Braces or Invisalign – Which is Right For You

According to the Canadian Association of Orthodontists, more than 4 million Canadians and Americans have enlisted the services of an orthodontist. While a large percentage of these people want to align their teeth for a perfect smile, the benefits of teeth straightening also include decreased incidence of tooth decay and other dental injuries. If you are looking for teeth straightening services, there are two popular methods that you can consider; braces and Invisalign. As with all orthodontic procedures, it’s always best to consult our team at Brace Plus to get their professional opinion. That said, here is a quick guide on which method is right for you.

Braces vs Invisalign? What’s the Difference?

Dental braces are the more traditional fix for crooked or overcrowded teeth. Most braces are made of metal brackets attached to individual teeth and connected by wires and elastic which gradually bring the teeth into alignment. Invisalign, on the other hand, is a more modern technique that uses customized transparent aligners made from soft plastic. These aligners slowly shift the teeth into place and are usually replaced every two weeks until correct alignment is attained.

Benefits of Braces

• Effectiveness

Both methods are very effective in shifting your teeth for proper alignment. However, braces are irremovable and will likely produce results quickly since they will be worn 24 hours for the period recommended by Dr. Eimar. If you have overly crooked or other complex dental issues, you may want to consider using braces.

• Multiple Options

Besides the traditional metallic braces which were clearly visible, your options at Brace Plus now include coloured traditional brackets, as well as tooth-colored ceramic brackets.

• Dental Visits

You will need to visit our clinic every month or as advised by Dr. Eimar. During your visit, we will check the progress of your teeth and adjust the wires and brackets as needed.

• Cost

The cost of braces depends on the extent of your treatment, but generally, you can expect to spend an average of $1,800 to $5,500.

Benefits of Invisalign

• Invisible

Invisalign is invisible, and this is part of the reason why the treatment plan is very popular. The plastic trays, or aligners are almost unnoticeable, making them ideal for teenagers and young adults who may otherwise be self-conscious and not like the appearance of metal braces.

• Removable

You can remove your aligners during activities such as eating and sports. You can also remove the trays during social functions if you feel that they may interfere with your lifestyle. However, remember that the effectiveness of Invisalign depends on whether you wear the aligners for a minimum of 20-22 hours a day. Talk to Dr. Eimar for instructions on how to use the aligners for best results.

• Comfort

Invisalign is more comfortable as the trays apply less pressure to your teeth. They are also safer for people who play contact sports, since metal edges could potentially injure your inner lip or tongue in case of accidental contact.

• Cost

The average cost of Invisalign is $5,000 but the amount may change depending on where you get the procedure and the extent of your treatment.

Schedule an Appointment!

There is no black and white verdict on which method between braces and Invisalign is right for you. Consider your preferences and talk to Dr. Eimar before making your final decision. Click here to book your FREE consultation today! At Brace Plus, our offerings include clear braces, metal braces and Invisalign. You can also give us a call at 403-960-5555 or pay us a visit at our practice in Airdrie, Alberta!