Contrary to popular belief, orthodontic treatment is not a one-stop-shop. It is highly tailored to each person who visits us at Sturgill Orthodontics. We’re going to provide our current and future patients with a comprehensive guide to different types of braces.
Treatment Varieties
There are three primary options we provide: metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners. We offer all of these, as well as a bonus option called lingual braces, which can be a great compromise between all three. Let’s break down each of these categories and tell you what makes them special.
Metal & Clear Braces
Structurally speaking, this is the most classic route for orthodontic treatment. They’ve been used for decades to correct misalignment and other issues with the bite and jaws.
- Traditional braces can be used alone or with added components like rubber bands for areas that need more focus. We can also decide on lingual braces which are also made of metal and applied to the back of the teeth.
- Ceramic brackets match natural teeth better than metal ones, which can be a nice aesthetic option for patients who still want the functionality of traditional braces.
- This option is also unique because it can be ideal for children, teens, and adults alike.
Invisalign
Many patients don’t realize that in order for a practice to offer Invisalign, providers have to obtain special licenses and certifications. Dr. Sturgill, Dr. Williams, Dr. Mullins, Dr. Anderson, and Dr. Harper are all qualified in this way and create incredible transformations with Invisalign every day.
- Invisalign is special in that it consists only of clear aligner trays—no wires or brackets.
- We take an extremely detailed 3D digital scan of your mouth to fabricate your trays and are able to show you a visual treatment plan from the first day of treatment to the last.
- Invisalign is best suited for teenage and adult patients for anatomical reasons, as well as issues of compliance. They require a lot of discipline on behalf of the patient, including taking them in and out between meals, keeping teeth clean beneath the trays, and wearing them for the prescribed hours of the day (20-22).
- For teenagers, we provide a slightly different appliance and treatment plan that better suits their needs. For example, they have a color-changing dot on the back that can indicate how often aligners are worn, so we don’t have to guess or be suspicious!
Lingual Braces
InBrace Lingual Braces aren’t available everywhere. They’re the best of both worlds: Almost impossible to discern but fully functional.
- Lingual braces are placed on the back of your teeth instead of the front. Wild, right? They’re entirely customized for you by our team, once again using digital impressions and the help of a specialized laboratory.
- The fabrication process takes about six weeks. Once we get your braces, we’ll attach them to your teeth. This treatment can span 6 to 30 months, based on the condition of your smile.
Factors to Consider
If you feel overwhelmed by the choices, you don’t need to be, for a few reasons—the most important of which is that we will work one-on-one with you at Sturgill Orthodontics to select the best option.
That being said, here are some of the main questions to consider when choosing an approach to orthodontic treatment.
- How long do I want treatment to last?
This can be a complicated question. In some situations, we can be pickier about this than in others. For example, for complex, interdisciplinary cases that involve the jaws or surgical intervention, treatment will most likely be longer by default. However, in some simpler situations, we might be able to present you with a longer and shorter-term option. - What do I want my treatment to look like to other people?
Once again, this can be inflexible in some situations. Invisalign is usually best for mild to moderate misalignment as opposed to severe misalignment. But then, you might opt for lingual braces as a middle point between clear aligners and traditional braces. Ask yourself how aesthetics will make you feel, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you. - How will I be able to care for my orthodontic appliance?
When it comes to maintenance and hygiene, some options are simply easier to manage in certain ways. For kids, having permanent braces means that they don’t have the added challenge of when to take an appliance in and out—but they require specialized cleaning practices. Age can have a big say in answering this question.
Choosing with Confidence
We want to encourage you with two words: Free consultation. This process includes asking a lot of questions and preferences and unpacking your orthodontic health. We use this time to make the best possible choice for you and your smile at Sturgill Orthodontics—and you can see the results for yourself. Come see us soon in Johnson City, Bristol, or Norton