When it comes to deciding between clear aligners or braces, many factors must be considered—from the severity of your malocclusion to maintenance routines and lifestyle considerations. With so much information available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Don’t worry! Dr. Timock and Dr. Mioduski from Timock Family Orthodontics and Northern Colorado Orthodontics (NOCO) have created this guide to help you navigate through the key features of our treatment options, maintenance tips, and more. Here’s everything you need to know to choose the perfect treatment for your orthodontic journey.
Key Features of Our Orthodontic Treatments
InBrace Lingual Braces: Ultimate Discretion
Unlike traditional metal braces or LightForce Clear Braces, InBrace Lingual Braces are installed behind your teeth, giving you the ultimate discreet treatment option. Using InBrace’s Gentleforce technology, Dr. Timock or Dr. Mioduski will customize your Smartwire, applying gentle pressure to gradually shift your teeth into their ideal positions.
The best part? It’s like having your orthodontic treatment on autopilot! With fewer office visits and an average treatment time of 8 to 18 months, InBrace Lingual Braces lets you go about your daily routine while your teeth are straightened in the background.
LightForce Clear Braces: Subtle and Precise
LightForce Clear Braces are an excellent choice for a subtle, stylish option. These clear braces use 3D-printed, custom-fit translucent brackets to ensure precise tooth movement. With LightForce’s innovative 3D-printed trays and advanced software, our orthodontists provide more accuracy, giving you quicker results. You can expect to see noticeable changes within 4 to 6 months—far faster than the 12 to 36 months typically needed for traditional clear braces.
Metal Braces: The Reliable Classic Metal braces
Metal braces remain a popular and reliable option for patients of all ages. It consists of smaller, medical-grade brackets bonded to teeth and archwires that guide teeth into place. You can even add some personality with colorful elastic ligatures!
Depending on your treatment needs, Dr. Timock or Dr. Mioduski may also incorporate additional components such as elastics for correcting bite issues or spacers and orthodontic bands for more advanced corrections. Typically, metal braces can correct complex malocclusions in one to two years.
Invisalign: Discreet and Convenient Invisalign
Invisalign is a popular choice for teens and adults in Fort Collins and Windsor who want a nearly invisible treatment option. Made from SmartTrack material, each set of aligners is custom-made to fit your unique orthodontic needs. Every two weeks, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners, with each tray delivering small adjustments to gradually perfect your smile.
Invisalign offers fast results, with most patients seeing their desired outcome in 9 to 18 months. The standout feature is that these aligners are removable, so you can eat and brush your teeth with ease. Just remember to store them in their case during meals to avoid losing them.
Dietary Adjustments
Here’s what you need to know about eating and drinking with each treatment option:
- InBrace Lingual Braces: You don’t have to worry about giving up coffee or tea, as these braces are hidden behind your teeth and aren’t prone to staining. However, avoid sticky and hard foods like gum, nuts, and hard bread to prevent damaging your braces.
- LightForce Clear Braces & Metal Braces: Both types of braces require you to be mindful of what you eat. Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can get stuck in the brackets and wires, making it harder to clean your teeth. Minimize dark-colored beverages like coffee and tea with LightForce Clear Braces to avoid staining.
- Invisalign: Because Invisalign aligners are removable, you can eat your favorite foods as usual. But be careful with drinks—coffee, wine, and other colored beverages can stain your aligners and may even warp them due to temperature changes. Water is the only safe drink with your aligners in.
Maintenance Tips
Caring for your orthodontic appliances is crucial for successful treatment:
- InBrace Lingual Braces: Stick to your regular brushing routine, but use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging the Smartwire. We also recommend an interdental brush to clean the spaces between your teeth effectively.
- LightForce Clear Braces & Metal Braces: A soft-bristled toothbrush and interdental brush will help you keep your braces clean. Make sure to brush above and below the brackets, and pay attention to the crevices to avoid plaque buildup.
- Invisalign: Cleaning your aligners is easy—use a soft-bristled toothbrush and water after every meal to keep them fresh. Soak them nightly in water and hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes to prevent odors and stains.
A Smile That Radiates Health and Happiness
At Timock Family Orthodontics and NOCO, we offer a range of orthodontic treatments to suit your needs and lifestyle. Whether you choose InBrace Lingual Braces, LightForce Clear Braces, Metal Braces, or Invisalign, your path to a healthier, straighter smile is just a consultation away.
No matter which option you choose, we offer flexible payment plans and work with insurance providers to make treatment accessible to you and your family.
Ready to take the next step in transforming your smile? Schedule a free consultation at our Fort Collins or Windsor office today, and let our expert team guide you toward the smile you’ve always dreamed of!