Getting orthodontic treatment to create a healthy and beautiful smile is one of the best decisions you can make! But there is often a lot more than just one decision that needs to be made along the way. It can be overwhelming when you don’t know which options are best for you. At Timock Family Orthodontics, we have a team of experts who are available to help you make the best decision for your family!
There are a few things you should know in advance about our treatment options. We can group them into two categories: braces and clear retainers. Continue reading to learn all the pros and cons of each, and help you know a little better which one might be best for you!
What to Know About Wearing Invisalign
Cosmetics
One big priority for adults and teens who are getting treatment is how it will change the way they look. If this is a concern of yours, then Invisalign aligners might be a great option! These clear plastic retainers fit over your teeth and blend in seamlessly with your natural smile. After 20 years on the market, they are still the most invisible orthodontic option and work well for many patients!
Your Case Complexity
Before we can know for sure whether Invisalign will be a good fit, Dr. Timock will need to do a thorough assessment to understand your case complexity. This means looking at the teeth, gums, bones, and jaw and will usually involve x-rays. This is because your oral health is more than just the appearance of your teeth, but also everything happening beneath the surface. If your case is more complex, then braces are typically recommended, but if you are a less complex case, then Invisalign could potentially work for you! Be sure to discuss these options with Dr. Timock after your assessment!
Time in Treatment and in Our Office
Getting orthodontic treatment always means a time commitment. You will need to commit to your overall treatment time, as well as to show up for your regular appointments. With Invisalign, treatment times tend to be on the shorter side, usually between 6-18 months. You will need to come into our office every six weeks to pick up your new set of aligners and to have your progress reviewed by our team. This is an essential part of the process since it will ensure that you’re on track!
Restrictions
Restrictions are usually a concern for patients who are getting orthodontic treatment. One of the best things about Invisalign is that there are few restrictions! Since retainers are what we call a removable orthodontic device, this means that you can simply take them out when eating, drinking, brushing, etc, and pop them back in when you’re done! You can enjoy all your favorite foods and drinks, and brush and floss as usual. The only trick is to remember to keep your retainers safe while they are out of your mouth, so be sure to keep a case on hand to store them in the meantime. You will also need to brush and sanitize your retainer at least once every day to make sure that it is safe to continue wearing
What to Know About Wearing Braces
Cosmetics
Braces are what we call a fixed appliance, which means they won’t be removed throughout your entire treatment and will impact your appearance. Some people are totally fine with having a shiny pair of traditional metal braces, but others prefer more discreet options. If that is the case, then Dr. Timock usually recommends ceramic braces that are the same color as your natural teeth and blend into your smile!
Your Case Complexity
As we mentioned before, the complexity of your case will sometimes alter which treatment you should use. For those with complex problems, like severe jaw or bite issues, Dr. Timock may recommend braces. And again, if you have a mild or medium case, then Invisalign might be a good fit. As always, Dr. Timock will discuss these options with you thoroughly before coming to any decision.
Time in Treatment and in Our Office
Braces typically have a longer treatment schedule than retainers, averaging about 24 months. Though you will need to be in our office less often, usually about every six to ten weeks. This schedule will help our team to evaluate your progress and make small tweaks along the way to keep you on track.
Restrictions
People who wear braces will need to adjust to a few restrictions when it comes to eating and drinking during treatment. It’s important to not bite into hard substances or chewy and sticky ones that can break or get caught in your brackets. Avoiding sugary or acidic drinks will preserve your tooth enamel during treatment.
You will also need to be very diligent about keeping your teeth clean during treatment to avoid decay and staining once the braces come off. Use an interproximal toothbrush along with your regular brush to get around and underneath the wires, and use a floss threader to pull floss under each wire!
Find the Treatment You Need at Timock Family Orthodontics
At Timock Family Orthodontics, we are ready to get started on your straight, healthy smile when you are. If you are in the Fort Collins or Windsor areas, give us a call to set up a free consultation appointment and see what Dr. Timock recommends for your treatment. We can’t wait to get started, so get in touch soon!