If there’s one thing you’ve come to know well, it’s the spacing and alignment of your teeth. After all, you see them every day when you look in the mirror, no doubt imaging them being straight and perfect. A dentist in Yaletown Vancouver can help you to achieve that goal. By now you know there are two main options for straightening teeth: traditional wire and metal braces attached to your teeth; and removable aligners such as Invisalign.
Traditional braces and Invisalign both have advantages and disadvantages, and both are ideal for many people but inappropriate for some. As you investigate your options for straightening your teeth, we want you to know the essential differences between these common options — side by side. Think of this as a guide to organize your conversation with your dentist in Yaletown Vancouver when you ask what they recommend to achieve your goals.
Materials
| Braces | Invisalign |
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Traditional braces are built from metal brackets, wires, and elastics. The brackets are bonded to your teeth and connected to each other with wires and elastics that apply the pressure that moves your teeth. Traditionally, the brackets are made of metal but ceramic options are available. Even with ceramic brackets, the wires are metal. Elastics are available in a variety of colours. |
Invisalign’s custom formed aligners are made of clear thermoplastic material that fits snugly on and around your teeth much like a mouthguard. Many Invisalign treatment plans have aligners that simply slip on and off, while some rely on small posts to hold the aligners in place securely. |
Cost
| Braces | Invisalign |
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Just how much braces will cost depends almost entirely on your personal dental circumstances, how much movement is required, and how long treatment will take. Your dentist in Yaletown Vancouver will be able to provide a quotation after performing an initial assessment of your needs and goals. |
The total cost of Invisalign treatment is very similar to that of traditional braces, though it can be more expensive depending on the extent of treatment required. |
How long treatment takes
| Braces | Invisalign |
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As with cost, the answer to this question depends on a lot of information that your dentist will collect. As a general rule, though, minor tooth misalignments can be resolved in as little as six months. For people with more significantly crooked teeth, you may need to wear braces for two years. |
Just how long treatment will take depends on two main factors: how much movement will be required; and how long you wear your aligners. To minimize the length of your Invisalign treatment, you should try to wear your aligners for 22 hours daily. As a general rule, Invisalign treatment plans last from 12 to 18 weeks, but your dentist will be able to provide a more precise estimate after reviewing your teeth and goals. |
How often will you have to see the dentist?
| Braces | Invisalign |
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The wires that do the work in your braces require frequent adjustment. Typically, patients see their dentist every month or month-and-a-half so those adjustments can be made. At the same time, the dentist will clean your teeth. |
Like with braces, you’ll see your dentist in Yaletown Vancouver every month or so to monitor your progress, though you’ll switch from one aligner to the next according to your treatment plan — roughly every week or two. Visits to the dentist are generally shorter with Invisalign in Yaletown Vancouver because there are no wires to adjust. |
The advantages of each option
| Braces | Invisalign |
| ● More cost-effective
● Effective for even severely misaligned teeth
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● The aligners are removable so you can eat, brush, and floss normally
● They fit comfortably without protrusions against your lips and cheeks ● They’re easily cleaned (though must be cleaned frequently every time they’re removed) |
The disadvantages of each option
| Braces | Braces |
| ● Braces are hard to keep clean
● With braces, you’ll have to give up some foods ● They’re constantly visible
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● To be most effective, they must be worn approximately 22 hours every day
● You’ll need self-discipline to resist the urge to take your aligners out too often or for too long ● Less appropriate for the most severely misaligned teeth |
Which option is right for you? After considering all these factors, get in touch with a dentist in Yaletown Vancouver and ask them that very question. We will take images of your teeth, take a look at your teeth’s current positions, and talk to you about your personal goals and lifestyle. We know this. We can help you achieve your goals, one way or another.