“So, which one should I do—braces or Invisalign?” I am asked nearly every day as an orthodontist at Pavilion Dentistry. It’s likely the most common discussion I have with new patients at our St. Catharines clinic, and honestly, I love it. Why? Because the orthodontic options at your disposal today are thrilling!

How Your Orthodontist Determines What’s Best for You

Let me provide a sneak peek at what happens when you have your consultation. I’ll first speak with you about what bothers you about your smile and what you’d like to see. Second, I’ll examine your teeth and take pictures—picture yourself creating an incredibly accurate map of your smile.

“When I came into the office, I was set on Invisalign because I didn’t want to have metal braces at 35. But when Dr. Miller showed me my individual case, I understood why braces would be more appropriate for me. I am so happy that I listened to advice!”

Every patient is different. That’s why, as your orthodontist, I consider so many factors before recommending things:

How complicated are your alignment problems? Some tricky rotations or bites are more responsive to some types of treatment.

What’s daily life like for you? An executive with a busy schedule may have different needs than a competitive swimmer.

How strict are you about sticking to treatment plans? (Don’t worry, I won’t judge!)

What’s your budget situation? Let’s get something that fits financially.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Most patients tell me that they were nervous before their first orthodontist appointment. I get it—of course, you’re going to be a little nervous about doing something new, especially when it involves your smile!

While you’re here, let’s spend a little time getting to know one another. You’ll probably have a million questions, and I’m more than happy to respond to all of them. I prefer to utilize models and before-and-after photographs to help visualize things for you. Occasionally, seeing is believing!

Traditional Braces: Not Your Parent’s Metal Mouth

When I mention “braces,” most adults automatically picture those awkward metal brackets of their past. But surprise! Braces nowadays are a far cry from those!

Why Braces Might Be Your Best Choice

Modern braces have some good reasons why they might be your best choice:

“I was amazed at how much smaller the brackets are now than when my older sister got braces. They’re so much less noticeable than I thought!”

They’re horses for courses for complicated cases—if your teeth are moving a lot, braces tend to do the job quicker.

Once fitted, they’re working 24/7—no forgetting to pop them back in after lunch.

They tend to be cheaper, which is a major bonus for families.

Modern varieties are available in less obtrusive versions such as tooth-colored ceramic.

Children tend to love personalizing with colored bands (even some of my adult patients get a kick out of this!).

The Not-So-Fun Parts of Braces

I believe being completely honest with my patients is paramount, so here’s the reality check:

You’ll need to be more vigilant with brushing and flossing near brackets.

Avoiding popcorn, caramel, and other sticky treats during treatment is a must.

The first week with braces may be painful as your mouth adjusts.

They’re definitely more noticeable than clear aligners, though less so than they used to be.

Invisalign: Near-Invisible

When Invisalign first emerged, it was revolutionary. I’ve been an orthodontist for decades, and I’ve witnessed this technology change from treating only simple cases to being sophisticated enough for treating a lot of tough situations.

Why You’ll Love Invisalign

Many of my patients are drawn to Invisalign for very good reasons:

• “Being able to take out my aligners for my daughter’s wedding was amazing. I had beautiful photos without braces, and then went back to treatment the very next day!”
• They’re almost invisible—most people won’t even notice you have them on.
• Freedom to eat whatever you want (just remove them first!).
• Easy to maintain your clean teeth—just brush and floss normally.
• In most instances, more comfortable than traditional braces, with no wires to annoy your cheeks.
• Fewer trips to the office, perfect for busy lifestyles.

The Invisalign Challenges

As your orthodontist, I have to mention some of the potential downsides:

You have to wear them 20-22 hours a day—this is no laughing matter.

It’s surprisingly easy to lose clear aligners (the number of patients who’ve wrapped them in napkins at restaurants!).

They’re usually more costly than traditional braces.

For some tricky movements, they might work more slowly or be less effective.

You’ll need to brush after meals before you reinsert aligners—no snacking on the go.

Other Awesome Options Your Orthodontist Might Prescribe

Braces vs. Invisalign doesn’t have to be either/or. Sometimes I recommend something in between.

Ceramic Braces: The Middle Ground

“I had ceramic braces on my top teeth and regular metal on the bottom where they’d be less visible. It was the perfect compromise for me!”

These work in much the same way as metal braces but are improved with a better matching color tooth blend. Some of my adult working patients opt for this mid-level solution.

Lingual Braces: The Stealth Option

They are totally hidden as they are bonded behind your teeth! While they work great on some patients, they’re not ideal for everyone because of cost and comfort concerns.

How I Assist You to Make This Significant Decision

As your orthodontist, my job isn’t merely to correct the position of your teeth—it’s to guide you toward the treatment that will best suit you and your lifestyle.

“I was paralyzed by choices until my orthodontist broke it down for me. She asked me about my lifestyle that I hadn’t even considered mattered to my treatment choice!”

Questions I Love When Patients Ask

The ideal appointments are when patients arrive with questions such as:

“Considering my particular bite problems, which one will yield the best outcome?”

“How much longer would treatment be with Invisalign compared to braces in my situation?”

“What are the actual costs of each option when all is said and done?”

“From your experience, which patients are most satisfied with each option?”

Let’s Find Your Perfect Smile Solution

After we’ve reviewed all of your possibilities, the choice is up to you. Some patients know immediately which way they’d like to go, and others would like to think about it—and that’s perfectly fine!

Our Pavilion Dentistry team of orthodontists enjoys creating stunning, healthy smiles for a lifetime. No matter what you choose—braces, Invisalign, or otherwise—we’ll be with you every step along the way.

Ready to talk about your choices? I’d be delighted to get together! Call us at 905-641-2242 to schedule your appointment at our St. Catharines clinic. Let’s talk about creating your ideal smile!