Invisalign, Braces, Retainers – Oh My!
No teen likes hearing the phrase “you need braces” but at Rochester Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, you’re in the very best hands! If you need orthodontic treatment, what comes next?
The good news is, today’s orthodontic treatment is the most advanced ever, so you can say goodbye to the days of being called a metal mouth. Our braces are sleeker and more comfortable and efficient than ever. But you also have more options than ever before – you can choose traditional metal braces, or opt for more discreet options, such as clear braces or aligners. Orthodontic treatment doesn’t have to interfere with your busy life.
How long will I be in orthodontic treatment?
There isn’t a cut and dry answer to this question, for several reasons. Your time in treatment depends on:
- Did you have early orthodontic treatment? Early interventive treatment allows our orthodontist to guide the growth of the jaw and monitor the width of the arches, making future orthodontic treatment more efficient.
- How severe is your orthodontic issue? The amount of treatment that is required to correct your malocclusion can play a role in your treatment time. More moderate malocclusions may be corrected much faster than more severe ones.
- Does your body respond well to the treatment? Some people’s mouths respond to treatment very well and their treatment whizzes by. Others may experience a bit of a slower moving response. That’s why we always tell our patients never to compare their treatment to anyone else’s – you are unique, and how your mouth reacts to treatment will be unique, too.
- Are you following all your recommendations from the orthodontist? One of the main factors that determines your treatment time is you! You’ll have important work to do throughout your treatment – it’s up to you to take proper care of your appliances and follow all guidelines provided by our orthodontic team. If you opt for clear aligner treatment, it will be up to you to wear the aligners the proper number of hours each day.
You can have braces your way!
You don’t have to worry about braces getting in the way of your life – today, we have more options to choose from than ever before. Our patients enjoy a host of treatment options, including:
- Ceramic braces
- Traditional metal braces
- Spark Aligners
- Invisalign Aligners
Do I have to stop eating my favorite foods while I’m in braces?
If you opt for bracket and wire braces, you will need to skip a few types of foods during treatment. This is because anything too hard, sticky, chewy or crunchy could damage your brackets and wires. That means avoiding foods like bagels, licorice, popcorn, chips, caramels, bubble gum, apples, carrots, nuts, and hard candies. But there are still plenty of foods you can enjoy throughout your treatment, like ice cream, smoothies, cupcakes, and more.
Orthodontic treatment can not only improve your confidence through a straighter smile, it can also help improve the function of your bite, setting you up for a lifetime of good oral health. We consider it as one of the best investments in yourself! And today’s braces have come a long way – you can do orthodontic treatment your way! Call our office today to schedule your complimentary consultation.
