Research shows that nearly everyone has some type of tooth misalignment, also known as malocclusion. This includes overbite, underbite, crossbite, overjet, crowding, open bite, and gapped teeth. While many people can live with their malocclusion, many others require treatment.
For many years, the primary treatment option was traditional braces. This involved the placement of brackets on the patient’s teeth, which were connected with a wire. The wire was tightened, which pulled the teeth into their appropriate position. While effective, this wasn’t the most comfortable or convenient treatment.
In the late 1990s, an orthodontic patient created a new concept: Invisalign clear aligners, which look similar to a retainer. The aligners fit snugly against the teeth, placing even pressure on the entire arch to push them into their appropriate position.
Dr. Jeremy Kurtz at Invisalign Toronto specializes in Invisalign treatment. He has supervised more than 4,000 cases during his career. This has earned him VIP Diamond status from Invisalign, meaning he falls within the top 1% of providers.
Both types of orthodontic treatment offer their own advantages and disadvantages. Here is what you need to know about the differences between the two so that you can make your own
Invisalign
Traditional Braces
Treatment Length
Average of 12 to 18 months. Mild cases may take as little as 6 months, while more complex cases may take up to 24.
Treatment time ranges from 12 months for mild cases to up to 36 months for more complex cases.
Expedited Option
Invisalign treatment can be expedited, as long as you wear the aligners for at least 22 hours a day, and you keep your aligners and teeth clean. You may also want to ask about Invisalign Express.
As long as you keep your braces and teeth clean- and visit the dentist at least every 6 months, you may be able to expedite treatment with traditional braces.
Benefits
Better aesthetics
Removable
Fewer issues
Easier to clean teeth
More effective for complex situations
Dental insurance may cover a portion of treatment
Costs
Treatment starts at around $1,200 for mild cases and goes up to around $8,000 for more complex cases.
Treatment starts at around $3,000 and goes up to around $7,000 based on the type and severity of your malocclusion
Visits
Requires fewer visits to the dentist- every 4 to 6 weeks should be sufficient for most
Requires visits every 2 to 3 weeks to check your progress and make adjustments to braces
Removable
Yes, clear aligners are removable.
No, traditional braces are not removable.
Maintenance
Maintenance is easy- simply remove every time you eat/drink or practice oral hygiene. Rinse aligners after removing them and before putting them back in.
Avoid foods that are hard, crunchy, or sticky, as these could damage your braces.
Cleaning
Brush them once daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to remove bacteria and plaque buildup.
In order to get around the brackets and between the wires, you need an interdental toothbrush and a water flosser. You’ll need to make sure that you are cleaning your teeth twice daily.
Comfort
Aligners are made of a soft, smooth plastic. This means that they are more comfortable.
Brackets and wires can cause discomfort from rubbing against the inside of the mouth- and the pressure put on the teeth can be uncomfortable.
Effectiveness/Speed of Straightening
Most patients see full results in 6 to 24 months, depending on the type and severity of the malocclusion.
Most patients see full results in 12 to 24 months, depending on the type and severity of the malocclusion. A more complex situation may require up to 36 months.
Hygiene Requirements
No special steps or requirements for clear aligners, simply brush/floss as usual.
Requires an interdental brush and water flosser to get close to brackets and between wires.
Gum Irritation
No irritation expected with clear aligners
May cause lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated from rubbing on them. The pressure of teeth moving may cause gums to become irritated.
Ideal For
Mild to moderate malocclusions
Mild to complex malocclusions
Treatment Length
Invisalign
Average of 12 to 18 months. Mild cases may take as little as 6 months, while more complex cases may take up to 24.
Traditional Braces
Treatment time ranges from 12 months for mild cases to up to 36 months for more complex cases.
Expedited Option
Invisalign
Invisalign treatment can be expedited, as long as you wear the aligners for at least 22 hours a day, and you keep your aligners and teeth clean. You may also want to ask about Invisalign Express.
Traditional Braces
As long as you keep your braces and teeth clean- and visit the dentist at least every 6 months, you may be able to expedite treatment with traditional braces.
Benefits
Invisalign
Better aesthetics
Removable
Fewer issues
Easier to clean teeth
Traditional Braces
More effective for complex situations
Dental insurance may cover a portion of treatment
Costs
Invisalign
Treatment starts at around $1,200 for mild cases and goes up to around $8,000 for more complex cases.
Traditional Braces
Treatment starts at around $3,000 and goes up to around $7,000 based on the type and severity of your malocclusion
Visits
Invisalign
Requires fewer visits to the dentist- every 4 to 6 weeks should be sufficient for most
Traditional Braces
Requires visits every 2 to 3 weeks to check your progress and make adjustments to braces
Removable
Invisalign
Yes, clear aligners are removable.
Traditional Braces
No, traditional braces are not removable.
Maintenance
Maintenance is easy- simply remove every time you eat/drink or practice oral hygiene. Rinse aligners after removing them and before putting them back in.
Traditional Braces
Avoid foods that are hard, crunchy, or sticky, as these could damage your braces.
Cleaning
Invisalign
Brush them once daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to remove bacteria and plaque buildup.
Traditional Braces
In order to get around the brackets and between the wires, you need an interdental toothbrush and a water flosser. You’ll need to make sure that you are cleaning your teeth twice daily.
Comfort
Invisalign
Aligners are made of a soft, smooth plastic. This means that they are more comfortable.
Traditional Braces
Brackets and wires can cause discomfort from rubbing against the inside of the mouth- and the pressure put on the teeth can be uncomfortable.
Effectiveness/Speed of Straightening
Invisalign
Most patients see full results in 6 to 24 months, depending on the type and severity of the malocclusion.
Traditional Braces
Most patients see full results in 12 to 24 months, depending on the type and severity of the malocclusion. A more complex situation may require up to 36 months.
Hygiene Requirements
Invisalign
Most patients see full results in 6 to 24 months, depending on the type and severity of the malocclusion.
Traditional Braces
Most patients see full results in 12 to 24 months, depending on the type and severity of the malocclusion. A more complex situation may require up to 36 months.
Gum Irritation
Invisalign
No irritation expected with clear aligners
Traditional Braces
May cause lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated from rubbing on them. The pressure of teeth moving may cause gums to become irritated.
Ideal For
Invisalign
Mild to moderate malocclusions
Traditional Braces
Mild to complex malocclusions
Which is more effective?
Both options are effective for straightening teeth, resolving common dental issues, and improving your smile. If you prefer a more discreet option, Invisalign may be better for you. That being said, if you’ve had previous orthodontic treatments, Invisalign may not be right for you.
Also, Invisalign may not be effective if you have severely rotated or crowded teeth, a severe overbite, large gaps, or displaced teeth. Traditional braces are typically more effective for complex cases such as these.
Schedule Your Consultation
Invisalign has been proven to be just as effective as traditional metal braces for treating mild to moderate malocclusions. While this option can also treat more complex cases, traditional metal braces may be more effective.
While Invisalign has increased in popularity over the years, many patients still have questions. Some of the most common questions that Dr. Kurtz gets asked have been answered below:
How to clean Invisalign?
You should rinse aligners every time you remove them or put them in. In order to clean teeth, you should use a soft-bristled brush and mild soap or a non-abrasive toothpaste to brush away bacteria and other debris.
Can Invisalign fix an overbite?
Yes, Invisalign has been proven to resolve mild to moderate overbites- more complex cases may require traditional braces.
Can you chew gum with Invisalign?
If you want to chew gum, you should remove your aligners. However, make sure that you are wearing them for at least 20 hours a day.
Can you eat with Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners should be removed prior to eating.
Can you smoke with Invisalign?
Nicotine can cause aligners to become discolored. Therefore, if you are a smoker, you should remove aligners before smoking. Then, before putting them back in, you should rinse the aligners and brush your teeth.
Is Invisalign faster than braces?
Research indicates that Invisalign takes about 12 to 18 months, while traditional braces can take up to 36, depending on the type and severity of your malocclusion.
Can you drink coffee with Invisalign?
No, you should not drink coffee with Invisalign, as it may stain the aligners. You may remove your aligners to have your coffee and then, after brushing your teeth, put them back in.
Invisalign Toronto provides advanced orthodontic solutions to help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile with comfort and confidence. Using clear, custom-made aligners, we offer a discreet alternative to traditional braces, perfect for both teens and adults. Our experienced team in Toronto is dedicated to creating personalized treatment plans that align with your lifestyle, ensuring that your smile transformation is both effective and convenient. At
Invisalign Toronto, we prioritize your comfort and results, helping you enjoy a beautiful smile without the hassle of metal braces. Start your journey to a perfect smile today!
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Jeremy Kurtz, DDS
Orthodontics
At Invisalign Toronto, we believe that everyone deserves a straight, confident smile. Our orthodontic services in Toronto, ON, are dedicated to addressing misaligned teeth and bite issues, all while improving oral health and boosting your self-assurance.
Whether you're looking for traditional braces, discreet clear aligners, or other advanced orthodontic solutions, we offer customized treatments tailored to your unique needs, ensuring you achieve the best possible results. Let us help you smile with confidence!
Research shows that nearly everyone has some type of tooth misalignment, also known as malocclusion. This includes overbite, underbite, crossbite, overjet, crowding, open bite, and gapped teeth. While many people can live with their malocclusion, many others require treatment.
