Adult Orthodontics in Calgary: Invisalign vs Traditional Braces

If you’ve been putting off straightening your teeth because you think you’ve aged out of orthodontic treatment, here’s some good news: you haven’t. Adult orthodontics is more popular than ever, and modern options like Invisalign have made the decision easier for professionals who want to improve their smile without the obvious appearance of traditional braces.

But which option is best for you? The truth is, both Invisalign and traditional braces can deliver beautiful results for adults. It’s helpful to understand how each treatment works, what they excel at, and which option aligns with your lifestyle and dental needs.

Here’s everything you need to know about braces for adults so you can make an informed decision.

TL;DR

Invisalign offers a discreet, removable option ideal for mild to moderate alignment issues. Treatment typically takes 12-24 months with clear aligners worn ~22 hours daily. Best for adults who prioritize aesthetics and have the discipline to wear aligners consistently.

Traditional braces work for highly complex cases and don't require you to remember to wear them. Treatment averages 12-24 months with brackets bonded to teeth. Best for comprehensive orthodontic corrections and those who prefer a "set it and forget it" approach.

Both options require a consultation to determine which is right for your specific case.

All About Adult Orthodontics

Here's something many adults don't realize: your teeth can move at any age. Whether you never had braces as a teenager, experienced shifting after previous orthodontic work, or simply want to improve your smile now, adult orthodontics can help.

The difference between adult and adolescent orthodontics isn't just about aesthetics (though that's certainly a factor). As an adult, you're likely more concerned about how treatment fits into your professional life, social obligations, and daily routine. You might have dental restorations or bite issues that need to be considered. These are all factors that make choosing between Invisalign and traditional braces an important decision.

What Is Invisalign?

Invisalign has revolutionized adult orthodontics by offering a virtually invisible alternative to traditional braces. The treatment uses a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners that gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions.

Here's how it works: Dr. Graas creates a precise 3D image of your teeth using digital scans. From this, a series of aligners are manufactured specifically for you. You'll wear each set of aligners for about one week before moving to the next set in the series, with each one making incremental adjustments to your tooth position.

The aligners are made from smooth, BPA-free plastic that fits snugly over your teeth. From a conversational distance, they're barely noticeable. Most people won't even realize you're undergoing orthodontic treatment unless you tell them.

Treatment time with Invisalign typically ranges from 12 to 24 months, depending on the complexity of your case. The key to success? Wearing your aligners for the recommended 22 hours per day. This is where patient discipline becomes crucial.

What Are Traditional Braces?

Don't picture the bulky metal braces of decades past. Modern traditional braces have come a long way. Today's options include smaller, less noticeable brackets, and there are even ceramic braces that blend with your natural tooth colour.

Traditional braces consist of brackets bonded to each tooth, connected by a wire that applies consistent pressure to move teeth into alignment. Your orthodontist adjusts this wire periodically throughout treatment to continue guiding your teeth into their proper positions.

The major advantage of braces is their constant presence. They work 24/7 without requiring any effort on your part beyond maintaining good oral hygiene. There's no risk of misplacing them or leaving them behind when you're out.

For adults, treatment with traditional braces typically takes 12 to 24 months, though complex cases may require more time. The permanence of braces also means that tooth movements can be more efficient than with removable aligners.

Invisalign vs. Braces: A Detailed Comparison

Appearance and Discretion
This is often the first consideration for adult patients, and understandably so. If you're in a client-facing role or simply prefer to keep your orthodontic treatment private, appearance matters.

• Invisalign: The clear aligners are designed to be as discreet as possible. In most professional and social settings, people won't notice you're wearing them. This makes Invisalign particularly appealing for adults who feel self-conscious about visible orthodontic treatment.
• Traditional Braces: Even with ceramic or clear brackets, braces are more noticeable than Invisalign. However, modern braces are significantly smaller and less obvious than older versions. Some patients even embrace their braces as part of their smile transformation journey.

Treatment Capabilities
Not all orthodontic issues are created equal, and neither are the treatments designed to fix them.

• Invisalign: This treatment excels at addressing mild to moderate orthodontic concerns, including crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. The technology has advanced significantly in recent years, allowing Invisalign to tackle increasingly complex cases. However, severe orthodontic issues may still require traditional braces or a referral to a specialist orthodontist.
• Traditional Braces: Braces remain the gold standard for highly complex orthodontic cases. Because brackets are bonded directly to each tooth, they provide precise control over tooth movement in all directions. If you have severe crowding, significant bite issues, or teeth that need substantial rotation, braces may be your best option.

Lifestyle Impact
How will orthodontic treatment fit into your daily life? This is where the differences between these two options become most apparent.

• Invisalign: The removability of Invisalign aligners is both an advantage and a responsibility. You can remove them for important meetings, special occasions, meals, and oral hygiene. There are no food restrictions because you simply take your aligners out before eating. However, this flexibility requires discipline. If you're someone who snacks frequently throughout the day or might forget to put your aligners back in after meals, Invisalign's effectiveness could be compromised.
• Traditional Braces: With braces, your treatment is happening 24/7 whether you think about it or not. This "set it and forget it" aspect appeals to many adults who don't want to worry about compliance. The trade-off? You'll need to avoid certain foods that could damage brackets (think hard candies, popcorn, bagels, and sticky foods), and you'll need to be more diligent about oral hygiene around the brackets and wires.

Oral Hygiene Considerations
Maintaining good oral health during orthodontic treatment is crucial, but the approach differs between these options.

• Invisalign: Oral hygiene is straightforward with Invisalign. You simply remove your aligners to brush and floss normally. However, you do need to clean your aligners themselves before reinserting them after each meal to prevent discolouration and maintain hygiene. This means more frequent brushing throughout the day, especially if you're someone who snacks often.
• Traditional Braces: Brushing and flossing with braces requires more time and technique. Food particles can get trapped around brackets, and you'll need to use special tools like floss threaders or interdental brushes. A Waterpik can be incredibly helpful for thorough cleaning around braces. The extra effort is worth it, though—proper oral hygiene during braces prevents tooth discolouration and decay.

Treatment Timeline
When can you expect to see your final results?

• Invisalign: Treatment typically ranges from 12 to 24 months, with many adult cases falling closer to the 12-month mark. The timeline depends on the complexity of your case and, importantly, on your compliance with wearing the aligners for the recommended 22 hours daily.
• Traditional Braces: Most adult patients wear braces for 12 to 24 months. While this might seem longer than Invisalign, it's important to note that braces work continuously and don't rely on patient compliance, which can sometimes lead to more predictable timelines for complex cases.

Want a deeper dive into treatment timelines? Learn more about how treatment duration compares between braces and Invisalign.

Cost Considerations
Let's talk about the financial investment. While costs can vary based on the complexity of your case and length of treatment, Invisalign and traditional braces often fall within a similar price range for comparable cases. The team at Eau Claire Park Dental will provide specific cost estimates during your consultation.

Making the Right Choice for Your Smile

So, which option is better for adult orthodontics?

Consider Invisalign if:

• Your orthodontic needs are mild to moderate
• You prioritize discretion in your professional or social life
• You're disciplined about wearing the aligners 22+ hours daily
• You don't want dietary restrictions
• You prefer being able to remove your orthodontic appliance for special occasions

Consider traditional braces if:

• You have complex orthodontic issues requiring comprehensive correction
• You prefer treatment that doesn't rely on your compliance
• You don't mind the more visible appearance
• You want the most powerful treatment option for complex cases
• You'd rather not worry about remembering to wear aligners

Dr. Graas may recommend Invisalign as a preliminary treatment to even out spacing, improve bite and reduce the need for extensive tooth preparation before other cosmetic procedures like veneers.

Making the Right Choice for Your Smile

Here's something many adults don't consider when thinking about orthodontic treatment: the benefits extend far beyond aesthetics.

Properly aligned teeth contribute to better oral health in several ways. They're easier to clean effectively, reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease. Correcting bite issues can alleviate jaw pain, reduce abnormal tooth wear, and even help with headaches caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.

For adults considering additional cosmetic dentistry, orthodontic treatment can be transformative. Aligning teeth before getting veneers often means less enamel needs to be removed, and properly positioned teeth help veneers last longer. Many of the stunning smile transformations in Eau Claire Park Dental's smile gallery began with orthodontic treatment—whether Invisalign or braces—before moving on to restorative work.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

The best way to determine which orthodontic option is right for you is through a consultation with Dr. Graas at Eau Claire Park Dental. During this appointment, you can expect:

• A comprehensive examination of your teeth, bite, and jaw alignment
• Digital imaging to assess your current tooth positions
• A discussion of your aesthetic goals and lifestyle considerations
• An honest assessment of whether Invisalign, traditional braces, or a referral to an orthodontist is best for your case
• Information about treatment timelines and costs specific to your situation

Dr. Jennifer Graas takes the time to walk patients through their options, ensuring you understand the reasoning behind treatment recommendations. For cases requiring specialized orthodontic expertise beyond Invisalign's capabilities, she refers to trusted orthodontists in Calgary who can provide the comprehensive care you need.

Adult Orthodontics in Calgary

Adult orthodontics has never been more accessible or more effective. Whether you’re seeking out traditional braces or Invisalign in Calgary, you're considering an investment in both your oral health and your personal confidence.

Invisalign offers discretion, flexibility, and effective treatment for many adult patients with mild to moderate orthodontic needs. Traditional braces provide powerful, comprehensive correction for complex cases without relying on patient compliance.

The right choice isn't about which treatment is "better" in general. It's about which treatment is better for your specific dental needs, lifestyle, and goals.

Wondering which treatment will work best for your smile? The team at Eau Claire Park Dental is here to help you navigate this decision with expert guidance and personalized care. Whether Invisalign or braces is the right path for your smile, you'll have the support you need every step of the way.

Book Your Consultation

Curious about which orthodontic option is right for you? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Graas at Eau Claire Park Dental. Together, you'll develop a treatment plan that aligns with your goals and fits seamlessly into your life.