Do you want to improve your smile and bite but are unsure which orthodontic treatment option is right for you? If you qualify for just one option, the choice of what to get is pretty easy! If you qualify for more than one, it can start to get a little overwhelming. Fortunately, the expert team at Beam Orthodontics is here to help. Let’s break down what orthodontic treatment is, the options, and what you should consider when choosing how you will perfect your smile.
What Is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontics is a specialized dental practice that aligns and straightens teeth to improve bite function and enhance overall dental health. Using various appliances, orthodontists gently guide teeth into their optimal positions. This treatment can correct overcrowded, misaligned, or gapped teeth and address jaw alignment issues. Whether for aesthetic improvement or functional correction, orthodontic care can contribute to a confident smile and a healthier mouth for many people.
What Are The Types Of Orthodontic Treatment?
The modern orthodontic field has various treatment methods and techniques for straightening your teeth. Each type of treatment offers unique benefits and is suited to specific dental needs, allowing orthodontists like Dr. Paxon (Canadian Association of Orthodontists and the American Association of Orthodontists) the opportunity to treat many alignment concerns. Before we discuss which one could be for you, let’s look at the orthodontic treatment options offered here at Beam Orthodontics and their differences.
Fixed Orthodontic Treatment
This orthodontic treatment option involves braces that are securely attached to your teeth. Beam Orthodontics has two types of fixed braces.
Metal braces
Metal braces are a popular choice for their durability and effectiveness. Known for their strength and precision, metal braces are ideal for correcting simple and complex alignment issues. Our team uses state-of-the-art metal braces with advanced technology and smaller, more comfortable metal brackets, making the experience more pleasant and efficient than ever before.
Clear braces
Clear or ceramic braces present an aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional metal braces. The tooth-colored bracket of this orthodontic treatment option blends in with your teeth and creates the illusion of transparent braces. They offer a discreet yet effective solution for those wanting straight teeth without the prominent look of metal brackets in their mouth.
Opting for a fixed orthodontic treatment option means adjusting your diet and oral hygiene to safeguard your braces and maintain oral health. It’s essential to avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that can damage the braces or become lodged in hard-to-clean spots. Instead, focus on softer, bite-sized foods. As for oral care, learning a new routine that accommodates your braces is equally essential. Thorough brushing and flossing regularly are key to preventing plaque buildup, which is crucial for protecting the health of your teeth and gums. It will also help keep your breath fresh and your clear braces clean.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners offer a modern, nearly invisible solution to straighten teeth. The trays are custom-made and designed for comfort and convenience. Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are removable, offering unparalleled flexibility in your daily routine. This means you can enjoy your favorite foods without restriction and maintain your regular oral hygiene regime. Ideal for those seeking a discreet orthodontic treatment option, clear aligners are effective for treating various alignment issues while blending seamlessly into your daily life.
How Do You Know Which Orthodontic Treatment Option To Get?
Choosing the right orthodontic treatment that aligns with your lifestyle, budget, and dental needs is based on a few factors. Below are just a few things to consider.
- Treatment Duration: Different treatments have varying durations. How long braces stay on depends on your alignment needs and treatment method. For example, sometimes metal braces can treat your issue faster than clear aligners or vice versa. Dr. Paxon will help you determine if your timeline is possible and which one is best to meet this goal.
- How Much Braces Cost: The cost of braces depends on the type of orthodontic treatment option you choose. While clear aligners might offer more convenience, they are often more expensive than traditional metal braces. Clear braces are, on average, more costly than metal braces. It’s crucial to consider your budget and insurance coverage (if applicable) in the decision-making process.
- Food Restrictions: Are you certain you can make the dietary changes necessary for fixed braces? It helps to remember the restrictions are only temporary, but if you know you’ll have a hard time sticking to the new diet, think about removable clear aligners.
- Maintenance: Fixed braces and clear aligners both require cleaning to maintain their good condition and your health. Both routines only take a few minutes and don’t significantly change your routine. Do either of the routines seem like one you’d be more likely to commit to?
- Wearing & Keeping Up With Clear Aligners: The freedom clear aligners provide patients requires discipline. You are responsible for wearing them 22 hours a day, staying on top of your aligner schedule, and keeping track of your aligners when you’re not wearing them. Be honest with our team and yourself about what you can handle. You don’t want to prolong your treatment or increase costs because you were unable to follow instructions.
No two orthodontic treatment options are the same, and neither are your needs! Dr. Paxon will help you discover which methods you qualify for, assist you in narrowing down your choices, and guide you safely and quickly to the alignment of your dreams with a personalized treatment program!
It’s important to be open-minded during the assessment process. You might come in wanting clear aligners, only to find out you don’t qualify for them! That’s okay! We understand that might be disappointing, but our fixed braces can do the job just as well—if not better, in some cases!
Where Can You Get Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment Near You? Beam Orthodontics!
Deciding which orthodontic treatment option is right for you can be challenging without advice from a professional orthodontist like Dr. Paxon. Schedule a free consultation at one of our two convenient locations in Penticton and West Kelowna to start your journey to a healthy, functional, and cosmetically appealing smile today!
