Having straight teeth is not only beneficial to build confidence in your smile, but it can also affect your ability to have a healthy mouth overall. We often think of braces as being used primarily for cosmetic purposes, but crooked or misaligned teeth can have far-reaching consequences for overall oral health as well.
Properly aligned teeth can prevent tooth decay by enabling you to clean around and between teeth properly -overlapping or crooked teeth may have more nooks and crannies where bacteria and food can hide. In addition, bite problems can cause imbalanced strain on the jaw muscles, which can lead to problems such as excessive tooth wear, TMJ disorder, and other painful conditions.
For many people, metal braces are cosmetically unappealing. Invisalign offers a viable alternative to metal braces for certain orthodontic patients. Invisalign is a smooth, clear insert (aligner) for your mouth that aligns teeth over time with gentle force. The aligner trays are thin and lightweight, making them ultra-comfortable.
In addition to the comfort benefits that Invisalign offers, many patients also prefer it for aesthetic reasons. The clear aligners are virtually indistinguishable in your mouth, allowing you to get teeth straightened more subtly than with traditional braces. They are also much more convenient than traditional braces, because they are not bonded to your teeth, so they can be removed for meals and hygiene.
If you want to straighten your teeth, for health reasons, cosmetic reasons, or both, Esquire Dental Centres can help. With dental surgeons skilled in orthodontic practice, you can find out whether options like Invisalign will work for you. We understand that each patient is different, and we will help you find the best solution for your unique situation.
Many dental offices offer flexible payment plans, allowing patients to pay for Invisalign every month. Invisalign treatment can be costly, but spreading the payments throughout the treatment period can make it more manageable. Some dentists offer in-house financing, while others partner with third-party financing companies to provide payment options. It’s important to consult with your dentist or orthodontist to discuss payment plans that fit your budget.
No, it would help if you did not eat while wearing Invisalign aligners. Invisalign trays are removable, and you should take them out during meals to avoid damaging or trapping food particles inside the aligners. Eating with Invisalign aligners can lead to staining, warping, and reduced effectiveness of the treatment. After eating, brushing your teeth before reinserting the aligners is important to maintain oral hygiene and prevent food from getting stuck between your teeth and the aligners.
In most cases, Invisalign is comparable in cost to traditional braces, but it can sometimes be slightly more expensive. The cost of Invisalign depends on the complexity of the treatment, the duration, and the specific dental office. While traditional metal braces may be less expensive upfront, Invisalign offers the advantage of being nearly invisible and removable, making it a popular choice for adults and teens. It’s important to consult with your dentist or orthodontist to compare costs based on your needs.
Yes, some dental insurance plans in Canada may cover a portion of the Invisalign treatment cost, particularly if it’s deemed medically necessary to correct bite or alignment issues. However, coverage varies between insurance providers and plans. It is important to review your specific insurance policy and speak with your provider to determine the extent of coverage for orthodontic treatments like Invisalign. Many dental offices also offer financing options to help manage the cost.
The speed of treatment depends on the individual case. For mild to moderate alignment issues, Invisalign may work as quickly as, or even faster than, traditional braces. On average, Invisalign treatment lasts about 12 to 18 months, while braces may take longer for more complex cases. To be effective, patients must wear Invisalign aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily. Traditional braces might provide faster results for more severe orthodontic issues due to their ability to move teeth more aggressively.
When you are ready to take the next step toward straighter teeth with Invisalign, schedule a personalized consultation at one of Esquire Dental Centres’ three convenient locations throughout the greater Toronto area, in Scarborough, Pickering, and North York. Meet with our highly skilled dental surgeons in our clean, comfortable offices, and experience our patient-friendly approach to your dental care.
Dr. Amir Awadalla
Dr. Mark Awadalla
Dr. Ashraf Awadalla
