If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or a loved one, you probably have a lot of questions and may not know where to begin looking for answers. We’re fortunate enough to live in a time where anything you need to know can be found with the click of a button or two, but this convenience can sometimes come at a cost—there’s so much information out there that it can be hard to know who to trust. With your family’s oral health on the line, it’s important to find a qualified provider that’s right for you. Trusting your family’s smiles to an experienced orthodontist is the first step in orthodontic treatment. Let’s take a closer look at what an experienced orthodontist has to offer and how Stacy Wolf Orthodontics could be the perfect fit for your family!
Extra education, training, and experience
We often hear from prospective patients who assume that dentists and orthodontists are more or less the same. They wonder if their family dentist can handle their orthodontic needs and may question the necessity of starting treatment with an orthodontic practice they’re not familiar with. This is understandable since many dentists now offer some orthodontic services, but despite their similarities, there are several significant differences between the two professions. It can be helpful to understand these as you search for a qualified provider.
Dentists and orthodontists are on a similar path right up until they graduate from dental school. At this point, many dentists will begin practicing, but orthodontists will take on 2-3 additional years of training and education. During this time, the focus is on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. They will also learn more about:
- oral disease
- biomedical science and biomechanics
- successfully managing tooth movement and facial development using various orthodontic techniques
Dr. Wolf is no stranger to the hard work that goes into becoming an orthodontist! She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Wesleyan University in Connecticut, then continued her education at New York University College of Dentistry. During her time there, she earned both her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and her Certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Dr. Wolf is also board-certified, which means she has even more training than the average orthodontist!
Honest answers to all your questions
The question we hear the most from patients is usually “how long will my treatment take?” Since every case is different and each patient responds to treatment in their own way, there’s no “one size fits all” answer to that. The length of time that braces or clear aligners are needed will be related to the complexity of the case, with mild orthodontic issues generally taking less time to solve than more complex problems.
When you’re speaking with an orthodontist, however, don’t be afraid to ask them for an estimated treatment time! This will give you a better idea of what you can expect from the orthodontic process. Regular check-ups are also an essential part of any treatment plan, so you may want to inquire about these to get a feel for how much time you’re likely to be spending in their office. Choose a doctor and practice who will give you honest answers to your questions instead of simply telling you what they think you want to hear.
This advice applies to discussions about the cost of treatment, as well. Orthodontic treatment is an investment of your time and finances, and the last thing you want to encounter is hidden fees! The total cost for treatment varies from case to case, so it’s important to understand everything that’s included in your treatment plan. During your initial consultation with our office, we’ll walk you through all the applicable fees associated with your treatment. This way there won’t be any unwelcome surprises throughout the orthodontic process.
Dr. Wolf believes everyone should have access to the high-quality orthodontic care they need. We offer flexible payment plans and automatic bank drafts for your convenience, and will also check with your insurance company for orthodontic benefits. This will help ensure you’re getting your maximum allowance! We’ll ask for your dental insurance information when you schedule your consultation to help make your first visit with us as efficient and accurate as possible.
A range of treatment options to fit your smile
Thanks to modern technology and innovative new techniques, orthodontists are now able to offer a range of effective treatment options. At Stacy Wolf Orthodontics, this includes traditional metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign clear aligner therapy.
Metal Braces
Today’s metal braces boast some major improvements over previous designs. The brackets are much smaller and no longer wrap around the entire tooth. Thinner archwires are used to move the teeth with more comfort and speed. You can even add a little pop of personality to the treatment process by choosing fun colors for your elastic bands! Metal braces are a cost-effective option with a long track record of successfully treating a wide range of cases, from simple to complex.
Clear Braces
Clear braces are the same shape and size as metal braces but use transparent or tooth-colored brackets to blend in better with your natural smile. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored elastics, they provide an incredibly subtle way to straighten your smile. While the ceramic brackets are durable, they do tend to be a bit more prone to breakage than metal brackets. For this reason, we usually only recommend them for our teen and adult patients.
Invisalign Clear Aligner System
Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of clear removable aligners to move the teeth. These are made from a special thermoplastic resin and customized to fit over your teeth firmly but comfortably. Because they’re removable, they provide patients with a bit more freedom and flexibility than braces. They also allow you to brush, floss, and eat as you normally would! Invisalign can often be just as effective as braces when patients are fully compliant and wear the aligners exactly as directed.
Find the right orthodontist for your family at Stacy Wolf Orthodontics
If you’ve been looking for an orthodontist you can trust with your family’s smiles, you’ve come to the right place! Dr. Wolf and the rest of our expert team offer exceptional care, affordable treatment options, and long-lasting results you’ll love. To learn more about how we can help improve your family’s oral health, get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Wolf!