You want a straighter smile, and our team at Markham Dental knows the path to get there can feel confusing. There are many options, from traditional braces to Invisalign®, but figuring out which one suits your life can be a challenge because each option offers such a different experience.
The right choice depends on your specific dental needs, your lifestyle, and your personal preferences for comfort and convenience.
How Each Option Straightens Your Teeth
Invisalign® Clear Aligners
With Invisalign®, you receive a series of clear, custom-made plastic trays. These aligners fit snugly over your teeth, gently guiding them into their proper positions. You simply switch to the next set in the series every week or 2 as directed, and remove them to eat, drink, and brush your teeth.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces use a system of small brackets and wires. During regular appointments, a dental professional adjusts the wire to apply steady pressure, moving your teeth over time. Unlike Invisalign®, braces cannot be removed, and will stay on your teeth until the treatment ends.
A Look at Daily Life & Comfort
Appearance & Feel
Your comfort and appearance during treatment are important considerations. Invisalign® aligners are made from smooth plastic and are nearly invisible, so most people may not even notice you’re wearing them. Braces, whether metal or ceramic, are more noticeable, and the brackets can sometimes irritate the inside of your cheeks and lips.
Eating & Oral Hygiene
Mealtimes and daily cleaning routines look quite different with each option. Because you can remove Invisalign® trays, you can take them out, eat whatever you’d like, and put them back in after cleaning. With braces, you need to avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that could damage the brackets and wires.
Keeping your teeth clean is also simpler with Invisalign®. You can brush and floss just as you normally would. Cleaning around braces requires more effort and sometimes special tools (like floss threaders) to reach around the wires and brackets.
Effectiveness & Treatment Timeline
What Can They Fix?
Though both treatments can help with a variety of dental alignment issues, a dentist can recommend which option would work well for your specific case. Invisalign® is a great option for many concerns, including crowded teeth, gaps, and some bite problems. Traditional braces are often recommended for more complex cases because they have a very powerful approach to moving teeth.
How Long Does It Take?
The total treatment time for both braces and Invisalign® can be quite similar, depending on your individual needs. However, the appointment schedule often differs. Invisalign® check-ups are typically less frequent and quicker since they don’t involve manual adjustments.
Because clear aligners can be removed, success with Invisalign® relies on your commitment. You need to wear the aligners for 20–22 hours every day to keep your treatment on track. Sticking to that schedule helps you get the results you want in the planned timeframe.
The Cost & Your Budget
Typical Price Range
The investment for Invisalign® and traditional braces is often comparable. The final cost depends on the complexity of your case and the length of your treatment. It’s a good idea to check your dental insurance plan, as many policies provide some coverage for orthodontic care.
Make Treatment Affordable
We believe that everyone should be able to access dental treatment, and no one should have to sacrifice their smile goals because of financial concerns. You can ask our dental team about available financing solutions.
Your Next Steps
Get a Professional Opinion
To figure out which option is the right fit for you, a consultation with a dentist in Markham can help. You can receive a personalized treatment plan and get all your questions answered.
Appointments That Fit Your Schedule
Our team understands that finding time for appointments can be tough with a busy schedule. That’s why we provide appointments on Saturdays and in the evenings, so you don’t have to disrupt your day.
Cosmetic Dentistry with Markham Dental
Deciding between Invisalign® and braces is a personal choice. By considering your daily habits, smile goals, and getting a professional opinion, you can find the solution that fits your life. Our experienced team at Markham Dental can help you explore your options and create a plan to move forward. If you’re ready to begin your smile journey, you can book your consultation today.
Specialty Servicesfor Every Smile
Sleep Better, Breathe Better
Start your home sleep study today with no family doctor referral needed. Through our partnership with Resolve Health, you can complete a convenient WatchPAT ONE home sleep test from the comfort of your home, followed by personalized care from our team.
From oral appliances and CPAP support to myofunctional therapy and airway-focused treatment, we provide comprehensive solutions for children and adults.
Train Your Muscles, Improve Your Sleep
Our myofunctional therapy programs retrain the tongue, lips, and facial muscles to support nasal breathing, reduce snoring, and improve airway function. We work with children and adults to build long-term habits that benefit sleep, oral posture, and facial development.
Straighten Teeth, Support Healthy Breathing
We offer comprehensive orthodontic care for all ages, including braces and Invisalign. Beyond aesthetics, our approach improves bite, jaw function, and airway health, helping both children and adults achieve a healthy, functional smile.
Relieve Jaw Discomfort and Improve Function
Our TMJ treatment addresses jaw discomfort, clenching, and muscle tension using tailored therapies. From bite adjustments to neuromodulator support, we focus on restoring jaw function and reducing discomfort for a better quality of life.
Relax Facial Muscles, Improve Comfort
Neuromodulator treatments like Jeuveau/Neuceiva can reduce tension in the jaw and face, relieve TMJ discomfort, treat migraines, and refine fine lines. Our team customizes treatments for both therapeutic and aesthetic benefits.
Replace Missing Teeth with Stability and Function
Our dental implant services, including all-on-4 implants, restore missing or damaged teeth for a secure, natural-feeling smile. Implants support bite function, improve chewing and speaking, and prevent bone loss. Our team provides personalized planning, guided surgery, and ongoing support for long-lasting results.
What SetsMarkham Dental Apart
We approach your care differently, with a focus on health, function, and long-term prevention. At Markham Dental, we are:
We look beyond your teeth, incorporating assessments like blood pressure, airway and tongue analysis, and sleep screening to better understand how your oral health connects to your overall well-being.
With denturists, prosthodontists, orthodontists, and general dentists working together, your care is coordinated, comprehensive, and tailored to your needs.
Every exam is designed to be in-depth and intentional, with advanced assessments included at no additional cost, so nothing is overlooked.
What Our PatientsAre Saying
Come Visit Usin Markham
You can find us on Woodbine Avenue, with plenty of parking available outside the clinic. We look forward to seeing you!
Our Address
- 8241 Woodbine Ave, Unit 17
- Markham, ON L3R 2P1
Contact Information
- Phone: (905) 470-0220
- Fax: 289-806-1423
- Email: info@markhamdentalhw.com
Hours of Operation
Markham Dental
- 8241 Woodbine Ave, Unit 17
- Markham, ON L3R 2P1
- Phone: (905) 470-0220
- Fax: 289-806-1423
- Email: info@markhamdentalhw.com