Differences Between Braces And Invisalign
If you’ve ever considered orthodontics, you’ve likely come across several methods of teeth straightening during your research, including traditional braces and Invisalign®. Thanks to technological advancements in the field of dentistry, long gone are the days of headgear and clunky metal brackets. Now, dental patients have the option to choose far more discreet teeth straightening methods that are more comfortable, subtle, and aesthetically pleasing.
At Mer Bleue Dental in Orléans, ON, we offer both Invisalign and traditional braces for patients who are looking to get a beautiful, straight smile. Our dentists are thoroughly trained and experienced in Invisalign treatments, and we have an orthodontist on staff that handles all other orthodontic treatments and procedures, such as braces, palate expansion, bite correction, and more. If you are interested in scheduling a consultation for braces or Invisalign, contact us online or by phone, or feel free to visit us in Orléans!
Braces
When it comes to teeth straightening treatments, most patients turn to braces as their first option. Traditional braces have been a preferred orthodontic method for decades, with the first models having clunky metal brackets, wires, and headgear, and newer designs having a far more subtle look. Though they do not appear quite as intimidating as they used to, today’s metal braces have their own set of pros and cons.
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How Do Braces Work?
Braces are attached to the front of a patient’s teeth with an oral cement bonding glue, which is incredibly strong and holds the brackets in place for the duration of the treatment. These brackets are then bound together by an arch wire that is laid across them and secured with rubber bands. Over time, the brackets and metal wires will shift misaligned teeth into their correct position, which may include fixing overlapping teeth, gapped teeth, or crowding teeth.
This type of orthodontic appliance is also customizable, meaning that braces can address multiple issues at once. If you have an overbite, for example, rubber bands may be integrated with the braces to correct your bite over time. Other common orthodontic treatments involve palate expanders and tooth spacers, which aim to create more room in the mouth or between the teeth.
Pros And Cons Of Braces
As with any other medical treatment, there are pros and cons to braces when compared with other teeth straightening options. First of all, not everyone feels confident sporting metal brackets at work, school, and social events. Another downside is that metal brackets and wires can be uncomfortable for some patients, leaving them with cheek irritation and minor scarring — not to mention that tightened braces can cause patients some soreness for a day or two after their dental appointment. It can also take two years or more for braces to fully correct misaligned teeth, whereas other methods are typically quicker.
However, there are some benefits of braces. The first is cost, as braces are typically a more affordable option for teens and adults on a budget. This is because braces technology has been used for decades and remains the most common method of teeth straightening today. Another benefit of braces is their effectiveness and customizability. When you get braces, you’ll have them adjusted every few months at your local dental clinic, where your dentist will customize your treatment based on how your teeth are responding to the treatment.
Ready to see if you are a good candidate for braces? Contact us today to learn more, or book a braces consultation at our dental clinic in Orléans!
Invisalign
Invisalign is a more favorable option for many patients who want to straighten their teeth without the downsides of braces. Invisalign is a newer method of teeth straightening that was invented in the late ’90s and consists of a series of plastic aligner trays that correct crowded, gapped, or crooked teeth over time. There are many benefits of Invisalign, making it a preferred teeth straightening option among teens and adults who prefer a more comfortable and subtle orthodontic experience.
How Does Invisalign Work?
As previously mentioned, Invisalign does not involve metal brackets — rather, Invisalign treatment is comprised of a series of see-through retainer trays that are often referred to as “clear braces” or “invisible braces.” When you opt to begin Invisalign treatment, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth and have a progression of clear retainers manufactured so that you can wear them, one by one, until your teeth are straight. Each Invisalign retainer should be worn for two weeks at a time before you move onto the next one in the series, unless directed otherwise by your family dentist.
Pros And Cons Of Invisalign
There are many benefits of Invisalign over other teeth straightening methods like braces, which is why so many patients prefer these retainers. Perhaps the most notable of these benefits is that Invisalign retainers are clear and smooth, making them a far more discreet alternative to unsightly metal brackets. Patients with Invisalign retainers tend to feel more comfortable in social situations, as well as at work and school because their peers and colleagues are less likely to notice them. Another main benefit of Invisalign is that the retainers fit snugly around the teeth with no metal brackets, wires, or rubber bands poking your cheeks and gums. This makes Invisalign far more comfortable than braces, especially considering that they can be removed when you eat and drink.
The main downside to Invisalign is that some patients do not wear their retainers as often as they should, which can prolong the treatment duration. While it is convenient to remove your aligner trays when you eat and drink, it can be tempting to leave them out or forget to put them back in. Plus, they’re typically more expensive than braces, given that Invisalign is a newer dental technology. Nonetheless, these “clear braces” are extremely effective at straightening teeth when worn properly, with the patient wearing them for at least 22 hours per day. Assuming that you only remove your Invisalign retainers to eat and drink, your teeth straightening treatment should be complete in just 15 weeks.
Schedule A Braces Or Invisalign Consultation In Orléans
At Mer Bleue Dental in Orléans, ON, we offer both traditional braces and Invisalign for teens and adults who want to correct their misaligned teeth and regain confidence in their smile. Give us a call today to learn more about our teeth straightening options, or book a braces or Invisalign consultation with us online. We also welcome patients at our Orléans dental office any time, so feel free to stop by if you’re in the neighborhood. We look forward to helping you get beautiful, straight teeth you can feel good about!