Almost every week, we have patients ask about what the difference is between aligners (such as Invisalign), and braces.
We like to break up the differences into a few categories
The first is esthetics and comfort – the main reason why patients are attracted to aligners.
Aligners do not have the classic metal brackets that are glued on to the teeth and wires like braces do. Instead, they are a clear plastic that moulds over your teeth which is hardly noticeable. The second difference is the amount of compliance needed from the patient. Because aligners are required to be taken in and out, the rate at which your teeth move depend on you. Aligners should only be taken out when the patient is eating – so if the patient decides to skip wearing aligners for a few days out of the week, that will extend the amount of treatment time.
The third difference between aligners and braces is that aligners cannot always fix the more extreme cases of misalignment and malocclusion. For example, if a patient has a severe underbite, aligners may not be the best fit for them.
On the other hand, in some cases aligners can also straighten teeth faster than braces!
We recommend you consult your dentist or orthodontist to see what the best treatment options are for you. Everybody’s teeth are different, and what may work for you may not work for someone else!
If you are interested, we would be happy to give you a comprehensive consultation which will outline how long treatment will take, and the specifics of using aligners. Many health benefit providers cover a large portion of the cost of aligners. Call to book at 604 736 7372.
Not only are aligners an effective minimalist method for improving esthetics, but they can also improve the health of your teeth and gums as well!
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