When it comes to choosing between Invisalign and traditional braces, which one works better? At Dentistry on the Pines, we help patients understand that both can work well, but how well they work depends on the individual. How well are you going to work?

One of the biggest things that affect how well Invisalign works is how well you follow instructions. Patients are in charge of wearing the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day because they can be removed. Your treatment will take longer and won’t work as well if you forget to wear your aligners or leave them out for long periods of time. This isn’t a problem with traditional braces because they stay on till the treatment is over. At Dentistry on the Pines in Vaughan, we talk to patients about these expectations so they know what they need to do to make Invisalign work.

Depending on the situation, the two treatments may take different amounts of time to treat. In most cases, whether you choose Invisalign or braces, the treatment will take about the same amount of time, usually 12 to 18 months. Braces may take 18 to 24 months or longer to fix complex problems, but Invisalign may not be able to fix the same problems at all. When used correctly for the right conditions, both treatments usually give predictable results.

Keeping up with dental hygiene while in treatment affects how well both work in the long run. Food can get stuck around brackets and wires with traditional braces which makes it harder to keep teeth clean. If patients don’t keep good Dental Hygiene habits, this can cause cavities or gum problems. It’s easier to brush and floss with Invisalign since you can take the aligners off to clean your teeth. This benefit helps keep your mouth healthy while you’re in treatment which leads to better results overall.

You need to wear retainers after treatment for both Invisalign and braces to get the best results. You need to wear retainers to keep your teeth from moving back once they’re in the right place. No matter what treatment you choose, you must meet this condition. If patients don’t wear their retainers, their teeth may slowly shift out of alignment which would undo the benefits of orthodontic treatment.

We look at each patient individually as part of our Cosmetic Dentistry services to recommend the best treatment. Some people are good for both options, but others are definitely better with one than the other. When we recommend, we take into account things like how complex your case is, how much you have to spend, how you live your life and what you like.

If you live in Vaughan and are deciding between Invisalign and braces, book an appointment with Dentistry on the Pines. We’ll take a look at your teeth, recommend which one is best for you and explain what to expect from each. In today’s orthodontics, both Invisalign and traditional braces have their place. Choose the right one and get the smile you deserve.