It wasn’t too long ago when the only orthodontics in Toronto were metal braces. Braces were regarded as this classic, dorky, ‘rite of passage’ that nearly everyone had to go through in their teens to come out with beautiful teeth and a winning smile. Today, we have the luxury of skipping that phase and anyone, no matter their age, can have the option to straighten their teeth.
Orthodontics have also come a long way in terms of appearance and have seamlessly fit into the needs of modern day living. Braces have moved up in the world as a result, and have expanded into a range of choices that provide personalized care for each individual.
Let’s explore the benefits of these different types of solutions your orthodontist in Toronto may recommend while covering the pros and cons of each type!
Clear Braces
Clear braces, also known as Damon braces, are the 2.0 version of classic metal braces. Its function is the same as metal braces but instead of metal brackets, the braces are made from materials such as Lexan, sapphire or ceramics that blend with your tooth enamel to create a soft, clean, and effortless look.
Pros:
- The company reports that their braces are 60% more comfortable than metal braces are for the mouth, lips, and cheeks.
- They gradually tighten your teeth over time into the right position using less force than traditional elastics
- They do not need to be tightened by your orthodontist regularly and do not require additional hardware like palatal expanders
- Treatment time can be lessened up to 7 months on average and teeth are subjected to less erosion throughout the duration of treatment
Cons:
- They are not removable, which can make cleaning a hassle.
- They are not completely invisible and require a single metal wire that will be visible to others.
- They take time to adjust to the mouth resulting in irritation and discomfort.
They cost more than metal braces and their range of pricing can be on the higher end depending on the orthodontic case and the rates set out by your dentist in Toronto.
Clear Aligners (MTM & Invisalign)
Clear aligners such as MTM® Clear•Aligner or Invisalign® Braces are a wildly popular orthodontic solution in Toronto. This is because they are cosmetically customizable, meaning you can ask your dentist to achieve a desired look outside of just correcting basic alignment issues. They are also removable making the everyday nuisances of braces fade away!
Pros:
- Clear aligners are a comfortable alternative to braces that gives you more control over your treatment
- Treatment time is less than braces and can range from 6 to 18 months depending on what the objective is
- Flexibility: clear aligners can be removed and do not have to be worn at all times — this means you can eat, sleep, work out, play sports and clean your teeth comfortably and with ease
- Clear aligners live up to their name and blend in much better than any type of orthodontic treatment available in Toronto.
Like every good option, there’s always a downside.
With clear aligners the Cons are:
- They are the most expensive orthodontic options out on the market.
- They cannot be used to treat the following dental issues: back tooth bite problems, rotating canines and premolars, moving teeth vertically or bridgework
- They require at least 22 hours of continuous wear daily and because they are removable, it can be easy to not keep up with your treatment resulting in a loss of progress.
- Trays must be changed every two weeks and forgetting to do so can also affect the results.
All in all, the options for straightening your teeth are far more flexible and cost-efficient than the days that solely relied on metal braces. If you or your family member are in need of orthodontics in Toronto, please do not hesitate to speak to us about the best options moving forward. We’re happy to guide you to a set of healthy and aligned teeth you can enjoy for the rest of your life.
