When you have a beautiful smile, it’s easy to feel confident and put your best foot forward. Everyone from children to adults can use orthodontics as one way to improve the appearance of their smile and overall oral health. Two of the most popular ways to straighten your teeth and get a beautiful grin are Invisalign and braces. How are they different, and which one is best for you?

Invisalign and Braces 

Before diving into the differences between the two, it’s important to know what each treatment is. Invisalign is a system of clear aligners made from a proprietary material that gently hugs your teeth to guide them into your new smile. These aligners can be removed but must be worn for at least 22 hours a day. Traditional braces are made from metal brackets and wires placed on your teeth to shift them into an optimal position. They are permanent for the course of your treatment and will only be removed at the end.

How Long Will Treatment Take? 

Traditional braces are often used in more severe cases and for challenging orthodontic issues. As a result, total treatment time can take up to three years to get the perfect result. In milder cases, braces can take a year or slightly less. Invisalign is often chosen for more mild-to-moderate corrections, and the total time of treatment can be as short as six months.

How Will Your Smile Look? 

One of the most obvious differences between Invisalign and braces is how your smile will look throughout the treatment itself. Invisalign clear aligner trays are custom-fitted to your mouth and virtually invisible when you speak or smile. Some people also like that they can take out the aligners for very short periods, like to snap a photo. Braces will be evident on your smile for the duration of your treatment.

Can You Remove the Orthodontic Appliance? 

Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners can be removed for short periods of time every day for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. Braces will be on your teeth for the entirety of your treatment. As a result, you will need to adapt your diet and your oral care routine accordingly.

How Much Does Orthodontic Treatment Cost? 

Both Invisalign and traditional braces are great investments in your oral health and overall physical health. Because they are lengthy orthodontic procedures that require a high level of expertise to do properly, both treatments will start in the four figures for the total cost of treatment. During your consultation, you can get an exact estimate of how much your braces or Invisalign treatment will cost for your specific smile.

How Will You Maintain Your Oral Care Routine? 

Braces need to be cleaned regularly to avoid plaque accumulation and discoloration around the brackets. When you are wearing braces on your teeth, you will also need to adapt your diet to avoid any foods that could damage the brackets, like:

- Popcorn
-Corn on the cob
- Stick candy like caramel or taffy
- Hard, crunchy vegetables, fruits, and snacks
- Crusty bread
- Some nuts

There are also maintenance requirements for clear aligners as well. You must wear your aligners for at least 22 hours a day and clean them every time you put them back in. You also should not drink anything other than water when your trays are in, which might be challenging for people who drink soda and other sugary drinks throughout the day.

How Effective Is Orthodontic Treatment? 

Traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners have both proven to be extremely effective and safe ways to straighten your teeth and fix your bite. When you visit your orthodontist as scheduled and follow the suggestions they give you throughout your treatment, you can expect a gorgeous smile at the end of the process!

Which Treatment Is Right for You? 

The best way to determine which type of orthodontic treatment is right for you is by scheduling an orthodontic consultation. Your orthodontist will be able to evaluate your specific case and suggest the best option for your situation. In general, Invisalign is a great choice for those who are self-disciplined and want a more discrete option to correct mild-to-moderate problems. If you have more serious orthodontic issues or don’t want to worry about wearing your trays enough every day, braces could be the best choice.

To learn more and schedule your consultation for Invisalign or braces today, contact Rykiss Orthodontics in Winnipeg today by calling (204) 925-4746. We look forward to helping you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of!