If you need dental intervention to correct the positioning/alignment of your teeth, consider traditional braces or Invisalign treatment. As the two most popular treatments to straighten teeth, both options have pros and cons based on their capability, appearance, and cost.
Orthodontic Treatment Options for Families in Etobicoke
As teeth develop, they can grow in various positions, causing them to shift and appear crooked or with large gaps between them. Orthodontic treatments focus on moving the teeth back into proper position via oral devices. Depending on the health and condition of your teeth, traditional braces, Invisalign, headgear, retainers and even oral surgery may be used as treatment.
The best way to know whether orthodontic treatment is right for you is to schedule regular dental check-ups with your dentist to examine the condition of your teeth and their alignment. If you do require dental devices to correct your smile or some other dental issue, early diagnosis is key to a successful outcome.
What Are Invisalign and Traditional Braces?
Invisalign is often referred to as “invisible braces” as the device is designed to straighten the teeth similar to traditional braces without having the distinct appearance of metal. These are custom molded with medical-grade plastic to guide the teeth into a specific position by gently applying pressure to your teeth in various stages, over a period of time.
To make Invisalign, your dentist will create an impression of your current teeth and then send the mold to the Invisalign laboratory so that a set of aligners can be fabricated. The aligner is intended to be worn for a minimum of 20 hours each day and can be removed when needed. The aligner will be replaced with a new set of aligners every 1 to 2 weeks as your teeth begin to shift into place.
Traditional braces are also custom fitted to the teeth with the use of metal brackets and wiring. The teeth are gently guided into various positions via elastic bands that are attached to the wire. As the teeth move, the braces are professionally adjusted to follow the dental plan at scheduled dental visits.
A Comparison Between Invisalign and Traditional Braces
Once you decide to take the advice of a dental professional and use an oral appliance to straighten your teeth, choosing between Invisalign and traditional braces is the next step.
It should be noted that in some cases, depending on the condition of your teeth, your dentist may recommend one treatment option over another. If you do have the choice to choose between Invisalign and traditional braces, however, there are some distinct differences to consider.
Appearance
Invisalign is usually made with clear medical-grade plastic, so it is essentially invisible. No one will be able to see that you are wearing Invisalign unless they stand very close to you. Many people opt for Invisalign because they are more discreet than traditional braces.
Traditional braces are made of metal and are distinctly visible. For some people, the appearance of braces can be embarrassing, while others might not mind their appearance. To embrace the look of braces, you can choose various coloured elastics depending on your preferences.
Comfort
Teeth straightening can cause discomfort and pain for some people as the teeth begin to shift into proper placement. Invisalign aligners are fitted against the teeth with less direct pressure, providing better comfort but still applying pressure. These aligners do not scratch or cut the tongue, cheeks or gums.
Traditional braces can be uncomfortable and can cause small abrasions to the inside of the mouth due to the sharp edges. Chewing with braces can sometimes cause the interior cheek tissue and tongue to become caught on the metal appliance.
Maintenance
All oral appliances require regular care and maintenance to ensure the device continues to provide the best outcome. Invisalign can be easily removed to properly clean the trays daily and it makes it easier to brush and floss your teeth correctly. Using toothpaste to clean the trays takes only a few minutes to ensure no bacteria develops. Invisalign can also be removed during meals, so less food particles and plaque will get caught on the aligners.
Unlike Invisalign, traditional braces can not be removed. They are affixed to your teeth permanently (or until you treatment is over, and they are professionally removed). Because of this, they can make proper brushing and flossing difficult. They can also make certain foods difficult to eat. Dentists recommend avoiding chewy, crunchy, sticky, or hard foods.
Duration of Treatment
Each orthodontic treatment is unique, so it’s hard to determine how long you will need to wear your dental appliances. On average, Invisalign can be used from six to 24 months while braces are usually used for at least two years. Once your Invisalign or braces are removed, you may be required to wear a retainer to ensure your teeth do not shift out of place.
Cost
The cost of either oral appliance treatment depends on the condition of your teeth and the specific dentist. Depending on your treatment plan, with Invisalign, the cost will be based on the number of trays needed to realign your teeth. The cost can range from $3,000 to $7,000.
The cost of braces is also dependent on the duration of the treatment. For the equipment and regular visits to the orthodontist, braces can cost Canadians in the range of $2,000 to $10,000.
Book an Appointment with Princeview Dental in Etobicoke
To determine if Invisalign treatment or traditional braces are the best choice for you, see a family dentist in Etobicoke at Princeview Dental Group. We have personalized dental plans to provide dental care including straightening of the teeth. Call us today to book a consultation at (416) 231-4562 or fill out our form here.
