No matter what age you are, a healthy, attractive smile is everyone’s greatest asset. In modern Western society, good dentition has a strong link to confidence, positive self-esteem, a successful career, and even earning power. Sadly, few people are born with perfect teeth, but with the advances in both traditional and clear braces, Surrey dentists can help correct many positioning issues in adults and children.

Invisalign vs. Braces

Traditional braces and Invisalign retainers are both designed to straighten your teeth, while helping to improve your smile and your overall oral health. Braces are still most frequently made from metal brackets fastened to the outside of your teeth, with metal wires and rubber bands attached that gradually shift your teeth into the correct position.

Invisalign treatment, however, uses clear, plastic aligner trays customized for each patient. The dentist takes a 3D scan of your mouth that allows us to develop a series of aligners. Patients typically change to a new Invisalign retainer every two weeks, designed to shift the teeth gradually into the correct position with one small step at a time.

Here are some reasons why you should consider Invisalign in Surrey BC when you’re planning a new smile design.

1.      Less Visible

Even though everyone understands why someone wears braces, it’s generally preferable to have your dental treatment less obvious to other people. One of the main advantages of clear braces for Surrey patients is that Invisalign retainers are practically invisible. Both adults and self-conscious teens enjoy knowing that their families and friends aren’t confronted by their orthodontic treatment during every interaction. Even photos won’t show that you’re wearing braces, only that your smile is gradually improving.

2.      Removability

Once metal braces have been installed in your mouth, only the dentist can remove them. You will have to wear them continuously for the full period of your treatment, which is usually between 18 and 24 months or longer. For best results, Invisalign retainers need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. This means you can take them out when you eat, so you don’t have to avoid certain foods or suffer discomfort while you chew.

3.      Greater Comfort

Moving your teeth around in your gums, however gradually, is bound to create some discomfort, regardless of whether you choose Invisalign vs. braces. The difference is that with Invisalign, patients usually experience fewer mouth and gum problems. The clear retainers are made from a unique plastic material and customized to fit each patient’s mouth, so you won’t get cuts on the inside of the cheeks or gum irritation from the wires as you do with metal braces.

4.      Easier Maintenance

Brushing and flossing can be a complex procedure with metal braces, but with clear braces Surrey patients have the advantage of removing them for oral hygiene purposes. When you take out the retainer to clean your teeth, you can brush and floss as you normally do without anything in the way. This also enables you to avoid plaque and bacteria accumulating around and behind the brackets, which can cause future discolouration and decay.

5.      Fewer Consultations

With Invisalign, most of the orthodontist’s work takes place in a laboratory before you begin wearing the aligners. You don’t need to visit the dentist for adjustments as you do with metal braces because you simply change to the next aligner every two to three weeks. Fewer consultations mean lower costs, less time off work or school, and minimal travelling expenses.

Traditional braces typically cost less than Invisalign, but the other advantages mainly outweigh the financial benefit. Invisalign has high rates of success, and patients overall report good levels of satisfaction with the process.

As a leading family and pediatric dentist in Surrey, Nordel Crossing Dental Centre’s qualified and experienced team can help you find the right option to optimize your smile. For more information on the benefits of clear braces, Surrey patients can click here to schedule an appointment with us.