If you or your child has a misaligned bite, crowded or gapped teeth, orthodontic treatment is a safe, effective way to get a straighter smile. But before you can begin, you’ll need to have a consultation with an orthodontist first. Thankfully, there’s nothing to be afraid of. In fact, this appointment can be pretty exciting, because you’ll get a better idea of what your treatment will look like, and how soon you’ll be showing off your newly improved smile. It’s also the perfect opportunity to ask some questions of your own. Here are a few important ones to consider!
“Which treatment option is best for me?”
While there is often more than one option available to achieve your desired alignment, some choices may be better than others for certain patients. For example, if your child is not very responsible yet and may not take good care of his or her teeth unprompted, they may be better suited to traditional braces. Similarly, if they are forgetful and tend to lose things easily, removable aligners may be overwhelming for them.
Conversely, if you are looking for a solution for your own smile and want to maintain a professional appearance, Invisalign is the more discreet choice over traditional braces.
“How long will my treatment take?”
Because all smiles are different, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment time. There are many factors that will determine how long you’ll need to wear braces or aligners, including your age, the severity of the issues that need to be addressed, and the method you have selected to correct them.
“How often will I need to come in for adjustments?”
The frequency in which you’ll need to visit your orthodontist for adjustments depends upon the method you’ve chosen for alignment. With traditional braces, you’ll likely need to be seen more frequently, and your appointments may take a bit longer if a wire change or other adjustments are necessary. With Invisalign, your visits will be much less frequent and faster, because they’re mainly to replenish your trays and make sure everything is moving on schedule. Occasionally, you may need to add equipment such as rubber bands, which will take longer, but in most cases, appointments are much briefer with aligners.
“What lifestyle changes will I need to make?”
Unfortunately, no matter which method you choose to straighten your smile, you will most likely need to make some lifestyle changes. With Invisalign, you’ll need to be prepared to brush and floss your teeth every single time you eat, and brush after drinking anything but water. With traditional braces, you’ll need to temporarily give up certain foods if they are very sticky or crunchy, such as caramels, gummies, taffy, gum, chips, and pretzels. Following treatment with either method, you’ll also likely need to wear a retainer moving forward, which will require its own set of rules and care.
Remember, your orthodontic consultation should be a time of great excitement and optimism but be sure to use it wisely and don’t hesitate to any questions you may have about your upcoming treatment. Your orthodontist wants you to make the right choice for you and your smile, and the best way to get exactly what you want is to make sure you understand the details of your treatment from the start!
About Our Practice
At Rauchberg Dental Group, our talented and caring orthodontist, Dr. Denise Kitay, is proud to help patients understand the details of their upcoming treatment. Whether you’re considering Invisalign or traditional braces, she knows you likely have a lot of questions before you begin. To learn more about your options, including which one is best for you or your child, schedule an orthodontic consultation with us today on our website or by calling 973-718-9887.