One of the biggest decisions our patients have to make is between Invisalign and traditional braces. Both do a great job of straightening teeth, but they do it in very different ways. Knowing these differences might help you choose the treatment that’s right for you and your lifestyle. At Dentistry on the Pines, we help people make this decision all the time so they feel good about it.
For years traditional braces have been straightening smiles. There are metal brackets on each tooth that are connected by wires. These wires slowly move the teeth into place. At regular appointments your orthodontist tightens these wires which puts pressure on your teeth and shifts them over time. This tried and true solution works for even the most complex alignment issues.
Invisalign does it very differently. Custom made clear aligners fit perfectly over your teeth. You wear each pair for about two weeks before moving on to the next one in the sequence. Each aligner moves your teeth a little bit, getting you closer to your final smile. These aligners are almost invisible when you wear them because they are made of clear plastic.
Patients choose Invisalign because they are worried about how they look. Many people are embarrassed about wearing metal braces at work. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing with the clear aligners. Most people don’t even notice you’re getting orthodontic work done. This discreet method is especially appealing to professionals, public speakers and anyone who wants to keep their dental work private.
No matter what you can always see traditional braces. Braces today are smaller than they used to be but you can still see them when you smile. Some patients choose ceramic brackets that match the colour of their teeth but they cost more than regular metal ones. Teenagers wear colourful bands as a fashion statement so younger patients don’t have to worry as much about being seen.
These two options don’t offer the same level of comfort. Braces can make your cheeks and lips feel bad especially after they are adjusted. Until your mouth gets used to the brackets and wires they can hurt. Orthodontic wax protects soft tissues but it can be uncomfortable. The plastic in Invisalign aligners is smooth and has no sharp edges. You may feel pressure when you switch to new aligners but this usually goes away in a day or two.
With traditional braces you have to change your eating habits a lot. Brackets and wires can break if you eat things that are sticky, hard or chewy. During treatment you shouldn’t eat popcorn, nuts, hard candies or anything like them. You have to cut food into smaller pieces. These rules are in place until your braces come off which could be two years or more.
Invisalign lets you eat whatever you want. You take off the aligners before every meal so you can eat whatever you want. You can eat everything you want while you’re getting treatment. This flexibility makes it much easier and more fun to eat with others. Just remember to clean your teeth before you put your aligners back in to keep your mouth healthy.
Invisalign makes it easier to keep your mouth clean. You can brush and floss like you normally would because aligners come out for cleaning. Cleaning your teeth while you’re getting treatment avoids cavities and gum disease. No matter which method you choose to straighten your teeth our [Dental Hygiene] experts stress how important it is to clean them well.
Braces make it hard to clean properly. Food gets stuck around the wires and brackets. Special floss threaders make it easier to get between your teeth but it takes longer. Water flossers can help but brushing needs more care and attention. If patients with braces don’t keep up good cleaning habits they are more likely to have cavities.
The length of treatment depends on your case not the approach you choose. With either approach simple fixes may take six months. It could take two years or more for complex cases. For the same alignment issues treatment times are usually the same for Invisalign and braces. The technology used matters less than your own scenario when it comes to timing.
You don’t have to come in as often with Invisalign. You usually come in every six to eight weeks to pick up new aligner sets and see how things are going. Most of the time these appointments don’t take long. Braces need to be adjusted more often usually every four to six weeks. These appointments take longer than Invisalign appointments because they include tightening wires.
A lot of decisions are based on price. Generally traditional braces are a little less expensive than Invisalign but the price depends on the complexity of the case. Most patients in Vaughan will pay the same for both. Insurance covers both equally because they are both orthodontic treatments. We go over all the financial details with you during your consultation so you can fully understand the investment.
Compliance has a big impact on how well Invisalign works. To get the results you want you need to wear aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day. Taking them off too often makes treatment take longer or makes the results worse. Braces work all the time because they are always on. This makes them great for people who might forget to wear their removable aligners all the time.
Traditional braces work better for some orthodontic conditions. Braces may be necessary for people with severe bite problems, big rotations or complicated movements that need constant force. During the first exam we honestly look at whether Invisalign can help with your individual problems. Our Family Dentistry approach means we don’t just suggest the latest technology; we suggest what’s best for you.
The two methods work differently in emergencies. Braces need to be fixed right away if the brackets are broken or the wires are poking through. If you lose or break your aligners you need to get new ones from Invisalign. We take care of both types of emergencies right away so your treatment can continue properly.
We offer Invisalign and traditional braces to patients in Vaughan at Dentistry on the Pines. We base our recommendation on your individual situation, preferences and orthodontic needs. Book a consultation to talk about which option is best for your life. We’ll work together to create a treatment plan that gives you the straight, beautiful smile you deserve and fits into your daily life. Dr. Robert Di Carlo is a trusted Dentist in Vaughan, known for delivering exceptional care with a focus on comfort, precision, and long-term oral health.