Improving Your Smile: Your Orthodontic Options

If your top and bottom teeth do not fit together properly and you want to fix your smile, you have options. Several things affect your bite such as missing, crooked, crowded or protruding teeth. Orthodontic treatments not only improve your smile, but also reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease because straighter teeth are easier to clean.

Several orthodontic treatment options exist today to help improve your smile like traditional braces, removable appliances and Invisalign® aligners. Determining which treatment is best for you can be difficult, which is why you should always consult your dentist first. Below we have outlined the most common options and what they entail when it comes to orthodontic treatment.

Traditional Braces

Braces consist of metal brackets that are secured to your teeth, then connected by wires and rubber bands. Although they are still metal, you can get brackets that match your enamel if you want them to be more discreet. Alternatively, you can choose the colour of your choice. They require periodic tightening so steady pressure can gradually straighten your teeth and align your jaw.

Candidates for traditional braces include:

• People with a complex bite and alignment issues
• People with extreme crowding, gapped or misaligned teeth

Invisalign

Invisalign is an alternative to traditional metal braces. Invisalign is an orthodontic adjustment option that uses a series of clear aligners to gradually adjust your teeth. Invisalign is particularly popular with adults and teenagers that are concerned about the appearance of braces.

A series of custom clear aligners are made using 3D computer imaging technology that are designed to gradually shift your teeth. Instead of having to make multiple trips to the dentist, you’ll be provided with a series of aligners to wear every day and additional aligners to take home and change at home every couple of weeks.

Candidates for Invisalign include: 

• People that have mild to moderate bite issues
• People that are looking for a more discrete orthodontic option