Teeth Whitening & Straightening

These are the metal brackets and wires that most people picture when they hear the word “braces.” However, modern brackets are smaller and less noticeable than the notorious “metal-mouth” braces that many adults remember. Plus, new heat-activated archwires use your body heat to help teeth move more quickly and less painfully than in the past.

Pros: Least expensive type; can have colored bands, works the quickest, doesn’t stain with food and drink

Cons: Most noticeable type of braces

Ceramic braces are the same size and shape as metal braces, except that they have tooth-colored brackets that blend in to teeth. Some even use tooth-colored wires to be even less noticeable.

Pros: Less noticeable than metal braces; move teeth much faster than clear plastic aligners

Cons: More expensive than metal braces; Brackets/elastics can stain easily if patients don’t care for them well, need to avoid intake of coffee, tea, alcohol etc that may discolour the braces. The metal wire will still be noticeable. May take longer than metal braces

Lingual braces are the same as traditional metal braces, except that the brackets and wires are placed on the inside of teeth.

Pros: Invisible from outside

Cons: Difficult to clean; more expensive; not appropriate for severe cases; can be more uncomfortable at first; regular adjustments take longer and are more difficult than with traditional braces

Clear aligners (INVISALIGN or SPARK) consists of a series of 5 to 30+ custom-made, mouth guard-like clear plastic aligners. The aligners are removable and are replaced every 1-2 weeks.

Pros: Almost invisible; Patients can eat and drink whatever they want

Cons: Will struggle to completely correct moderate to severe dental crowding problems; only available for adults and teens, not children; more expensive option; can be easily lost and costly to replace; treatment may potentially take longer, teeth stripping possible.