There are so many orthodontic treatments out there to choose from these days, it can sometimes be overwhelming to learn about all of them! We understand, which is why we like to help make things simple for you at Johnson Orthodontics. We work with our patients to understand their unique dental and lifestyle needs to determine a treatment plan that works for them.
If you are just beginning your search for the right orthodontic treatment, then continue reading to learn a little bit more about which options we offer and what might be a good fit. Don’t forget that this is just an overview–at the end of the day we will recommend that you come in for a free consultation visit with Dr. Johnson who will use his years of expertise to guide you toward the perfect fit for your smile.
Time Spent in Treatment
One major thing to consider is how much time you are okay with for your treatment. Depending on the complexity of your case, you may need longer treatment, so be prepared for that. Generally, braces take longer than Invisalign retainers, lasting approximately 24 months, versus the 6-18 months for Invisalign. Be sure to ask Dr. Johnson what the timeline would be for what you need. And remember that your compliance to the process often can lengthen or shorten the timeline!
Time Spent in Our Office
The truth is, no matter which treatment you choose, we will need you to come back to our Rehoboth Beach office regularly to track and adjust your treatment. This is an essential part of the process that you simply cannot skip, sorry! For braces, it’s usually between every 6-10 weeks. For Invisalign, it will always be every 6 weeks so that we can hand off the next phase of your retainer treatment. Dr. Johnson will use this time to observe what is shifting with your smile and sometimes make tweaks and adjustments to the process as needed. This guarantees that you will always be on track to a straight and healthy smile!
Cosmetics
The way that your treatment will look is definitely a big factor when choosing which kind of orthodontics to use. This is especially true for teens and adults who understand how their appearance makes an impression, so they want their orthodontics to be a bit more discreet.
For people who wear braces, also known as a fixed appliance, it can be harder to hide the evidence, though there are options there! At Johnson Orthodontics we offer ceramic braces that are tooth-colored and almost perfectly camouflage with your natural teeth. This will help people to notice them less throughout treatment and help you feel more comfortable with your appearance.
Invisalign retainers are another great option for removable orthodontic appliances. That means your orthodontics aren’t fused to your teeth but you can take them in and out. Invisalign is almost completely invisible, making them an extremely popular choice for people who don’t want their orthodontics to be obvious.
Case Complexity
The complexity of your dental health is something that probably only a board-certified orthodontist like Dr. Johnson could tell you. Orthodontics is about so much more than just the straightness of your teeth–though that is a factor. It also has to do with the size and shape of your jaw, your bite, and how your teeth fit together along your jaw. With more complex cases, where there are severe bite problems and the like, Dr. Johnson may recommend braces as they tend to have more force and power. For others who have less complex alignment needs, Invisalign is often a great fit and works well for most people.
Restrictions
When it comes to restrictions, unfortunately, braces typically have more restrictions that come with them than other treatment options. Specifically, people who wear braces have to comply with a diet where they exclude some foods and drinks in order to keep their teeth and braces safe. Avoiding hard and crunchy foods like carrots, apples, and ice, as well as sticky and chewy foods like caramels, candy, and gum, will keep you from breaking brackets and wires. Avoiding drinks high in sugar or acids is also helpful to maintain the health of your teeth while the braces are on.
Taking Care of Your Teeth
There is often a pretty big learning curve for how to care for braces when they first go on. You have to learn to brush well, using new tools like the interproximal toothbrush that can easily go around and behind wires. You will also need to use a floss threader to weave your floss under each wire in order to floss each tooth. It might seem tedious at first, but it’s really easy once you get the hang of it. Alternatively, you can look into water flossers to avoid using floss altogether and skip the hassle.
Invisalign requires less attention, but you will have to learn some new skills along the way as well. Alongside your regular daily brushing and flossing, you will also need to brush and sanitize your retainers every day. This is also simple to learn and add to your daily hygiene routine.
Find the Treatment You Need at Johnson Orthodontics
Find the Treatment You Need at Johnson OrthodonticsDid any of these treatments that we mentioned above pique your interest? Give our office a call today to set up a free consultation appointment where you can discuss everything with Dr. Johnson! We are eager to meet you and help support you every step of your orthodontic journey, regardless of which treatment you decide. We’ll see you in our office soon!