Invisalign is great for many people but it’s not the only way to get straight teeth. We think you should know all your options so you can choose what’s best for you. Some patients find other treatments are better for their needs, schedule or budget. Let’s go over the other options besides Invisalign and when each is the best choice.
Traditional metal braces are still the most common instead of clear aligners. These are metal brackets that are attached to your teeth with a wire that goes through them. The wire is changed from time to time to slowly move your teeth into place. We at Marrecau Orthodontics have found that braces work really well for tough cases that involve a lot of tooth mobility or really bad bite problems. And they stay in place so you don’t have to remember to wear them or be disciplined like you do with removable aligners.
People remember metal braces as big heavy things from years ago. Brackets now are smaller and more comfortable than ever. Many teens choose to pick out coloured bands for their braces to make them their own, even if they are easy to see. Adults who don’t care how they look often prefer regular braces because they work well and cost about the same as Invisalign.
Ceramic braces are a good option for people who don’t want metal braces or clear aligners. These work the same way as regular braces but instead of metal brackets they use brackets that are the same colour as your teeth or clear. The brackets are less noticeable because they blend in with your teeth better than metal. The wire is still there but the whole thing looks a lot less obvious. Ceramic braces are a bit more expensive than metal braces but not as much as some clear aligners. They are good for people who want good treatment without the visible look of metal braces. Modern orthodontics offers different types of braces, including metal, ceramic, and clear options. Each type of braces provides a comfortable and precise way to align teeth while fitting the patient’s needs and goals.
Lingual braces are another option that is almost invisible. The back of your teeth is where these braces go so when you smile they are completely hidden from view. They work just as well as regular braces but look better because they are almost invisible. Lingual braces are more expensive than other types of braces and can take some time to get used to because the brackets are close to your tongue. They’re not as common in Parkland and not all orthodontists offer them.
Sometimes for patients with very mild orthodontic problems a few months of braces or clear aligners on a few teeth can be enough to fix the problem. This is less expensive and takes less time than full treatment. During your consultation we will talk about whether limited treatment is right for you. However it’s important to know that this option is only available in very specific conditions.
Some people who want clear aligners look at brands other than Invisalign. A number of companies now sell similar products and some dentists have started to offer these other options. These may be cheaper but the technology, materials and support are very different. In the clear aligner industry Invisalign has been around the longest and has the best technology. Some brands are getting better but not all of them have the same level of accuracy or the same amount of research behind them as Invisalign.
Surgical orthodontics may be needed in very rare cases when orthodontic problems are really bad or the jaw is very misaligned. This means doing orthodontic work and oral surgery together to fix the underlying skeletal condition. These cases don’t happen very often but it’s important to find them during the consultation process because braces or aligners alone won’t fix serious skeletal problems. Surgical orthodontics, also called orthognathic surgery, corrects severe jaw or bite issues that braces alone cannot fix. This treatment enhances both function and appearance, creating long-term improvements in your smile and facial balance.
The best way to find out which treatment is right for you is to book an appointment. During this visit we look at your teeth, talk about your goals and concerns and go over the treatments that may be right for you. There are many ways to treat some conditions so you can choose what’s best for you. In some cases one treatment is clearly better than others.
When choosing the best option think about the cost, how long the treatment will take, how it looks and how well it works. We give you all the information you need about each option so you can make a decision based on what matters most to you. There is no one size fits all treatment so we take the time to learn about your specific needs before we give you options.