Traditional wire and metal braces are not your only option for achieving your dream of straighter teeth. The sophisticated Invisalign system is an advanced approach to orthodontics that can achieve results at least as quickly as braces, and while removing your transparent aligners to eat, brush, and floss naturally.
So which is best? That is a question best discussed with your dentist in Edmonton. But to give you some background and context to inform that conversation, here’s an introduction to Invisalign and a review of traditional braces, along with some pros and cons of each.
Invisalign
The Invisalign process uses 3D scans of your mouth and teeth to project the steps necessary to gradually shift your teeth into their ideal position. Those same scans are used to build a series of thermoplastic aligners. You wear those clear thermoplastic aligners over your teeth for two weeks before switching to the next aligner in the set. The progress from one aligner to the next moves your teeth to their final position. Once you’ve completed your treatment process, you’ll sustain your gains by wearing a retainer overnight.
Advantages of Invisalign
- Invisalign’s nearly invisible aligners are so discreet that they eliminate the common stigma and self-consciousness of orthodontics
- You can remove your aligners to eat whatever you want, then simply clean your aligners before popping them back into place
- You will remove your aligners to brush and floss, meaning you’ll be able to keep up your oral hygiene best practices comfortably and naturally
- There will be fewer and less involved follow-up appointments at your dentist in Edmonton
- Invisalign’s aligners will not cause any damage to the inside of your cheeks
Disadvantages of Invisalign
- You need to resist the temptation that comes with the freedom to remove your aligners. Yes, you can take them out, but they only work while you wear them and you should wear them 22 hours a day
- You will need to remove your aligner every time you eat or drink (except water) and clean your aligner and brush your teeth before putting them back into place.
- Invisalign may not be an appropriate option for particularly complex orthodontic issues, though your dentist in Edmonton will make recommendations for how to approach your specific needs.
Traditional braces
Traditional braces are composed of metal and include brackets that are usually bonded to the outside of your teeth (though braces can be placed on the inside of teeth) and connected with wires and rubber bands that shift your teeth through a series of repeated adjustments by your orthodontist.
Advantages of braces
- Braces are a suitable and powerful solution for even the most complicated orthodontic situations
- Because braces can exert more force than Invisalign’s aligners, braces may be able to make more dramatic changes to the alignment and spacing of your teeth
- Advancements in dental materials mean patients have choices even when it comes to traditional braces, including lingual braces (on the inside of teeth) and ceramic braces (that are less obvious)
Disadvantages of braces
- Many people are concerned by the obvious and far-from-discreet appearance of the traditional braces with which they’re most familiar
- Because braces are not removable — though your dentist in Edmonton will remove wires during appointments to clean your teeth — brushing and flossing is more difficult than with Invisalign
- Some foods — such as hard and sticky choices — can break a wire or dislodge a bracket
- Treatment with braces does require more follow up appointments, typically once monthly to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments
Are you done with settling for crooked teeth? Between Invisalign and traditional braces, you have options for how to achieve your goals and even more options for cosmetic dentistry near you besides. Our office will ensure that every aspect of your treatment is comfortable and convenient — from flexible office hours and appointment times to the ability to book appointments online. When you’re ready to take the first step towards straighter teeth, simply reach out to a dentist near you and ask for an assessment.
