As a whole, Canadians have great oral health. In fact, 84% of us say our oral health is good or excellent.
However, just because your oral health is in order, it doesn't necessarily mean you're completely happy with your teeth. For example, many of us have crooked teeth that make us too self-conscious to smile and can make it more difficult to speak or eat.
If this sounds like you, then you might be looking into teeth straightening services.
You know that Invisalign and braces exist but which one's better for you? Westwood & Starwood Dental is here to explain the pros and cons of orthodontics in Guelph.
Braces Pros and Cons
Braces are usually metal brackets, although ceramic and lingual kinds exist as well.
There's a reason why traditional braces have been around so long: they're proven to work. They're cemented onto your teeth, which means you won't have to worry about losing them during the treatment.
Braces are also more affordable, which gives more people access to teeth straightening.
However, braces can be uncomfortable, especially since the metal wires can be poking out sometimes – inform your orthodontist as soon as possible if that happens to you, it will easily fix it. You also have to take extra steps to clean your teeth, or you risk cavities and discoloration. This also means there are some foods and beverages you have to stay away from.
They are also pretty noticeable. If you're already self-conscious about your teeth, this can be a major disadvantage to deal with for a couple of years.
Invisalign Pros and Cons
Invisalign braces are all the rage nowadays. During treatment, you'll wear different sets of clear aligners that'll slowly move your teeth into place.
Their biggest pros are that they're very inconspicuous, plus they're quite comfortable. You'll have the freedom to remove the aligners whenever you want, so you can take small breaks from treatment to eat, drink, or just get a breather. However, that comes with the caveat that it's very easy to lose these aligners, especially since they're clear.
Because you can remove the Invisalign trays, this means you can eat and drink everything you want. Brushing and flossing are essential after every meal, but it is easier as well since you can proceed as usual.
You do need to be more responsible with Invisalign since it takes 22 hours of wear per day to be effective. However, for more severe and complicated cases, this type of teeth straightening won't be an option.
Lastly, Invisalign can be more costly when compared to traditional braces.
Invisalign vs Braces: Which One Will You Choose for Orthodontics in Guelph?
When it comes to Invisalign vs braces, each has its pros and cons. There's no one correct answer; it will depend on what you are comfortable with and what your budget's like.
The best thing to do is to talk it over with an experienced dentist like the ones you'll find at our practice.
Is Invisalign right for you, or do you want braces instead? In either case, make an appointment at Westwood & Starwood Dental to discuss your options for orthodontics in Guelph.