Compare
Invisalign vs braces — which is right for your orthodontic case?
Invisalign vs braces for NZ patients: Picasso Invisalign Lite NZD 5,333, metal braces NZD 1,600–3,067 vs NZ private NZD 7,000–14,000. May 2026 guide.
Invisalign uses a series of clear removable aligners suited to mild-to-moderate orthodontic cases and costs NZD 5,333 (Lite, 2 jaws) to NZD 8,667–10,000 (Comprehensive, 2 jaws) at Picasso (May 2026, 1 NZD = 15,000 VND), while metal braces handle the full range of cases including severe rotation and vertical movement from NZD 1,600–3,067 at Picasso; because orthodontic treatment continues for months after leaving Vietnam, ongoing management with your NZ dentist or orthodontist is a key part of the planning conversation with Dr. Thuan Phung.
Invisalign and braces both move teeth, and both can produce good results. The right choice for a specific patient depends on what needs correcting, how much of that correction can be achieved with removable aligners, and how well the treatment can be managed across two countries given that orthodontic work takes months or years to complete. This page sets out the clinical and practical differences so you can discuss your case with Dr. Thuan Phung at your Picasso consultation with a clear set of questions.
The quick comparison
| Feature | Invisalign | Metal braces | Ceramic braces |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Nearly invisible when worn | Visible metal brackets | Less visible, tooth-coloured brackets |
| Removability | Removable (must wear 22 hrs/day) | Fixed — cannot be removed | Fixed — cannot be removed |
| Treatment range | Mild to moderate cases | Full range including complex correction | Full range including complex correction |
| Compliance requirement | High — patient must keep aligners in | None — appliance is fixed | None — appliance is fixed |
| Picasso price (full course, 2 jaws) | NZD 5,333–10,000 | NZD 1,600–3,067 | NZD 2,400–3,867 |
| NZ private range | NZD 8,000–14,000 | NZD 7,000–11,000 | NZD 8,000–12,000 |
| Remote monitoring (after Vietnam) | Possible for some cases | Not standard — requires periodic in-person visits | Not standard — requires periodic in-person visits |
What Invisalign involves
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners. Each aligner is worn for 1–2 weeks before progressing to the next in the series. The aligners apply small, controlled forces to move teeth incrementally toward the planned final position.
At Picasso, the Invisalign process begins with digital scanning using an iTero scanner to capture a precise 3D record of the dentition. Attachments (small tooth-coloured composite bumps bonded to teeth) are placed to help the aligners engage and move specific teeth. The complete aligner series is provided to the patient before they leave Vietnam.
Picasso Invisalign prices (May 2026, 1 NZD = 15,000 VND):
- Invisalign Essentials (2 jaws): NZD 3,000
- Invisalign Lite (2 jaws): NZD 5,333
- Invisalign Comprehensive (2 jaws): NZD 8,667–10,000
Picasso is an Invisalign Platinum Elite Provider. Dr. Thuan Phung has 10+ years of orthodontic experience and 1,500+ cases.
What Invisalign suits well:
- Mild to moderate crowding
- Spacing between teeth
- Some bite discrepancies (mild overjet, mild overbite)
- Patients who prioritise aesthetics during treatment and can maintain 22+ hours of daily wear
What Invisalign is less suited to:
- Severe rotations, particularly on teeth with rounded roots
- Significant vertical correction (deep bites, open bites)
- Complex multi-plane tooth movement requiring precise torque control that braces manage better
What braces involve
Fixed braces bond individual brackets to each tooth. An archwire threaded through the brackets is progressively adjusted to move teeth. Because the appliance is fixed, it operates continuously without depending on patient compliance, and it allows more direct control over rotation, torque, and vertical movement.
At Picasso, brackets are bonded during Trip 1. Archwire adjustments are required every 4–8 weeks during treatment. This is a practical consideration for NZ patients — those adjustments can be done by a general dentist or orthodontist in New Zealand, and Picasso provides full orthodontic records (bracket placement charts, archwire sequence plan, X-rays, treatment summary) so your NZ practitioner has everything needed to continue care without starting from scratch.
Picasso braces prices (May 2026, 1 NZD = 15,000 VND):
- Traditional metal braces (full course): NZD 1,600–3,067
- Self-ligating metal braces: NZD 2,267–3,733
- Ceramic braces (full course): NZD 2,400–3,867
Cost comparison (May 2026)
All prices at 1 NZD = 15,000 VND. Full-course pricing covers all Picasso appointments for that treatment — NZ adjustment appointments are additional.
| Option | Picasso price | NZ private range | Indicative saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invisalign Lite (2 jaws) | NZD 5,333 | NZD 8,000–11,000 | ~NZD 2,667–5,667 |
| Invisalign Comprehensive (2 jaws) | NZD 8,667–10,000 | NZD 10,000–14,000 | ~NZD 0–5,333 |
| Metal braces — full course | NZD 1,600–3,067 | NZD 7,000–11,000 | ~NZD 3,933–9,400 |
| Ceramic braces — full course | NZD 2,400–3,867 | NZD 8,000–12,000 | ~NZD 4,133–8,133 |
The saving on braces is substantial — but the ongoing adjustment model requires active planning with your NZ dental team. See full pricing.
Important: orthodontics requires ongoing appointments
This is the most important practical difference between orthodontic treatment and a single-trip veneer or implant case. A veneer case is completed in 7–10 days and you go home with the final result. An orthodontic case starts in Vietnam and continues for months or years at home.
For braces, wire adjustments every 4–8 weeks are a standard part of treatment. Many NZ patients have these done by their regular NZ dentist or a local orthodontist. Picasso provides all records needed for handover. Before committing, discuss with Dr. Thuan Phung which NZ practitioners are comfortable continuing brace treatment started overseas, and how that handover will be structured.
For Invisalign, some remote monitoring is possible once you have your aligner series. In-person check appointments are still advisable periodically, but they are less frequent than brace adjustments.
Neither treatment has a guaranteed end date. We do not quote specific completion timelines because individual tooth movement rates, root anatomy, and compliance all affect how long treatment takes.
Who is a good candidate for Invisalign?
- Mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or minor bite discrepancy.
- Strong compliance — can commit to 22+ hours of aligner wear per day.
- Treatment is primarily aesthetic: alignment and spacing in the visible zone.
- Patient prefers a discreet appliance during treatment.
- Some remote monitoring capability is useful after leaving Vietnam.
Who is a good candidate for braces?
- Moderate to complex cases including severe crowding, rotation, or significant vertical correction.
- Patient who prefers a fixed appliance (no compliance issue, no risk of forgetting to wear aligners).
- Cases where precise torque control across multiple planes is important.
- Patient with a NZ dentist or orthodontist willing to continue adjustment appointments.
- Budget is a priority — braces at Picasso are significantly less expensive than Invisalign for comparable complexity.
An honest note on orthodontic dental travel
Orthodontic treatment is genuinely different from a veneer or implant trip, and we say so directly. A smile makeover trip has a defined start and end in Vietnam. Orthodontic treatment has a start in Vietnam and an end somewhere in New Zealand — months later, with multiple intermediate appointments.
This does not make it impractical. Many Picasso patients have completed full brace or aligner treatment this way successfully. It does mean the planning conversation is longer, the NZ handover plan needs to be clear before you arrive, and your expectations on timeline need to be realistic.
We provide full records on departure and are available by email at [email protected] for any questions that arise during your treatment at home.
Get a free NZD quote · Braces at Picasso · Is dental tourism safe?
About this page
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Emily Nguyen
Founding Clinical Director, Picasso Dental Clinic
DDS · Founder and Clinical Director, Picasso Dental Clinic group
Clinical focus: Cosmetic dentistry · Veneers · Smile design
Dr. Emily Nguyen founded Picasso Dental Clinic in 2013 (originally Serenity International Dental Clinic) and led its 2023 rebrand. She sets clinical standards across the group's six branches in Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Lat, and personally reviews cosmetic protocols including the Portrait Sitting workflow for veneers and smile makeovers.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Invisalign cost at Picasso in NZD?
As of May 2026 (1 NZD = 15,000 VND): Invisalign Essentials (2 jaws) NZD 3,000; Invisalign Lite (2 jaws) NZD 5,333; Invisalign Comprehensive (2 jaws) NZD 8,667–10,000. These include all aligners in the plan, retainers, and clinical supervision during the Vietnam visit. Refinements and retainer replacements after the treatment course are quoted separately.
How much do braces cost at Picasso in NZD?
As of May 2026 (1 NZD = 15,000 VND): traditional metal braces (full course) NZD 1,600–3,067; self-ligating metal braces NZD 2,267–3,733; ceramic braces NZD 2,400–3,867. These prices cover the initial bond, the full aligner course, and the final removal and retainer at Picasso. Adjustment appointments during the treatment period — which may be done at a NZ dental practice — are not included.
How much do braces cost in New Zealand?
NZ private fees for a full course of orthodontic treatment typically range from NZD 7,000–11,000 for metal braces and NZD 8,000–12,000 for ceramic braces. Invisalign in NZ ranges from approximately NZD 8,000–14,000. These are indicative planning benchmarks — not a quote from any specific NZ provider.
Can I get braces in Vietnam and continue treatment in New Zealand?
Yes, and many Picasso patients do this. Braces are bonded at Picasso during Trip 1. Wire adjustments are required every 4–8 weeks during treatment — these can be performed by a NZ general dentist or orthodontist comfortable with the system. Picasso provides full orthodontic records (bracket placement charts, treatment plan, archwire sequence, X-rays) to the patient before they leave. Discuss the NZ follow-up plan with Dr. Thuan Phung at your consultation.
Does Invisalign require me to be in Vietnam for the whole treatment?
No. Initial records, scanning, and aligner prescription are done at Picasso during your Vietnam visit (approximately 5–7 days). The complete aligner series is fabricated and provided to you. You wear each aligner for 1–2 weeks and progress through the sets at home in New Zealand. Some monitoring can be done remotely by sharing photos, but in-person check appointments are recommended. The initial in-person records are essential and cannot be done remotely.
Is Invisalign suitable for severe crowding or bite correction?
Invisalign has expanded significantly in what it can treat, but there are still cases where fixed braces are the more appropriate tool. Severe rotation (particularly on rounded-root teeth), significant vertical movement (deep bites, open bites), and complex multi-arch correction are better managed with fixed appliances. At your Picasso consultation, Dr. Thuan Phung will review your records and advise which system can achieve your treatment goals.
Is Picasso an Invisalign provider?
Yes. Picasso Dental Clinic is an Invisalign Platinum Elite Provider, which reflects the volume of Invisalign cases treated. Dr. Thuan Phung has 10+ years of orthodontic experience and 1,500+ cases across fixed and aligner orthodontics.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatment duration varies significantly depending on the case. Invisalign Lite cases may resolve in 6–12 months; Comprehensive cases commonly take 12–24 months. Metal brace courses typically run 12–24 months for moderate cases, longer for complex correction. We do not quote specific end dates — individual tooth movement rates, root anatomy, and compliance all affect how long treatment takes.