health assessment to determine suitability for orthodontic treatment. We always tailor treatment based on each patient’s clinical needs and preferences.

Here are key considerations when deciding between aligner systems:

Oral health status (e.g. gum health, decay, previous treatments)

Appropriateness for orthodontic treatment

Complexity of your case

The range of orthodontic options available

Your timeline expectations

Budget and lifestyle preferences

A woman is smiling while holding a clear mouth guard.

The Duxton Dental Difference

At Duxton Dental, we proudly offer quality dental care across all our treatments, including cosmetic dentistry and Christchurch orthodontics. Whether you're looking for Invisalign or exploring Angel Aligner treatment, we’ll tailor your journey with expert planning, state-of-the-art scanning technology, and ongoing support — including Dental Monitoring, which greatly reduces the number of in-clinic visits required throughout treatment.

Learn more about Dental Monitoring here

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Glow up and show up: your guide to a confident summer smile

November 9, 2025

Summer is the most social of seasons. It’s the time of year when we ramp up for the season of festivities. It’s the season made for smiling, weddings , parties, BBQs, holidays and endless photo opportunities. But what if you are someone who feels self-conscious about your teeth? Those long sunny days and social nights are challenging. When everyone else appears carefree and camera-ready, it’s easy to wish your smile felt as confident as theirs. If you’ve ever found yourself holding back a laugh, hiding your teeth in photos or dreading even the thought of group selfies, you are not alone. It’s at this time of year many people become acutely aware of their dental imperfections. The good news? With best quality dental care, it’s never too late to transform how feel you feel about your smile. The summer smile struggle: why confidence matters Summer amplifies everything: the light, the laughter, the attention. But is also has a habit of magnifying insecurities. Teeth that are stained, crooked, chipped or uneven feel especially visible under the bright natural light or in the flash of a camera. The psychological impact of being unhappy with your smile cannot be overstated. People who are unhappy with their teeth are less likely to smile, which impacts first impressions, social confidence and even how people perceive them in terms of warmth and approachability. In social settings you have some capacity to control who you mix with, but in the workplace, it can subtly influence how confident you appear in meetings and networking events – it’s tough going. What’s important to know is that most of these issues are fixable, often faster than you think.