Robert Di Carlo

Dr. Robert Di Carlo
Dentist in Woodbridge

Adults thinking about getting braces often face a tough decision. It’s not easy figuring out which option is best suited to them. They want to know which one will actually work for them and fit into their crazy busy lives and personal preferences. It’s not just a matter of which one works best, it’s also how comfortable is it going to be, how do you feel when it’s on your teeth, how easy is it to use and all the rest. This is all well and good, but sometimes it’s a real challenge trying to sort all the details out.

People we see all the time are spending months researching various orthodontic options before they feel ready to go ahead and get their smile sorted. And to be honest we get it, it’s a big financial commitment and a very personal choice. We’ve been around the block a few times and we get it. Teeth Whitening brightens your smile by removing stains caused by food, drinks, and aging. Professional Teeth Whitening delivers faster and longer-lasting results than over-the-counter options.

Traditional metal braces work by having wires attached to each tooth. These wires slowly move the teeth into place over time. This tried and true method has been around for decades and can fix just about any type of orthodontic problem from simple spacing issues to really complicated bite corrections. The wire system gives us the control we need to make precise adjustments and get the tooth movement just right.

Clear aligner therapy on the other hand is a whole different ball game. It’s a series of removable plastic trays that slowly shift the teeth into their new positions. You wear each new set for about two weeks before moving on to the next one in the series. One of the best things about clear aligners is that you can take them out to eat, keep your teeth clean, attend special events or just when you want a break from wearing them.

The complexity of what needs fixing really decides which option is best for each patient. Traditional metal braces can fix a whole range of issues that clear aligners on their own can’t sort out. Patients with several problems often get better results from traditional metal braces. Porcelain Veneers improve the appearance of teeth by correcting discoloration, chips, and minor misalignment. With Porcelain Veneers, patients can achieve a flawless, natural-looking smile.

There is also a big difference in how comfortable each option is. Traditional metal braces can cause sore mouths and some pain when we tighten the wires after an adjustment. Clear aligners on the other hand are a lot gentler as they move the teeth with less force over a longer period of time. Most people get used to wearing clear aligners within a few days and generally forget they are even there.

Lifestyle is a big factor when choosing a treatment. People who give presentations, go to meetings or deal with customers like the fact that clear aligners are not as apparent. Because you can take them out to eat you don’t have to worry about avoiding any certain foods. With metal braces though, you do have to avoid things that might hurt the brackets or wires.

The maintenance needs are also very different. With metal braces it’s a lot harder to brush and floss because there are all these extra surfaces for plaque to build up on. You can take out clear aligners for normal dental hygiene but you do need to remember to clean them regularly to stop them getting stained and smelly.

When deciding between Invisalign and traditional metal braces in Vaughan it’s really about your individual orthodontic needs, lifestyle and treatment goals. Some people like the metal braces because of all the things they can do, while others choose clear aligners because they are easy to use and look good.

At Dentistry on the Pines we go to a lot of trouble to help each patient make a decision based on their own needs and situation. It’s often a matter of weighing up how well the treatment works versus how you feel about how you look and how much hassle it’s going to be to get the treatment.

The length of treatment can vary a lot between the two methods depending on just how complicated your situation is. Some orthodontic issues get sorted out pretty quickly with traditional metal braces but others respond better to clear aligner therapy in roughly the same amount of time.

So the question of whether Invisalign or traditional metal braces are better in Vaughan is something that really has to be looked at on a case by case basis. Every patient has a different orthodontic problem to sort out and different lifestyle factors to take into account when making their decision.