Your Southern Ontario Invisalign® Provider
There are several ways to straighten your teeth if you deal with misalignment. But what option is right for you? Here, our orthodontists at Village Orthodontics discuss Invisalign versus braces and what to expect from each.
Invisalign Versus Braces
When you are looking to straighten your teeth, it can be challenging to know which treatment is right for you. Both Invisalign and conventional braces are designed to help you achieve a straighter and healthier smile. So, what is it that makes them different? Keep reading to find out.
What are conventional braces?
Conventional braces, made of metal or ceramic brackets and wires, can effectively address a variety of orthodontic issues and aesthetic concerns. They are durable and reliable, and since they are affixed to your teeth for the duration of your treatment, it makes it simple to stay on track. Like any type of orthodontic treatment, the goal is to help you achieve a straight and healthy smile. Conventional braces can also be combined with colourful elastics, which are switched out at every visit, allowing you to change the colours to suit your mood.
Orthodontic Treatment With Braces
When deciding to get braces, it's important to consider a few key factors. First, you will need to schedule regular appointments with your orthodontist for adjustments. These visits are crucial for ensuring that your braces are effectively aligning your teeth over time. Additionally, maintaining excellent dental hygiene is incredibly important during this period.
Brushing and flossing your teeth daily becomes even more critical with braces. Food particles and plaque can easily get trapped between the brackets and wires, which may lead to cavities or gum disease if not addressed. You should use a soft-bristled toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, dental floss and a floss threader, along with a proxabrush to clean around the braces properly. Following these dental care practices will help keep your teeth healthy and support the overall effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign uses a series of custom, clear aligners to gradually straighten teeth. Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign is discreet, which makes it a popular choice among adults.
The Invisalign process begins with an initial consultation, where an orthodontist evaluates your teeth and creates a digital 3D representation of your bite. Based on this model, a personalized series of aligners is created. You'll wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, or as prescribed by your orthodontist, before switching to the next set. This will gradually shift your teeth into place.
Orthodontic Treatment With Invisalign
One key benefit of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable, allowing you to eat, drink, and easily maintain good oral hygiene without restrictions. As long as you wear them for about 20 to 22 hours a day and follow your orthodontist's instructions, clear aligners can help you achieve your desired smile. Overall, Invisalign offers a convenient and aesthetic solution for teeth straightening.
Invisalign or braces, which is better?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Your orthodontist will determine your options. If both are available to you, you will need to carefully consider your orthodontic needs and how they align with your lifestyle.
The success of either treatment largely depends on your commitment to the specific treatment plan prescribed by your orthodontist. Taking the time to maintain your braces or clean your clear aligners is equally vital, ensuring your progress stays on track and ultimately leads to a straight and healthy smile.