Unsure how to choose between clear aligners and traditional braces? Our dentists in Toronto share some factors to keep in mind, including cosmetic considerations.
Choosing Between Clear Aligners & Braces
Clear aligners such as Invisalign vs. braces: a tough decision! Fortunately, we can help you out. Here are some facts to consider about each option while you think about which one you'll choose to help you achieve a straight smile.
Clear Aligners
Transparent clear aligners such as Invisalign are custom-made to fit your teeth. These removable orthodontic appliances are constructed from clear plastic material. Unlike braces, they do not have wires or brackets to accompany them and are therefore lower profile in appearance.
You'll receive an individually customized treatment plan to help you achieve your specific smile goals. Typically, you'll spend less time in your dentist's office during treatment since you may not need as many appointments or checkups. This is due to the fact that your clear aligners wouldn't require regular adjustments as braces do. Your dentist will schedule brief appointments with you every 4 to 6 weeks and take the opportunity to review your progress and general oral health, adjust treatment as required and answer any questions you may have.
Depending on your individual treatment plan, clear aligners may be in line with the cost of braces or slightly more expensive. A casual observer will be hard-pressed to see them on your teeth, and you won't have any restrictions on the food and drinks you can enjoy.
That said, clear aligners must be worn for 22 hours every day and removed while drinking and eating anything except water. Your ability to schedule meals to fit within the 2 hours allotted for meal times each day, in addition to commitment to treatment and self-discipline will be important to your success.
Braces
Traditional Metal Braces
These are the most common type of braces. Made entirely out of metal and supported by elastics, metal braces have received numerous upgrades in recent decades thanks to advancements in orthodontic technology.
Over time, braces apply continuous pressure to your teeth, slowly shifting them into their new, corrected positions. As this pressure is applied and the teeth move, the bone changes shape to accommodate their new positions.
Brackets today are more streamlined than those used in years past. Now, you’ll run less risk of the inside of your cheeks or lips growing irritated by a bracket, as the brackets have gotten smaller and more comfortable. However, some people are still reluctant choose metal braces because of their appearance.
In this case, clear braces may be a viable alternative.
Clear Braces
Many patients choose clear braces as they are better able to blend in with their smile. They are not actually transparent; the brackets are constructed from tooth-coloured ceramic.
Clear braces come with a caveat: while they are a compromise between metal braces and clear aligners when it comes to appearance, they are actually more brittle and larger in size than the traditional metal braces you may have seen.
They also tend to be more costly. Therefore, they are commonly used only on upper front (your most visible) teeth to save on costs.
Keep in mind that your gums may feel sensitive with these, as the larger ceramic brackets can make it more challenging to clean around the brackets, leading to receding or swollen gums should your toothbrush not reach the gum line and enamel.