So let’s say you’ve been to Wiesemann Orthodontics, and we’ve decided you need a treatment to align your teeth. That’s a good first step—but there’s a few more important choices to make from there! We’re going to take a closer look at the process of choosing the right braces for your lifestyle.
Step 1: Knowing Your Options
Over the last several decades, orthodontics has transformed dramatically as a field. Dr. Wiesemann always wants to offer the most modern options for our patients since staying up-to-date can have a huge impact on your results. Here are the treatments you’ll choose from:
1. Traditional Metal Braces
- Best For: Patients across all age groups from childhood to adulthood seeking a reliable and cost-effective solution.
- Features: Made from high-grade stainless steel, these braces use advanced NiTi wires that adjust gradually for a more comfortable experience than those of the past.
- Pros: Durable, efficient, and capable of treating our most complex cases.
- Considerations: Very visible on your teeth, but often customizable with colorful bands for a personalized look.
2. Clear Ceramic Braces
- Best For: Teens and adults seeking a discreet but functional option.
- Features: Made from a tooth-colored ceramic material that blends with your natural smile.
- Pros: These are less noticeable than metal braces while offering the same basic components, presenting a good middle option for patients.
- Considerations: More delicate than metal braces and may require extra care depending on your lifestyle.
3. Invisalign Clear Aligners
- Best For: Patients who highly prioritize convenience and aesthetics.
- Features: A series of virtually invisible, removable aligners custom-made in a lab to fit your teeth.
- Pros: Regarded as comfy, natural, and easy to remove for eating and maintenance.
- Considerations: Requires a special level of discipline and compliance since you need to wear aligners for 20-22 hours a day.
Step 2: Lifestyle Questions
A major factor in the choice you make with Dr. Wiesemann’s help should be what your daily life and routine look like—which can be narrowed down into some wise questions to ask yourself beforehand.
How Visible Do You Want Your Braces to Be?
If discretion is your top priority, ceramic braces or Invisalign will likely be the best options for you. This is often the case for professionals and some teenage students.
What Are Your Dietary Preferences?
Traditional braces come with more food restrictions to avoid damaging the brackets and wires. Invisalign aligners are removable, allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without worry. If having flexibility in your diet is very important to you, clear aligners will work well.
How Much Maintenance Are You Comfortable With?
Since they’re fixed to your teeth, metal and ceramic braces, require careful brushing and flossing to prevent plaque buildup. Invisalign aligners, on the other hand, can be removed for cleaning, making them easier to maintain.
What Are Your Hobbies?
For athletes, Invisalign offers a safe, removable option that eliminates concerns about braces-related injuries, and metal braces offer an extra level of protection when used with a mouthguard. Musicians who play wind instruments may find the removability of clear aligners more convenient.
How Old Are You?
We say this because treatment for kids, teenagers, and adults all comes with their own special considerations. If you’re a parent, we recommend you bring your kids to see us around age seven so that we can determine if any early interceptive treatment is needed.
The Wiesemann Advantage
We know that you have your fair share of practices to choose from—and we want to let you know why our office offices should be your first choice!
-
- Advanced Expertise: Dr. Wiesemann spent 11 years in training, including a rigorous three-year orthodontic residency where he mastered the art of tooth movement and facial development.
- Top Invisalign Provider: As a Platinum Invisalign Provider, Dr. Wiesemann has achieved one of the highest designations for treating patients with clear aligners in the country.
- Personalized Care: From your first consultation to your final retainer check, our team is thinking about your satisfaction and comfort. We’ll work with you to develop a customized treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.
-
- A Range of Locations: We’re one of the few practices that can boast five amazing offices, all serving you with the same high standard of care. Our teams love these communities and have been fortunate to foster so many trusted relationships over the years under Dr. Wiesemann’s leadership!
Whenever, Wherever!
The bottom line: The orthodontist you choose matters because that person will create a treatment plan just for you—carefully taking all of your personal preferences and characteristics into consideration. This is part of our promise at Wiesemann Orthodontics. Contact us to schedule your free consultation at our office in Bowling Green, Russellville, Portland, or White House.