Do you want to jumpstart your orthodontic journey by researching the possible treatment options? You’ve come to the right place! Norton Orthodontics would love to help you answer, “Which orthodontic treatment is right for me?”
Things To Consider
Before discussing the differences between all the treatment choices, we need to review a few things you should consider when weighing your possibilities. Like most things, each treatment method has pros and cons that can make or break your experience. Without all the facts, you might pick a treatment that doesn’t smoothly blend into your everyday life, which can be discouraging and frustrating.
You deserve to be happy and comfortable during treatment. You also should make as little compromises to your lifestyle as possible! To make that happen, here’s what you should keep in mind while you mull over the possibilities:
- Treatment Duration: Depending on your needs, some methods may take longer than others to fix your concerns.
- Aesthetic Preferences: If you feel more visible treatments would prevent you from smiling, ask if you qualify for our more discreet alternatives.
- Lifestyle Considerations: Are you a foodie? Do you play sports? Give a lot of presentations or speeches?
- Oral Hygiene Ease: Some treatments require more meticulous or time-consuming cleaning routines. Are you up for that?
- Budget Constraints: Different treatments come with different costs. Don’t forget your budget!
Now, let’s talk about treatment options and how they differ.
Metal Braces
Though metal braces sometimes get a bad rap for being annoying and unattractive, they don’t deserve it! Or, at least, not anymore. We’ll admit older braces were not the most flattering. Fortunately, modern braces are less conspicuous and more comfortable than previous versions without losing functionality.
Using brackets made of stainless steel and other strong metals, wires, and ligatures (the colorful bands that attach the wire to the bracket), metal braces have the strength to withstand more tension than other treatment methods. Because of this, they are known for their durability, reliability, and versatility. Their reputation has made them the go-to choice for almost all orthodontic cases, regardless of the case’s complexity or the patient’s age.
In most situations, metal braces are the cheapest and quickest treatment route. However, because Dr. Norton glues the brackets to your teeth, you must change your lifestyle and oral hygiene routine for your health, safety, and comfort throughout treatment.
Clear Aligners
Not sold on the metal braces? Don’t worry! We’ve got Invisalign and 3M Clarity clear aligners, too!
Like braces, clear aligners apply pressure to your teeth to move them, but that is where the similarity ends. Their design makes them the opposite of braces in every other way! Instead of noticeable bonded brackets, wires, or ligatures, clear aligners are made of a transparent material that makes them nearly invisible.
Because we do not glue aligners to your teeth, you don’t have to change your lifestyle or how you clean your teeth. But you do need to clean them, wear them, and remember where you’ve put them.
For some, the freedom of the removability is perfect! They can straighten their teeth without missing out on their favorite foods or worrying about learning how to clean around braces. For others, that freedom can be a curse! Forgetting or neglecting to wear them will only prolong your treatment. If you are not 100% sure you can maintain and wear your clear aligners as instructed, we strongly recommend fixed braces.
Clear Braces
Do you dislike the look of metal braces but are uncomfortable with the responsibility of clear aligners? Never fear; 3M Clarity clear braces are here!
Clear braces combine the best of metal braces and clear aligners into one. They also use wires, ligatures, and orthodontic accessories, just like metal braces. What makes them clear aligners? Their brackets! Instead of stainless steel, clear braces use brackets made of a stain-resistant, tooth-colored ceramic blend. When paired with matching ligatures, the braces have the illusion of transparency, making them almost as invisible as Invisalign and 3M Clarity trays! Though you will have to modify your diet and oral hygiene routine, you can enjoy a less noticeable look without needing to remember to wear your appliances.
It is important to note that while these braces can treat the same alignment issues as metal braces, they are not as durable as their metal counterpart. Treatment might take a little longer in clear braces, but you’ll still be able to achieve the same incredible results!
Let Norton Orthodontics Help You Determine Which is Right For You!
The quickest, most accurate way to discover which options you or your child qualifies for is to see Dr. Donald Norton at Norton Orthodontics! The sooner you schedule your free consultation, the sooner you’ll obtain the smile you’ve always wanted! Contact our Cape Coral, Port Charlotte, and Bonita Springs teams and get started today!