Key Takeaways
- Invisalign® uses removable aligners worn 20 to 22 hours a day to gradually move teeth according to an individual treatment plan.
- Fixed braces use a combination of ceramic brackets on front teeth and metal brackets on the other teeth with a wire that connects all the teeth.
- Bonding and veneers can address minor shape or spacing concerns.
- Cost and treatment length depend on your specific treatment plan, goals, and needs.
For many adults, the decision to straighten their teeth comes with another consideration: What treatment will fit their professional and personal lives? At Cooper Dental, we offer several options for addressing cosmetic or alignment concerns.
These options can include Invisalign® clear aligners, fixed braces, and, for certain cosmetic concerns, treatments such as bonding or veneers. The right option depends on your bite, your goals, and how treatment needs to fit your schedule.
Why Adults Often Look Beyond Metal Braces
For many adults, appearance is an important consideration. They may prefer an orthodontic treatment that remains discreet throughout their professional and personal lives.
Your daily routine is another factor to consider. Depending on the treatment, you may need to adjust how you eat, brush, and care for your teeth throughout the day. However, if compliance is a concern, a fixed treatment option may be a good fit, as it cannot be removed and works to move your teeth 24/7.
Teeth can shift over time, and some adults notice new crowding or spacing as they get older. Orthodontic treatment can be appropriate for adults as well as younger patients, depending on their individual oral health and treatment needs.
How Invisalign® Fits Into Your Day
Invisalign® uses clear, removable aligners worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. You take them out to eat, brush, and to drink anything other than water, then put them back in.
Treatment starts with digital scans of your teeth. From there, we plan tooth movement in stages, and you will transition through a series of aligners as your teeth shift. You will also come in for regular check-ins with a dentist in downtown Calgary, so we can monitor your progress throughout treatment and discuss any necessary adjustments to your plan.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners can address a range of alignment and bite concerns, although suitability depends on the specific tooth movements required. Because aligners are removable, consistent wear is an important part of keeping treatment progressing as planned.
Other Cosmetic Dentistry Options
Ceramic & Metal Braces
Ceramic combined with metal braces are fixed brackets made to blend with your front tooth shade. Because the braces are fixed to the teeth, they can be used for a range of orthodontic concerns, including cases that require more complex tooth movement.
Bonding & Veneers
Not every concern calls for tooth movement. For certain minor cosmetic concerns, bonding or veneers may change the appearance of tooth shape, size, colour, or spacing without moving the teeth.
Tooth Wear Correction: Before Veneers
Tooth Wear Correction: After Veneers
Excess Space Correction: Before Veneers
Excess Space Correction: After Veneers
Cost, Timeline & Everyday Comparison
Treatment cost varies depending on factors like the complexity of your case and the length of treatment. For example, a more straightforward case involving minor crowding may require a different treatment approach and timeline than a case involving more complex tooth movement or bite concerns.
Insurance & Payment Questions
Orthodontic coverage may apply to part of your treatment, depending on your plan. Your team can review your coverage and available financing options with you before treatment begins.
Choosing the Right Option
At your consultation, your dentist will ask you about your goals for your smile. A bite concern may require a different approach than a cosmetic concern such as a small gap, although the right treatment depends on the specific cause and tooth movements required.
We will also ask about your routine and habits. If you travel frequently or have a schedule that makes removable aligners appealing, you can discuss whether they are appropriate for your treatment needs.
Book Your Consultation
A consultation and digital scan at Cooper Dental can give you a clear picture of what each option involves for your teeth. Book a consultation to discuss your options with our dental team.
