How Do I Choose Between Invisalign and Traditional Braces to Straighten My Teeth?

November 12, 2026

How do I choose between clear aligners and traditional braces to straighten my teeth? The choice depends mainly on the type of movement needed, your bite, gum health, hygiene, and your ability to follow instructions. In Laval, Centre dentaire Champfleury offers Invisalign aligners among its services, and an in-clinic exam remains the first step.

Aligners or Traditional Braces: What Changes Day to Day

Clear aligners are trays worn according to a plan established with the professional. Traditional braces, on the other hand, are bonded to the teeth for the entire course of treatment. The choice therefore affects your eating routine, brushing habits, and appointments, well beyond appearance alone.

| Criteria | Clear Aligners | Fixed Braces | |---|---|---| | Removal | Removable for eating and brushing, then put back in place according to clinical directions | Not removable during treatment | | Hygiene | More accessible, since no brackets or wires stay stuck to the teeth, but the teeth and aligners must be cleaned | Brackets and wires trap more plaque; rigorous hygiene is essential | | Discipline | The result depends heavily on wearing them as prescribed | Doesn't depend on putting the appliance back after meals, but appointments and hygiene remain essential | | Case complexity | Eligibility determined by diagnosis and treatment plan | May be preferred when the mechanical control required makes this option more suitable | | Appearance | Generally more discreet | More visible, depending on the type of appliance |

When Traditional Braces Are Often Preferred

Fixed braces may be recommended when the mechanical control required or the complexity of the movement makes this option more suitable. This isn't a judgment on your teeth, it's a matter of mechanics: certain tooth movements are better controlled with fixed attachments.

The dentist or orthodontist also checks your bite, meaning how your upper and lower teeth meet. This assessment is what determines whether aligners can achieve the desired movement.

When Aligners May Be Suitable, and Their Limits

Aligners can work well for many people, especially when discretion and the ability to remove them for meals matter a lot in daily life. However, they aren't automatically suited to every type of misalignment. An in-clinic diagnosis determines eligibility.

Aligners also come with their own constraints:

Pressure, sensitivity, or irritation can occur during the first few days or with each new tray.
Removal has to become a habit: aligners must be put back in after meals and brushing, as directed.
Irregular wear can compromise the plan set out by the professional.

For example, in a hypothetical situation, someone who often forgets to put their aligners back in after lunch might find their treatment doesn't follow the planned course as closely. That's why discipline matters just as much as the choice of system.

Gums and Hygiene: A Step You Can't Skip

Plaque left on the teeth can lead to cavities and gum disease. Once it hardens, it becomes tartar, which can't be removed by brushing or flossing alone. At that point, a professional cleaning is needed.

Before any orthodontic movement, gum inflammation needs to be assessed and treated. Moving teeth while the supporting tissues are weakened can compromise their health, whether you choose aligners or fixed braces. For the basics of daily hygiene, check out our dental hygiene tips.

How to Prepare for Your First Contact in Laval

Centre dentaire Champfleury is located at 338 Boulevard Curé-Labelle, Suite G, in Laval (Sainte-Rose area). You can reach the clinic at 450 937-3100. The entrance is wheelchair accessible. The clinic is open Monday to Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is closed on weekends.

The practice was opened in 1998 by Dr. Vu, and became Centre dentaire Champfleury in 2008. The clinic also offers an intraoral camera as well as digital and 3D radiography, which the dentist may use when deemed useful for assessment.

To prepare for your call, jot down your questions, any treatments you've already had, and a list of your medications. If you'd like to know the costs, ask for a quote: the price depends on factors such as the complexity of the case, the type of treatment, and the preparation required. You can also learn more about the clinic before calling.

Frequently asked questions

Is Invisalign suitable for all cases in Laval?

No, aligners aren't automatically suited to every type of misalignment. Eligibility for Invisalign depends on the diagnosis and treatment plan established after an exam. At Centre dentaire Champfleury, the decision is made in clinic, taking your specific situation into account.

Do I need to treat my gums before starting orthodontic treatment?

Yes, active gum inflammation or disease needs to be assessed and treated before any tooth movement begins. Orthodontic treatment doesn't replace proper gum care. The dentist can let you know the next steps after an examination.

Which professional should I see to choose between aligners and fixed braces in Laval?

You can start with a family dentist, who will assess your teeth, gums, and hygiene. Depending on your situation, they can point you toward the most suitable treatment. Centre dentaire Champfleury offers both Invisalign and orthodontics, and an exam helps determine which option fits your needs.

How do I know if removing my aligners regularly will work for my daily routine?

Removing them lets you eat and brush your teeth without any hassle from the appliance, but it does require remembering to put them back after every meal. If you think you'll struggle to put your aligners back in at the right time, mention it during your exam. The professional can give you practical pointers based on your situation.