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In Canada, 4.15 million working days are lost every year because of dental sick days. This number highlights the need for medical treatment in the country.
Today, there are several teeth-straightening treatments available for everyone. But, the most recognized options are metal braces and aligners.
Choosing between the two options can be difficult if you’re not informed about their advantages and disadvantages. Luckily for you, this article outlines the pros and cons of both options. After reading this article, you’ll have the information you need to make a decision.
Invisalign and Braces Defined
Invisalign is an inconspicuous, removable alternative to metal braces. Unlike braces, you will need to change your Invisalign at regular intervals.
The clear, plastic aligners help shift your teeth into their proper position. Depending on the amount of alignment your teeth needs, you will need to wear the aligners for up to nine months or longer.
Invisalign is the perfect solution for those who don’t want to wear wire-and-bracket orthodontic hardware but still want to straighten their teeth.
The cost of installing an Invisalign varies depending on a number of factors. These include:
- Your overall oral health needs and how much work must be done
- How much your insurance can cover
- The average prices in your area
- The dentist’s time for labor
Aligners work by making small movements that put gentle pressure on your teeth. The pressure moves your jaw bone, which can lead to straighter teeth.
Meanwhile, getting braces is a dental solution that corrects teeth positioning. Braces can resolve crowding, crooked teeth, or misaligned teeth. They work by constantly putting pressure on your teeth to move them into their proper position.
Braces don’t only improve the appearance of your teeth. It can also improve oral health and the way you bite, chew, and speak.
The price of getting braces varies depending on the amount of dental work that needs to be done. Other factors that affect the price are the type of braces being used and your location.
Comparing Invisalign and Braces: The Pros and Cons
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Invisalign
Knowing the pros and cons of using Invisalign can help you decide if getting one is the right choice for you. Read on to know the pros and cons of installing Invisalign.
Advantages
- More Comfortable than Braces
After getting braces, you’ll need some time to get used to the feeling of it inside your mouth. Your cheeks have to adapt to the metal in your teeth. You may even get sore teeth a few days after getting braces.Getting Invisalign eliminates most of the discomfort that comes with using braces.
- You Can Eat Almost Anything While Wearing Them
After getting braces, you may need to avoid eating popcorn, gum, and other certain foods. Meanwhile, with Invisalign, you can eat any of your favorite foods. You only need to remove the aligners before eating. - Less Doctor’s Appointments
Braces will require you to go back to the dentist for various dental procedures. In Canada, data shows that 75% of Canadians visit a dental clinic every year.If you opt to get Invisalign in Hamilton or other cities in Ontario, you can eliminate the need for time-consuming dental appointments. - You Won’t Notice When You Wear Them
Invisalign isn’t as noticeable compared to braces. If you think you’ll feel self-conscious with braces, using aligners can be a smart option for you. - Brushing and Flossing Won’t Be an Issue
Brushing or flossing can be difficult while wearing braces. You can avoid this issue by using aligners instead.With Invisalign, you don’t have to worry about brackets and wires that can trap food scraps in your mouth.
Disadvantages
- Its Constant Removal Will Annoy You
One downside of using aligners is that you’ll need to constantly remove them. You have to remove your Invisalign when you’re drinking or eating. - You Need to Wear Them Constantly to Feel Its Effect
You’ll need self-motivation and discipline to fully reap the benefits of using aligners. Because aligners are easy to remove, some people may find themselves forgetting to put them back on.It’s recommended to wear your Invisalign for 21 hours per day. This means that you must wear them all day, except when you’re eating or brushing your teeth.
- Some Tooth Problems Can’t Be Resolved Using Invisalign
Certain tooth problems may be better treated with braces than aligners. This is why it’s recommended to seek the advice of your dentists. They’ll know the best solution for your situation.
Benefits and Downsides of Braces
To know if getting braces is the right choice for you, you’ll need to know the advantages and disadvantages of using braces first.
Benefits
- It’s Proven Effective for Teeth with Complicated Conditions
Some people have a lot of dental issues which can be resolved by using braces. Braces can be designed to correct various dental problems at the same time.This means that one course of dental treatment can address a lot of dental issues. - It’s Fast Acting
Braces need less time to treat dental issues compared to aligners. This is because the braces’ physical nature makes them more effective in a shorter period.
Disadvantages
- Brushing Your Teeth Would Take Time
Brushing your teeth can take longer when you wear braces. Additionally, you’ll need a specialized brush with bristles that can help maintain your braces. - Eating Would Be Challenging
You’ll need to avoid certain foods, like very hard and cold foods, when you have braces. Neglecting to brush your teeth can lead to food build-up and infections. - Constant Dentist Appointments Are Needed
With braces, you’ll need to visit the dentist for various procedures. Your dentist will need to bond the brackets or change the wires of your braces.
Things to Prepare Before Getting Invisalign or Braces |
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| Oral exam | Before getting treatment, your dentist first conducts a full exam of your teeth, jaws, and mouth. |
| X-rays | You also need a series of X-ray exams to determine the position of your teeth. |
| Plaster models | You have to bite into soft material, which remains on your teeth for a few moments. This can create a plaster model of your teeth. |
Schedule an appointment with Dentistry on 7th to fix your teeth problems, or know more about options like Invisalign or braces.
Pro Tip:
Expect that the procedures involving braces or Invisalign could take time, so patience is needed.
Invisalign vs Braces: Which Should You Choose?
If you lack any serious dental issues which might need advanced treatment methods, getting Invisalign may be a good option for you.
It’s also a smart choice for those who have no qualms about adhering to Invisalign guidelines. Wearing clear aligners will require you to wear them for long periods of time and remove them during meal times.
Meanwhile, if you have good oral health but you want to improve certain dental imperfections, such as crowded teeth, braces can be a smart option for you.
Other dental imperfections that can be resolved by getting braces are crossbite and overbite.
Although it’s fine to decide on your own, it’s recommended to consult a dental professional before making a decision.
When it comes to Hamilton orthodontics, Dentistry on 7th is the dental office to call. Our dentists in Hamilton, Ontario are experts in dental surgery and pediatric surgery. They can give you the best dental advice to get straight and healthy teeth.
FAQs on Invisalign & Braces
Who is not eligible for Invisalign?
If you have unresolved dental issues, like gum disease or cavities, you may not be eligible for Invisalign treatment. If you have other oral conditions that may need surgery to fix, you may not be a candidate for aligner treatments either.
What is a good age to get braces?
The best age to get braces varies from patient to patient. Dental treatment mostly begins between ages 9 and 14. This is because during this phase, kids have permanent teeth and their teeth are still growing.
Do braces change your voice?
Getting braces can affect your speech. Misaligned teeth can contribute to speech impediments, such as lisping to whistling. Dental treatment can positively affect people with these conditions.