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Invisalign vs. Braces – What's Right for Your Smile?
At Meldrum Orthodontics, we're proud to offer both braces and Invisalign treatment to suit the needs of every smile. But which option is best for your smile?
Choosing the best orthodontic treatment to correct your smile issues is a balancing act between your orthodontic needs, your lifestyle, and even your personal style.
Both braces and Invisalign are highly effective orthodontic treatment options. Generally speaking, neither is better than the other; each treatment option has unique benefits and drawbacks.
Your orthodontist will work with you during your consultation to help you pick the best option for your unique case. Want to learn more before you see your orthodontist? Read on to discover some of the key benefits and drawbacks of each of these options.
Flexible Payment Plans
At Meldrum Orthodontics, we believe that finances should never be a barrier to a healthy smile. We will work with you to create a payment plan that fits your budget so you will know what to expect before treatment begins.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign for teens and adults straightens teeth by applying gentle, consistent pressure to teeth over time.
Treatment comes in the form of a series of custom-made clear aligners. Each aligner is unique and plays a specific role in tooth movement, then gets switched out for the next aligner in the series. This process continues until the desired results are achieved.
Virtually Invisible
Invisalign clear aligners are made of a lightweight, transparent material, making them virtually invisible when worn. This makes them a great choice for people who are concerned about how braces will make them look.
Braces definitely impact the appearance of the smile, and not everyone is comfortable with that. Although we offer lower profile alternatives to traditional braces, including clear ceramic and self-ligating options, we find that Invisalign is definitely the most subtle orthodontic treatment option.
Convenient & Removable
Another clear benefit of Invisalign is the convenience of removable aligners. Invisalign clear aligners are removed when it's time for brushing and flossing. Oral hygiene with braces can be time consuming and tricky, but with Invisalign, you can go on brushing and flossing your teeth just like you always do.
Aligners should also be removed to eat and drink anything except cool water. This means you don't have to deal with any of the food restrictions that braces come with, and you can take them out for pictures, for date night, and more.
Comfortable
No matter whether you choose braces or Invisalign, you're bound to experience some discomfort at various points throughout your orthodontic treatment as your teeth move into their new positions.
With Invisalign's smooth construction, though, you don't get all the friction that metal wires and brackets can cause. This can help make treatment with Invisalign more comfortable.
Invisalign & Braces in Georgetown & Orangeville
Our orthodontists offer treatment with Invisalign clear aligners for teens and adults and traditional braces for all ages. We will assess your smile and work with you to choose the best option for your smile.
Benefits of Braces
Traditional braces use brackets, wires, and, in some cases, elastic bands to gently shift and straighten teeth over time.
The braces of today aren't the clunky, uncomfortable face-full-of-metal that you might be picturing from decades ago. Today's braces are more streamlined, more comfortable, and cooler than ever before.
Versatility
Braces can be used to resolve virtually any misalignment, no matter how complex. This is because of their ability to apply strong, consistent pressure to the teeth.
For certain complex tooth movements, like rotating teeth, lengthening them, or paralleling roots in extraction cases, the amount of force needed for optimal results is difficult to obtain from clear aligners. When these types of movements are necessary, braces are often the best mode of treatment.
Efficiency & Cost Effectiveness
Braces can simply apply a greater amount of force than clear aligners for more efficient tooth movements, meaning treatment with braces may be shorter in certain moderate or complex cases.
In addition, the more complex the movement required, the more Invisalign aligners will be required to accomplish it. This can significantly increase the cost of Invisalign if you have a complex misalignment. In these cases, braces may be the more affordable choice.
Ease of Compliance
There are lots of lifestyle benefits to removable aligners, but it's important to consider how diligently you will wear them. It can be easy to forget to put them back in, or to give yourself more 'breaks' than might be wise if you're feeling sore.
If you think you may have trouble resisting temptation and keeping your aligners in for 22 hours every day, fixed dental braces may be the better choice. They'll keep you honest and get you through your treatment on schedule.