Braces and clear aligners: orthodontic options for children and adults

At Harvest Hills Dental Care, we are committed to serving the oral health needs of families in the Newmarket, East Gwillimbury, and surrounding Ontario areas. Part of a healthy mouth includes proper tooth and jaw alignment, which is why we provide orthodontic options that include braces and clear aligners in addition to preventive and general dentistry services for children and adults. 

Benefits of having straight teeth

Many people think that having straight teeth only has cosmetic benefits by improving the appearance of your smile, but the advantages of properly aligned teeth and jaws go well beyond that! In addition to boosting not only yours but also your child’s confidence, straight teeth are easier to clean because they are not crowded or overlapping, which can help reduce problems such as cavities and gum disease. Additionally, misalignment can contribute to painful conditions such as TMJ disorder and bruxism (clenching and grinding), which may detract from your quality of life. 

What are the main differences between braces and clear aligners?

At Harvest Hills Dental Care, we offer two popular options for straightening teeth: traditional braces and Invisalign® clear aligners. Both are highly effective at shifting the teeth and jaw into their ideal position, but the process for each treatment option is quite different: 

• Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires that move all teeth at once using force placed by the wire on the teeth. Braces are affixed to the teeth for the duration of treatment (which averages 16 to 18 months) and may be combined with rubber bands to aid in jaw movement. 
• Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, clear aligners that gently move one tooth at a time. Each aligner set will be worn for one to two weeks at a time before you move on to the next set in the series. The aligners are fully removable, so you can continue enjoying your favourite foods without restrictions, but it is essential to wear them for at least 22 hours a day for optimal results. 

While Invisalign can be used to straighten many patients’ teeth, more severe cases of misalignment may require traditional braces. Our orthodontist, Dr. Savita Singh, will work with you to determine the best treatment option for you or your child’s needs and preferences. To schedule your consultation, call our East Gwillimbury office today at (365) 659-1008!

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