The mouth is an essential component of the human body. It is where you take your first breath and where you do most of your chewing, and also how you smile. When it comes to teeth, there are many different options for treatment depending on the condition of each person's teeth. You may want to improve your smile for cosmetic reasons and straighten any teeth that are not just right or may be missing due to an accident or something else. This is where the braces and Invisalign system may be used to correct these issues.

What are Braces
Braces are a type of orthodontic appliance used to correct teeth that are misaligned. They generally consist of two brackets bonded to each tooth and attached to an archwire that runs along the top and bottom of your teeth. Using braces is to slowly move your teeth into their proper positions by gently applying constant pressure over time.

What is Invisalign
Invisalign is a straightforward way to straighten your teeth. You wear a series of custom-made, nearly invisible aligners that are comfortable, convenient, and easy to use. Each set of aligners works with your body to slowly shift your teeth. Depending on the severity of your crooked teeth, it can take as little as 12 weeks or as long as 18 months to complete treatment.

5 Questions to Ask Your Orthodontist Before Getting Braces or Invisalign
Braces and Invisalign typically last anywhere from one to three years, however treatment time can exceed this time frame depending on the severity of the patient’s case. With this timeframe in mind, it's essential to go for treatment of braces or Invisalign in Ottawa with the right mindset. To help keep you on track, here are five questions you should ask your orthodontist before beginning your treatment.

1. What Types Of Braces Do You Offer And Which One Will Work For Me?
Everyone is unique, and this includes your teeth. Braces are a great option if you want straighter, healthier teeth. When choosing braces in Ottawa , you'll talk with your orthodontist at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa about the braces that will work best for you. The types include:

1. Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are made from a rigid, non-porous material. They are solid and durable and less likely to cause tooth changes or damage to the surrounding teeth. Ceramic brackets are very light in color and will be virtually invisible on your teeth once covered with a clear plastic retainer.

2. Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are set on the backside of teeth and help mitigate crowding and misalignment. They are hidden, making them an excellent option for adults who want to protect their smiles while undergoing treatment.

3. Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are ideal for young kids. Traditional braces may feel more uncomfortable in the first few weeks of treatment than Invisalign clear aligners because they use metal wires.

4. Self-ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces are a newer type of metal braces. They use a series of brackets and wires that clip together without a traditional elastic retainer. An entirely unobtrusive metal frame allows you to floss and brush and enjoy a more comfortable night's sleep.

2. How Do Braces Work and How Long Will Braces Take?
Braces work by gradually moving every tooth in your mouth back to where it should be. The time that you have braces depends on the amount of time each treatment takes and what type of treatment is selected. Your orthodontist for braces in Ottawa will determine how long it takes for you to get the most out of your braces.

3. How Does Invisalign Work?
Your orthodontist for Invisalign in Ottawa will create a series of clear, removable aligners that shift your teeth gradually in the direction they need to go. Unlike non-removable dental appliances, these subtle changes are nearly unnoticeable and can be completed faster than with traditional braces. Aside from the fact that they don't require brackets or wires, what makes Invisalign aligners so compelling is how they guide your teeth precisely. Thanks to their three-dimensional design and advanced technology, each new set of aligners lock onto those before they have been removed and helps push those teeth just where your orthodontist wants them to go.

4. How Much Do Braces And Invisalign Cost?
The cost of orthodontics varies widely based on your case's severity and orthodontist location. To get an idea of your total costs, ask your orthodontist to give you a price estimate that includes everything you'll need throughout the process.

5. Can You Finance Braces Or Invisalign?
The good news is you won't have to pay all at once! Many orthodontists offer payment plans that allow you to pay for braces in monthly instalments until your treatment is complete.

The Advantages of Invisalign
1. Removable
These clear, removable aligners are removable, so you can remove them to eat and drink. And they're designed to minimize any unwanted speech impediments or problems related to wearing braces.

2. Appearance
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. The advantages of Invisalign are that it can improve your facial profile, open up space in your mouth, and straighten your teeth.

3. Comfort
Invisalign is comfortable because it has no metal, braces, or wires. Instead, clear plastic aligners slide into your mouth to gradually move your teeth from an improper position to the perfect one.

4. Treatment time
Invisalign treatment time is generally shorter than traditional orthodontic treatment. Patients who may have been told to wait until their teen years for traditional braces can now correct their teeth earlier with Invisalign.

The Advantages of Braces
1. Irremovable
Braces are an indispensable tool for straightening teeth and correcting misalignment. It's also one of the safest, most effective ways to achieve a beautiful smile. Excellent for older patients who may not be candidates for other types of treatment. Braces are irremovable and can last for years.

2. Cleaning
The braces are easy to clean and maintain. The brackets can be brushed and flossed like any other tooth, but it is a good idea to invest in an interdental cleaner because of their position.

3. Follow up visits
Follow-up visits are necessary to ensure your braces continue to move correctly and that you're comfortable with the way you look. Our goal is to make these visits as convenient for you as possible.

Invisalign and braces are both effective ways to straighten your teeth professionally. They can both be effective in aligning crooked, misaligned, and overlapping teeth. Schedule an appointment at the Upper Hunt Club Dental Centre in Ottawa to discuss the best treatment option for you. Contact us today!