Enhancing your smile doesn’t have to be a luxury! Even though many of us put self-care on the back burner while other responsibilities take precedence, improving the look of your smile can actually improve many other aspects in life. Good looks promote self-confidence, get you better jobs, higher salaries, and a more successful career.
Having straight teeth is something we all strive for, yet most of us really don’t want that chunky metallic look typically associated with orthodontic treatment. Well, the good news is that traditional styles of braces are a thing of the past! Under the guidance of your local Etobicoke dentist, you can discover all of the braces alternatives available to you and finally achieve your goals of having that smile you’ve dreamed of.
Invisible Braces with Invisalign®
Whether you are a teen surrounded by peers at school, an older professional who works closely with colleagues and clients, or even a working single mother with limited time to spare, everybody can reap the benefits of invisible orthodontic treatment. This is now possible through the use of Invisalign®.
This treatment uses a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable aligners to straighten your teeth. Best of all, no one can tell you are wearing Invisalign® because it’s invisible! They are also removable so you can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are less of a hassle. The aligners are very comfortable compared to traditional braces and do not cause mouth abrasions like braces may do during treatment.
Invisalign® should be worn for about 22 hours every single day to get the best results and you get a total of 4 hours everyday of flexible removal periods. The trays will be changed once every 2 weeks and you’ll meet with the orthodontist at least once every 6 weeks until the treatment process is complete. Personal discipline with regard to wearing the Invisalign trays every day is paramount to get the absolute best results! The other downside is that not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign® and more complex cases will require other forms of treatment.
How much does Invisalign® Cost?
Invisalign® has come such a long way and now, treatment is cheaper than ever! The average price for treatment costs anywhere between $150 to $299 for about 18 months (or for the length of your treatment time), which is comparable to traditional braces. Even better for those of us with busy schedules, treatment turnaround times are overall much quicker than traditional braces and less visits to the orthodontist for check ups and adjustments, lowering the overall cost.
Hidden Braces / Lingual Braces
Another exciting option for alternatives to braces include hidden braces; also known as lingual braces or incognito braces. This treatment is also completely invisible since the braces sit behind the teeth and are therefore completely out of view for others. These braces are customized for every patient and can address nearly every orthodontic issue. Or for more minor concerns, treatment can even be localized to fix only the “social six” front teeth. Initially, these braces can cause a certain amount of discomfort since they are positioned behind your teeth adjacent to the tongue. However, patients usually adjust to the sensation over a couple of weeks. Cleaning these braces can also be tricky at times.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are similar to traditional braces but they use clear or enamel coloured brackets that virtually blend with the colour of your teeth! To make them less noticeable, your orthodontist may also recommend similarly coloured wires. However, these braces may stain and so you should be more careful about consuming certain drinks and foods such as coffee, red wine, and blueberries.
Whether you are looking to get braces for yourself or your child, technological advancements in orthodontics now presents us with so many options to create that perfect smile. Best of all, we no longer have to sacrifice a year’s worth of confidence in order to get there. Invisible options for braces are here to stay and our patients are loving the results! If you’re interested in seeing what options are available for you specific case, contact us to reserve a free consultation with our specialists.
