Invisalign vs Braces

Invisalign is a new and exciting technology can make orthodontic fixes ranging from simple straightening to bigger, more complex issues. Invisalign treatment can help you love your smile and fix your teeth alignment to optimize your oral health. It can even help make brushing and flossing easier depending on your personal teeth alignment. A snapshot of the issues that Invisalign has the capability to fix include overbites, gap teeth, crooked teeth and more. In this article, we hope to help you understand the types of issues that Invisalign can fix and how you can get started today. For more information, you can also visit www.invisalign.com/treatable-cases read in-depth about the types of dental complications that can be fixed with Invisalign.

How can you decide if Invisalign is right for you? Invisalign uses a modern approach to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. The technology uses a fully digitized experience that feels better than other aligners and can adjust teeth using a controlled, predictable and efficient process. Browse the Invisalign website or contact our team of professionals at Mackenzie Dental Centre to learn more about Invisalign technology and whether it can be the first step on your journey to a healthier smile. A fantastic alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign helps you fix your smile, without interrupting your lifestyle.

Traditional Braces vs Invisalign

When considering methods to correct teeth and bite issues, there are several differences between traditional braces and Invisalign technology. Invisalign provides a more flexible experience, allowing you to remove the aligners for eating, brushing, flossing and other oral maintenance. This can help minimize plaque buildup around traditional braces that can be exceptionally difficult to clean. Especially in the case of more minor dental issues or simple teeth straightening, Invisalign can be an ideal option to fix your smile without impacting your oral health during treatment. Many people also prefer the Invisalign technology as it is a more discreet option than traditional braces and is almost completely invisible in the mouth!

The number of cases of adult orthodontic care is increasing every year, and many adults are trying to make an informed decision about whether they should choose traditional braces versus Invisalign technology. Of course, this extends to parents trying to decide what technology is best for their child or teenager as well. Straighter teeth are important for maintaining oral health as the buildup of bacteria, plaque and food in crooked teeth can lead to further tooth decay and disease. When teeth are straight and no longer overlap, the gums fit teeth better and prevent inflammation and gum disease. Although both traditional braces and Invisalign can help straighten teeth and improve oral health, only Invisalign clear aligners can be removed to facilitate teeth cleaning. This can also help keep your teeth as happy and healthy as possible during the straightening process. The overall benefits of Invisalign treatments extend beyond just improving your smile and confidence, but can help you have a long lasting, healthy smile.

A common question when comparing traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners is about mouth pain. With most orthodontic treatment, some mouth pain will occur as teeth begin to shift to their desired location. In general, Invisalign aligners are advertised as less painful than traditional braces, but sensitivity will always vary from person to person and the comfort level will depend on the degree of treatment required. Simple straightening may be less painful than more advanced treatments. For both traditional braces and Invisalign, any mouth pain is always temporary and subsides as the mouth adjusts to the new alignment. Talk to your dentist or our expert team at Mackenzie Dental Centre if you are concerned about your mouth sensitivity ass you’re considering alignment treatments.

Do clear braces work?

Over the past forty years, clear braces technology has continued to rapidly improve. Clear braces and Invisalign technology have been proven to treat a variety of common teeth issues including overbites, crooked teeth, gap teeth, and more. Below, we’ve outlined several of these common problems and how Invisalign can be used to permanently fix them. As always, every case is individual, and we recommend consulting with our team to learn more about the options available to fit your specific needs.

Overbite - An overbite is a common tooth problem involving the upper front teeth overlapping with the lower front teeth. If an overbite is too large, it can cause significant problems overtime, including teeth wearing down faster or persistent jaw pain. Invisalign has been proven to effectively treat overbites.

Underbite - An underbite is similar to an overbite, but instead involves the lower front teeth closing in front of the upper front teeth when the mouth is closed. This can be caused by the jaw being too far forward. Overtime, an underbite can make it difficult to chew food properly and it can affect speaking and annunciation. Like other jaw issues, this can cause your teeth to wear down faster than normal. Invisalign clear aligners can be used to fix some underbites, but sometimes the treatment may need to be combined with surgery if the case is severe. Our team at Mackenzie Dental Centre can help you determine what course of treatment is best for your specific underbite.

Crossbite - A crossbite involves a misalignment in your jaw that can cause some of your upper teeth to sit inside some of your lower teeth. Due to this misalignment, your teeth can be more easily chipped or worn down over time, in addition to accelerating the recession of gums. Invisalign can help treat most types of crossbite.

Open bite - An open bit refers to when your upper and lower teeth don’t touch when you close your mouth. This mostly affects chewing, making it especially difficult to bite into certain foods like apples or other solid fruits. Invisalign technology can be used to fix an open bite.

Gap teeth - Spacing issues between two or more teeth are called gap teeth. A classical example of gap teeth is an undesirable space between your two upper front teeth. The major health concern of gap teeth is that they create spaces where food can get stuck and increase your chances of gum inflammation and disease. Invisalign can be used to close these gaps and prevent future infection and inflammation.

Crowded teeth - A common problem with many adults, crowded teeth are the result of the mouth not having enough space to accommodate all of the teeth, making them twist, overlap or be pushed in any number of directions. This crowding makes it especially difficult to properly brush and floss your teeth. The subsequent build up of bacteria and plaque from a lack of adequate oral care can worsen decay and disease overtime. Invisalign can be used to efficiently and effectively treat crowded teeth.

Mix of Baby and Permanent Teeth - Many children and teenagers also require orthodontic treatment as their mouths continue to develop. Depending on the age and teeth issues of your child, Invisalign can be used for Phase 1 treatment. This can help children make appropriate room for teeth as they grow in, while beginning to fix pre-existing bite issues and prevent them from getting worse. These treatments can also help fix undesirable habits such as thumb sucking. Once your child’s mouth has grown sufficiently, Phase 2 treatments can then begin and will likely be shorter and easier thanks to the investment in Phase 1. These Invisalign First aligners can begin fixing crowding, spacing and other issues from an early age.

Straighter Teeth - Finally, Invisalign clear aligners can be used to generally straighten teeth. Whether to improve your oral health or restore confidence in your smile, Invisalign can help you get a healthy and beautiful smile.  

Can you eat with Invisalign?

One of the benefits of Invisalign clear aligners is that they adapt to your life, to help improve your smile without interrupting your everyday life. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign lets you continue to eat your favourite foods, such as apples with skin, popcorn, candy and more. With the ability to remove your Invisalign clear aligners while you eat, you can continue your normal dietary habits while also being able to brush and floss regularly. This is essential for maintaining proper oral health throughout your treatment and is made easier without the plaque build up that occurs with traditional braces technology. Other benefits of Invisalign include a stress-free experience, without the need to worry about brackets or wires breaking. As we mentioned above, Invisalign is also almost entirely invisible, allowing for a more discreet experience as you fix your smile.

You can take out your Invisalign clear aligners anytime to eat, simply brush your teeth before putting them back on. For best results, ensure that you wear your Invisalign clear aligners for 20-22 hours each day.

How long does it take Invisalign to work?

As with many things in life, the amount of time it will take for Invisalign to fix your smile will depend on the treatment required. There are guidelines that exist for the standard treatment options, but there is no specific timeline that will accurately predict everyone’s circumstances. On average, most patients require 6-12 months of treatment to realign teeth into their optimal position. With Invisalign, patients have the added benefit of being able to remove the clear aligners and closer observe their progress over time. Most people will start to notice changes in their smile within the first two months of treatment.

Depending on the severity of the case, some patients may require more time to shift their teeth into their optimal position, especially for complex issues involving crooked or misplaced teeth. Overall, Invisalign treatments do take less time than traditional braces, it just will take some time in order to see those results.

After treatment, it’s important to closely follow your dentist’s instructions to help maintain your teeth’s new position. You will be provided with a retainer to help ensure your teeth remain in their optimal location and ensure long lasting oral health benefits. It’s important to consistently wear your retainer, especially while sleeping, after your treatment is finished in order to help your teeth settle into their new position.

Overall, Invisalign clear aligners provide a wide array of benefits when it comes to fixing your teeth problems. As a removable treatment system, Invisalign allows you to continue eating food, playing sports and brushing and flossing your teeth as you normally would; while also helping you get a happy and healthy smile. As a clear, discreet option that can fix almost any issue related to teeth position, Invisalign might be the option you’ve been waiting for to get the smile of your dreams.

If you’re wondering how you can get started on your journey towards a healthy and beautiful smile, look no further than Mackenzie Dental Centre. Dr. Lloyd Pedvis can help provide you with a wide range of services related to the Invisalign clear aligner system. Dr. Pedvis is dedicated to modern and professional dentistry and can help you determine what treatment option fits best with your lifestyle and specific dental needs. At Mackenzie Dental Centre, our expert team can help you determine if you are a good candidate for Invisalign and help you get started on your journey towards a healthy smile today. Call us at 905-417-8700 to book your consultation, get fitted and start taking control of your oral health.