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Invisalign vs. Braces – What's Right for You?
At Shoreline Orthodontics, we're proud to offer different orthodontic treatment options for children, teens and adults who are looking to straighten their teeth. But which option might be right for you?
Ultimately, the answer to this question depends on your orthodontic concerns, lifestyle, and personality.
Braces and Invisalign are both great orthodontic treatment options that can help you achieve a straight, healthy smile in a relatively similar timeframe. They each come with their own unique set of benefits and characteristics, making neither one strictly better than the other. Whichever you choose, you can feel confident in your decision!
Your orthodontist will work with you during your consultation to help you choose the best option for your unique situation. To prepare for making an informed decision, read below to discover what braces and Invisalign can offer you.
Flexible Payment Plans
At Shoreline Orthodontics, we truly believe that finances shouldn't stand in the way of getting the health care you desire. That's why we're pleased to offer flexible, interest-free payment plans to help our patients navigate the costs of orthodontic treatment with ease.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign straightens your smile by exerting gentle, consistent pressure to the teeth over time.
Treatment comes in the form of a series of custom-made clear aligners. Each aligner plays its specific role and is then switched out for the next one, until the desired results are achieved.
Virtually Invisible
Invisalign clear aligners are crafted from a lightweight, transparent material, making them nearly invisible when worn. This feature makes them an ideal option for individuals who prefer not to wear traditional braces.
Braces, featuring metal brackets and wires, have a unique appearance that may not appeal to everyone. Though we provide lower-profile alternatives such as 'clear' ceramic braces and self-ligating choices, we believe Invisalign is undoubtedly the most discreet orthodontic treatment available.
Convenient & Removable
Another clear benefit of Invisalign is the convenience offered by removable aligners. These clear aligners can easily be taken out for brushing and flossing. Maintaining oral hygiene with traditional braces can be both time-consuming and challenging, but with Invisalign, you can continue to brush and floss your teeth just as you always do.
You can also remove the aligners for meals, which means you won't have to deal with the food restrictions that come with braces. Additionally, you can take them out for pictures, date nights, and more.
Comfortable
Regardless of whether you choose braces or Invisalign, you will likely experience some discomfort at various stages of your orthodontic treatment as your teeth shift into their new positions.
However, with Invisalign's smooth design, you don't encounter the same friction that metal wires and brackets can create. This can contribute to a more comfortable treatment experience with Invisalign.
Invisalign & Braces Treatment on Vancouver Island
At Shoreline Orthodontics, we provide both traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners for children, adults, and teens. Our orthodontist will help you choose the treatment that best suits your needs.
Benefits of Braces
Traditional braces use brackets, elastic bands, and wires to gradually shift and align teeth over time.
But the braces of today aren't the clunky, uncomfortable metal devices that were used decades ago. Modern braces are more streamlined and comfortable than ever before.
Versatility
Braces can be used to address nearly any type of misalignment, no matter how complex. This is because of their ability to apply strong, consistent pressure to the teeth.
In some cases, Invisalign may not be able to provide the force needed for certain complex tooth movements, like rotating teeth, lengthening them, or paralleling roots in extraction cases. When these types of movements are necessary, braces are often the best mode of treatment.
Efficiency & Cost Effectiveness
Braces exert a stronger force than clear aligners, enabling more effective tooth movement. As a result, treatment duration with braces may be reduced in moderate to complex cases.
This shorter treatment duration can make braces the more affordable choice for complex cases. In addition, the more complex the movement required, the more likely braces will be required to accomplish it.
Ease of Compliance
Removable aligners offer a variety of lifestyle benefits! However, it's crucial to think about how consistently you can wear them as recommended. It's surprisingly easy to forget to pop them back in or to take more 'breaks' when you're feeling a bit sore, so just keep that in mind!
If you think you may have trouble staying compliant with your treatment plan, fixed dental braces may be the better choice. They'll keep you honest and get you through treatment on time.