Are you debating Invisalign vs braces? Here is a guide to let you know if getting Invisalign in Ontario is right for you.
Invisalign has been steadily gaining popularity in recent years as the go-to method for having one’s teeth straightened. After all, it’s an easy and effective way for patients to have the smile they’ve always dreamed of without the appearance of obvious braces.
As great as Invisalign is, it’s not the best choice for everyone. If you’ve been curious about Invisalign vs braces and wondered which choice is the right one for you, read on to learn more.
What Are Your Goals and How Severe is the Problem?
The first determining factor in choosing Invisalign vs braces is to decide what it is you want to have fixed. Invisalign can help correct a number of issues, including an overbite, an underbite, or a crossbite. It’s also great for correcting crowded or gapped teeth. If any of these are your main complaint, Invisalign would be a great option.
However, those with more severe orthodontic issues, particularly those in which shifting of the jaw is required, might need to look at other treatment options, including traditional metal braces.
Speak with your dentist about your concerns and goals, and they can give you a recommendation for which treatment method to choose. Your orthodontist can also let you know if the goals you have for your smile are realistic with simple teeth straightening tools or if more invasive cosmetic dentistry is needed.
If you have other dental conditions, for example, sensitive teeth, or suffer from erosion in your teeth then that might need to be treated on priority before the treatment for straightening your teeth can commence.
Invisalign vs Braces Depends on Your Age in Some Cases
Invisalign isn’t the best option for all ages. Children and younger teenagers aren’t the best candidates because their teeth are still growing. It’s better suited for older teens and adults who have all their adult teeth.
Older teens appreciate Invisalign because the trays are transparent and don’t stand out like traditional metal braces. Teenagers often feel self-conscious as it is, but with Invisalign, it’s one less thing to feel less-than-confident about.
Of course, adults also care about their appearance, even if they aren’t as self-conscious as they might have been in their younger years. Patients who are responsible enough to wear their Invisalign trays regularly, keep them clean, and protect them from damage make the best candidates for this method of teeth straightening.
How Motivated Are You to Improve Your Smile?
Invisalign is preferable to braces for many patients because the trays can be removed on occasion. In fact, you’re encouraged to remove your Invisalign trays whenever you eat or drink anything other than water. You might even remove them for a special event or pictures if you desire.
However, this ability to remove them when you wish can become a problem for some who end up removing them too often and not putting them back in as soon as they can. Invisalign needs to remain inside the mouth for at least 22 hours a day to be fully effective.
You must also be committed to keeping your aligners clean by brushing and washing them each time you remove them to eat. Your orthodontist can teach you the proper way to clean and care for your Invisalign trays to keep them from getting damaged or growing bacteria.
Invisalign trays are also easy to misplace since they are clear and removable, so this is another thing to keep in mind if you tend to lose things.
If you worry that you might not be fully motivated to keep your Invisalign trays in almost around the clock, you might want to opt for braces to keep you on track instead. You could waste time and money if you don’t wear your aligners like you should.
Oral care habits are also important, the diligence with which you brush and floss your teeth will ensure that no infection sets in while you wear your aligners for extended periods of time. It is important to use the right kind of toothbrush as well as use the right kind of teeth brushing technique.
Discuss your questions and concerns about Invisalign for yourself or your teenager. Your dentist can also speak with you about other ways to improve your smile. Each person is different and what works for some doesn’t work for all.
Traditional Braces Might Be More Efficient
Metal braces are considered more efficient than Invisalign simply because patient compliance comes into play with removable trays. Plus, metal braces are able to put more pressure on the jaw and teeth than plastic can. The overall difference in the time it would take for Invisalign vs braces to straighten your teeth may be no more than a few weeks or it could be a full year’s difference. It just depends on the patient.
If your main concern is getting your teeth as straight as possible in as little time as possible, your dentist might suggest that you opt for metal braces.
Consider Your Insurance
Most insurance companies do not cover the full cost of Invisalign, so be prepared for that. However, most dental plans do cover at least a portion of the costs associated with Invisalign.
You’ll need to check with your orthodontist and your insurance company ahead of time to see what, if anything, will be covered. You might find that your dental insurance covers a larger portion of the cost of metal braces than they do Invisalign. Depending on your budget, this might make metal braces the better option for you.
However, some dental offices offer payment plans, which can make it easier for you to pay for the teeth straightening method you choose.
Schedule a Consultation
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of Invisalign vs braces and which one might be the best option for you. Even so, a consultation with your orthodontist is still recommended. Our expert staff can look at your individual teeth and make a suggestion that is best suited to your goals and your needs.
Give us a call to schedule an appointment, and you can be on your way to a straighter smile right away.
