Real talk – modern beauty standards place a premium on a radiant smile. If you’re not happy with your teeth, you’re less likely to take care of them. 1 in 3 adults in North America seek orthodontic treatment at some point in their lives. That’s a staggering statistic, and it underscores the importance of our topic today: Invisalign or Braces? Before we dive right in and discover the science, art, and personal choices behind these transformative methods, let’s start with the basics.
What is Invisalign, and What Are Braces?
Invisalign and braces are both methods of straightening teeth, but they have some key differences. Braces involve metal affixed to your teeth with wires, while Invisalign employs cutting-edge technology. We use a 3D scan and 3D-printed clear plastic trays
Each tray moves your teeth by a minuscule 0.25mm, and you wear each tray for a week. As you progress through the trays, your teeth gradually become straighter.
Here’s the kicker: most people prefer Invisalign because it’s clear. It’s like the stealthy ninja of teeth-straightening methods.
Which Option Is Suitable for Me?
Invisalign is fantastic for cases involving spacing, deep bites, or mild crowding—those are the “slam dunk” Invisalign scenarios. But when it comes to major molar movements or severe crowding, traditional braces might be more efficient.
And here’s a neat trick: if you’re planning a major life event like a wedding or graduation, Invisalign allows us to strategically plan your treatment so you won’t have attachments or braces on that special day. With traditional braces, that’s not an option. That flexibility of Invisalign is really exciting for us – most people do see 80% of results in the first 6-8 months.
Now, here’s a little secret: the “Invisalign diet.” When your trays are in, you’re supposed to have only water. So, if you’re tempted by those Timbits in the staff room, you’ll need to take your trays out, rinse, and think twice. Many people find that they shed a few pounds during their Invisalign journey.
Another advantage of Invisalign is that patients can provide more feedback and be actively involved in their treatment. Traditional braces, with all their metal, make it hard for patients to see what’s happening. Invisalign patients are in there like a detective, making observations about their smiles and working with us to achieve their desired results.
What Does Wearing and Caring for Invisalign Look Like?
Now, the aftercare process is similar for both methods. We’re smarter in orthodontics these days, and we understand the importance of retention. It’s like going to the gym; you can’t just stop and expect your results to last forever. Teeth are held within the bone by fibers and ligaments, and they’re prone to shifting as we age.
But remember, for Invisalign to work, you have to be compliant and wear the trays for at least 22 hours a day. We like to ask our patients, “How many times have you lost your cell phone?” If the answer is more than once, you might want something actually stuck to your teeth. We can order more trays, but there’s a fee if it happens too often.
Is Invisalign for Me?
There’s a common misconception that not everyone is a candidate for Invisalign. We’ve heard it time and time again. However, let us set the record straight (pun intended): your teeth don’t care if it’s plastic or metal that’s moving them. What matters is applying the right amount of force.
Very few cases exist where Invisalign isn’t an option, and it’s often more about the provider’s skill level. We work closely with orthodontists in our community, and if a case is too challenging for Invisalign, we’ll refer the patient to them.
Invisalign is undeniably trendy and cutting-edge. We can even make unique accommodations based on your requests. But what truly sets it apart is the ability to take the trays out to brush, floss, and eat. Say goodbye to the food graveyard that traditional braces can become.
Meet Dr. Drever and Dr. Abel – our Invisalign Dentists
Dentistry is constantly evolving, and at Kelowna Dental Centre, our team stays on the pulse of new techniques and technologies to harness.
Dr. Jennifer Drever is a member of the American Academy of Clear Aligners and has been taking another course over the summer. With a background in both prevention and restorative dentistry, Dr. Drever benefits from a unique perspective in identifying the early signs of developing issues before they disrupt a patient’s quality of life.
Dr. Sarah Abel’s expertise ranges from family dentistry to cosmetic dentistry, and is committed to providing quality, evidence-based treatment. While living in Vancouver, Dr. Abel volunteered with the downtown east-side clinic. Her goal has always been to give back to her community.
Get to know more about our team by clicking the link.
Dental Financing: Access the Care You Deserve
At Kelowna Dental Centre, we understand that oral care is a significant investment. That’s why we offer flexible financing options to help make the teeth straightening method of your choice attainable. Our in-house financing program, powered by PaySpyre, allows you to break down costs into manageable monthly payments tailored to fit your budget.
Everyone deserves access to top-quality dental care, and our financing options reflect our commitment to your oral health and overall well-being. Let us guide you through the process and explore the financing solution that suits your needs.
At Kelowna Dental Centre, You’re in Kind, Capable Hands
If you need professional, patient-centred dental care, look no further than Kelowna Dental Centre. Our doctors, certified dental assistants, and dental hygienists improve our patients’ lives through education, exceptional treatment, and personalized oral health assessments.
If you’re considering straightening your teeth, we’re here to help – click here to book your no-cost, no-obligation consultation today, where we’ll walk you through your options and pinpoint the best treatment plan for your unique goals.
We can’t wait to care for you!
Dr. Michael Webster
Kelowna Dental Centre Owner
