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Invisalign vs. Braces – What's Right for You?
At Shuswap Orthodontics, we're proud to offer both braces and Invisalign options for children, teens and adults who are looking to straighten their teeth and a healthier bite. But which option is best? What should you choose?
The right answer to these questions, at the end of the day, comes down to you – your orthodontic needs, your lifestyle, and even your personality.
Both braces and Invisalign are highly effective orthodontic treatment options; neither is better than the other and each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks.
Dr. Broadwell will work with you during your consultation to help you pick the best option for your unique case. To prepare to make an informed choice, read on below to find out what braces and Invisalign have to offer you.
Flexible Payment Plans & Financing Options
We believe that finances should never be a barrier to essential health care. Regardless of whether you choose braces or Invisalign for your orthodontic treatment, we offer flexible payment plans and convenient financing to help you manage cost.
Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign straightens teeth by applying a gentle, consistent pressure to the teeth over time.
Treatment comes in the form of a series of custom-made clear aligners. Each aligner plays its specific role and is then switched out for the next one, 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 dislike the look of braces.
Braces definitely have a distinctive look, and it's not for everyone. And while we offer lower profile alternatives to traditional braces, like 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 can be removed for brushing and flossing. Oral hygiene with braces can be time consuming and challenging, but with Invisalign, you can go on brushing and flossing your teeth just like you always do.
You can also take the aligners out to eat, which 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 are most likely going to experience some discomfort at certain points of 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 Treatment in Salmon Arm
At Shuswap Orthodontics, we offer treatment with traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners for children, adults and teens. Our orthodontist will help you choose which treatment option is right for you.
Benefits of Braces
Traditional braces use brackets, elastic bands and wires to gently shift and straighten teeth over time.
But the braces of today aren't the clunky, uncomfortable face-full-of-metal that you might be picturing from decades ago. Modern braces are more streamlined, more comfortable, and (dare we say?) 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.
It is more difficult for Invisalign's aligners to create the force required for certain complex tooth movements, like rotating teeth, lengthening them, or paralleling roots in extraction cases. When these types of movements are necessary, braces are often the best mode of treatment.
Efficiency & Cost Effectiveness
Braces have the capability of applying greater 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 about how likely it is that you'll always wear them as prescribed. It's easy to forget to put them back in, or to give yourself more 'breaks' than might be wise when you're feeling sore.
If you think you may have trouble staying compliant with your treatment plan, fixed dental braces may be the better choice. They'll keep you honest, and get you through treatment on time.