Finally deciding that it’s time for orthodontic treatment is a big enough step for most of us. And then it hits you:
You need to pick the right treatment, too!
Traditional braces are the first thing that comes to mind – but have you considered talking to your Calgary orthodontist about Invisalign?
Here’s what you need to know!
Invisalign: Pros & Cons To Keep In Mind
There was a time when an orthodontic treatment meant having a mouth full of metal – but with Invisalign, that’s no longer the case.
Why?
- Invisalign is made from a transparent, BPA-free plastic material, which means they’re nearly undetectable during casual conversations. It’s the leading trend when it comes to clear braces.
- You’ll have fewer follow-up appointments – you have to change your aligner trays every two weeks, but you’ll get several sets of aligners upfront so that you can make the switch yourself.
- You don’t have to stress about damaging your aligners by eating something you shouldn’t have – Invisalign has to be removed every time you’re eating or drinking something besides water, anyway.
Why Not?
- Invisalign is all about self-discipline. Wear your aligner trays for up to 22 hours a day, remove them only to eat, drink, and brush your teeth – if you keep forgetting to wear them, the treatment won’t work. This requires much more energy than 100% at night clear aligners.
- There are some cases where it just isn’t an option, especially if you’re dealing with a complex dental issue, including rotating canines or premolars, moving teeth vertically, or fixing back tooth bite issues.
Traditional Braces: Pros & Cons To Keep In Mind
When you think about straightening your teeth, there’s a good chance that the first images that come to mind are those of traditional, metal braces.
Why?
- Traditional braces can’t be removed by the patient, which means there’s no risk of forgetting to wear them or misplacing them. One less thing to worry about, right?
- Conventional orthodontics can be a reliable treatment option, even for more advanced dental issues. Moreover, the patient’s age isn’t a deal-breaking factor when it comes to getting braces.
Why Not?
- The brackets and wires might cause irritation and soreness, especially after regular adjustments.
- Some patients find maintaining proper dental hygiene tricky when wearing traditional braces, which often leads to tooth discoloration and unwanted buildup.
- You’ll have to make some serious, restrictive changes to your diet, avoiding food that’s either too hard or too sticky for as long as you’re wearing braces.
- You can’t wear braces if you’re playing contact sports since there’s a risk of damaging the braces and possibly injuring the soft tissue in your mouth along the way.
- Most people don’t like the aesthetical aspect of wearing traditional, metal braces, either, which could lead to the patient feeling self-conscious about their appearance.
Final Word
Both of these orthodontic treatments have their strengths and weaknesses – it all comes down to a matter of lifestyle and personal preferences.
That said, if you’re not dealing with an overly complicated dental issue, Invisalign might be the best course of treatment for you, both appearance and convenience-wise!
If you want to know more about this treatment option, book a free consultation with an orthodontist or search for ‘Invisalign in Calgary’ on Google.
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