Trying new things is always a little scary and overwhelming at first, isn’t it? Thankfully when it comes to getting a straight and beautiful smile it doesn’t have to be! Our team at Stacy Wolf Orthodontics are experts at crafting stunning smiles, and we can support all of our patients every step along the way. We will share our expert opinions to help you select the perfect treatment option for your unique needs.
Now is definitely the right time to stop procrastinating and learn about your treatment options so you can go into your consultation appointment prepared! Learn more about why we recommend braces and Invisalign to different patients and discover which one might be the best fit for you!
What to Know About Wearing Invisalign
Your Appearance
Are you concerned about your appearance when it comes to orthodontic treatment? Well if that is the case, then Invisalign might be right for you! Invisalign is made of clear plastic retainers that slowly shift your smile into alignment as you wear new aligners each week. And since they are clear, they are practically invisible to others!
Your Case Complexity
One important component to keep in mind as you consider your options for treatment is how complex your case might be. It will take a board-certified orthodontist like Dr. Stacy Wolf to determine just how complex the case is. It often requires exams, x-rays, and more to understand what is going on under the surface of your gums, roots, and bones.
The good news is that if your case is mild to moderate, then Invisalign is often a good solution! Definitely talk to Dr. Stacy Wolf about your options when you come into the office!
Your Time in Treatment and in Our Office
Because Invisalign treatment happens through a series of retainers, you will need to plan to come into our office about every six weeks to update your retainers and have your progress tracked by our team! Many of our patients love how fast the treatment can work, often averaging about 6-18 months depending on the case!
Restrictions
You won’t need to worry too much about restrictions if you are wearing Invisalign as your orthodontic treatment. As long as you remove your retainers when eating and drinking, and remember to put them back in and wear them for about 22 hours a day–then you’re golden! Do remember to store your retainers safely when not wearing them to prevent them from getting lost!
Your Hygiene Routine
Keeping up with your regular oral health routine is fairly straightforward as well when you wear retainers. Plan to remove them at least twice a day to brush and floss your teeth, and you can always brush and rinse more often after meals if you like. Just be sure that you are also cleaning your retainers, scrubbing them well with a mild cleanser once a day. This will keep them safe for you to continue wearing without growing bacteria and plaque!
What to Know About Wearing Braces
Your Appearance
Braces are often thought of as the quintessential treatment option, and they certainly have been around the longest. Many people are fine with metal braces, but for those that would prefer a more discreet option, there are ceramic braces now that are made from tooth-colored ceramic. They blend in well with your smile and help you get the treatment you need without drastically changing your appearance.
Your Case Complexity
As we mentioned before, the level of care you need will be based on the complexity of your unique oral needs. For people who have more complex needs, braces are often the best bet! They have the power to shift even the most challenging cases and pair well with other devices like palatal expanders to treat jaw problems and more.
Your Time in Treatment and in Our Office
In general, braces are a slightly longer treatment method and take an average of 24 months to complete. You will also need to adjust to regular appointments at our office, about every 6-10 weeks! Keeping this regular routine will allow Dr. Stacy Wolf and her team to know exactly what is going on with your alignment process, and make corrective changes along the way.
Restrictions
The restrictions that come with wearing braces can often be one of the bigger challenges for some patients. Missing out on crunchy foods like carrots, apples, and celery is a bummer, plus the sticky foods like caramels, candy, and gum. It’s important to avoid these things while in treatment to keep your brackets safe, as well as your teeth! But it won’t last forever and in a few months, you will be ready to enjoy all your favorite things again! Talk to our office for a full list of foods to avoid when you have braces!
Your Hygiene Routine
Being diligent about your hygiene routine while you have braces on is essential to keep your teeth and mouth healthy! With wires and brackets stretching across your teeth, it can be difficult to get all the nooks and crannies clean. Try using an interproximal toothbrush that easily fits under your wires, and be sure to use a floss threader to floss each tooth! Practice makes it possible, so don’t give up if it takes a little time to get used to.
Find the Treatment You Need at Stacy Wolf Orthodontics
Find the Treatment You Need at Stacy Wolf Orthodontics Are you getting excited about crafting a straight, healthy smile? We are pumped just talking about it! Let’s stop talking and start your own journey toward the smile of your dreams at Stacy Wolf Orthodontics! Give us a call to schedule a free consultation appointment and find out which treatment is best for you!