Choosing the right orthodontist is always the goal when it comes to your unique smile needs. Here at Wiesemann Orthodontics, Dr. Ryan Wiesemann, M.S., D.M.D. prides himself on making orthodontic treatment in Bowling Green and Russellville, KY, as well as Portland and White House, TN, affordable and accessible to anyone interested in a healthy and beautiful smile. We believe educated patients can make the best partners in orthodontic treatment. We know you deserve an experienced orthodontist that helps you feel empowered from your first appointment and throughout your treatment.
At Wiesemann Orthodontics, you’ll love how comfortable and easy it is to get a beautiful smile with braces and Invisalign. But what else should you be asking? To help you begin your orthodontic journey, we’ve put together this list of questions to ask before committing to an orthodontic practice for treatment.
Is the doctor a trained orthodontic specialist?
You would think this is a no-brainer for your decision-making, but you might be surprised to find out the answer. Your dentist might offer orthodontic treatment but that doesn’t mean they are specially trained in this area. Many general dentists also offer braces treatment and clear aligner therapy in addition to standard dental services such as cleanings, fillings, crowns, and dentures. While an orthodontist, on the other hand, specializes only in providing orthodontic services.
After a dentist has completed their undergraduate medical education, they must attend a graduate school specifically for dentistry and pass a certification exam before beginning their general dentistry work. The same goes for orthodontists, except they must attend an extremely competitive orthodontic residency program after their general dentistry certification. These programs typically last another 2 to 3 years and include full-time training meaning the orthodontist has:
- Studied the growth and maturation of teeth and jaw
- Been introduced to numerous case studies
- Developed diagnostic skills
- Learned biomechanical techniques to properly move teeth
- Studied how to change the development of the dental alveolar complex and facial growth of younger patients
While there are some exceptions, most dentists simply will not possess this level of in-depth orthodontic training and experience. If you are looking for foundational oral health maintenance, trust your dentist. But, if you need specialized orthodontic care, you can trust that Dr. Wiesemann has the knowledge and experience to provide the specialized treatment with the latest in orthodontic care. After earning a Doctorate of Medical Dentistry and a Masters of Science in Oral Biology, Dr. Wiesemann completed a four-year residency and orthodontic fellowship that allowed him to work with families from Northern Tennessee and Western Kentucky. This dedication to orthodontics in his community, combined with his versatile treatment options, is why choosing Wiesemann Orthodontics for your smile is the best choice.
What treatment options does the orthodontist offer?
Most patients we treat choose traditional metal braces to straighten their teeth, and while this is the most common option, you have several other options available to reach your smile goals quickly and effectively. By pairing state-of-the-art technology with our thorough understanding of the movement of growth of the teeth and jaws, Wiesemann Orthodontics can successfully treat many dental issues based on your unique needs and goals using traditional metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most widely used type of fixed orthodontic appliance. Though past incarnations have been bulky, awkward, and painful, today’s metal braces are smaller, lighter, and much more comfortable. This method uses high-grade stainless steel brackets and archwires that are gradually tightened to adjust your teeth. You also have the added option of adding colored elastic bands for a smile that matches your personality.
Clear Braces
Ceramic braces use the same components as traditional metal braces, but instead of metal, the brackets on the front side of the teeth are made of a transparent or tooth-colored ceramic material. This makes clear braces a common choice for teenagers and older patients who do not like the aesthetic of the metal look. Clear braces require more care as the ceramic pieces can break and are prone to staining depending on your eating and cleaning habits.
Invisalign
Unlike traditional braces, this kind of orthodontic treatment doesn’t rely on a system of metal or ceramic brackets and wires. The Invisalign system comprises a series of invisible, removable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth by applying steady pressure on your teeth as you wear them. The trays are replaced every 1 to 2 weeks to make this adjustment gradually. Though you can remove them to eat and brush your teeth, you will need to make sure you are wearing them about 22 hours a day to be effective.
How frequent are follow-up appointments with the orthodontist?
You don’t want to move in, but you don’t want to forget you even have an orthodontist treatment in-process, right? Well, your exact follow-up timing will vary depending on the orthodontic treatment plan you and our expert team determine is right for you. Adjustment appointments will be scheduled about every four to eight weeks for most patients. Patients using Invisalign may be seen slightly less frequently, but these appointments are crucial for your overall orthodontic process!
The average process will take anywhere from 12 to 36 months to achieve your perfect smile, but visible results are evident as early as the first few months with most treatment plans. We know you’re busy, and we value your time, just give us a heads up if you’re running late or need to reschedule, but don’t forget that your participation in the follow-up care is just as meaningful.
Trust your smile to the experts at Wiesemann Orthodontics!
If you’re looking for a life-changing smile, Wiesemann Orthodontics successfully treats many dental issues like crowded, gapped, or impacted teeth, along with whatever bite concern keeps your smile hidden. We take pride in pairing state-of-the-art technology with our understanding of the movement and growth of your teeth and jaws to deliver the results that make you smile! And, since our sole specialty is orthodontics, you’ll receive nothing but the best in treatments, cost, and efficiency as we work to straighten that smile.
Choosing an orthodontic practice to trust with the beauty of your smile is an important decision. There’s never been a better time to reach for the smile you’ve always wanted, so get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with our expert orthodontic team! We welcome you and your family to our practice and invite you to get to know all of us!