Choosing to straighten your smile and improve your oral health is a big decision, and we believe you should have all the information you need before you begin your orthodontic journey. That’s why Elm Tree Orthodontics is proud to offer free consultations to patients throughout the Hamden area! When you schedule an evaluation with our team, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss any concerns you have with our expert orthodontist, Dr. Desai. Our team will also be happy to answer any questions you may have about the treatment process. We will be happy to help you decide which one is right for you, Braces or Invisalign! You can expect us to cover a range of important topics during this initial visit, including:
- how orthodontic treatment can change your smile
- which treatment options will be the best fit for your unique needs
- any payment options that are available to you
You’ll also learn all about the differences between our most popular treatments: traditional braces and Invisalign or Spark clear aligners. Since these tend to be the two options we use most often, it can be really useful to understand a bit more about both! But first, let’s go over the basics of orthodontic treatment.
How do braces and aligners work?
Although they look very different, braces and clear aligners operate in much the same way. Both are designed to move the teeth into more optimal positions by applying gentle force to them over time, aligning the teeth and jaws, and improving the appearance and function of the smile. They’re both excellent options for anyone hoping to achieve a healthier smile, but there are some important differences between them!
Damon metal braces
Traditional braces have been around for a long time, and they have a well-established history of successfully correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues. Metal brackets are attached to the teeth, then held together by wires and tiny rubber bands. Damon metal braces have an improved appearance as well as being more comfortable than previous versions! At Elm Tree Orthodontics, we use Damon braces to provide you with a more comfortable and efficient treatment experience while requiring fewer appointments than previous versions would have.
These braces are what we call a fixed orthodontic appliance, which simply means they cannot be removed by the patient. They’re especially effective at treating more serious or complex issues! When it comes to treatment times, the total will vary from case to case, but the average with braces tends to be anywhere from 18-30 months. Since Damon braces are self-ligating, there is no need for the metal ties associated with traditional braces.
Maintaining metal braces can come with a bit of a learning curve in the beginning. Learning to navigate brushing and flossing with all those brackets and wires can take some practice, but with patience, it will become just another part of your daily routine. There are even a variety of accessories available to make oral hygiene easier while a patient is in braces, like water piks to help rinse hard-to-reach places or ortho picks for braces-specific flossing.
Food restrictions are a part of this maintenance, as well—patients will need to avoid anything that can damage their braces throughout the treatment process. This includes anything that is crunchy or sticky, so snacks like raw apples and carrots, certain kinds of candy, and popcorn are off the menu until the orthodontic process is complete.
Patients in Damon metal braces can expect fewer follow-up visits than with traditional braces. Additionally, there are no elastic ties, and instead, a slide mechanism is adjusted to account for your treatment progress. These adjustment appointments are generally pretty fast and are essential to your treatment success.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners are our most popular alternative to traditional braces at our Hamden office. Instead of brackets and wires, the Invisalign and Spark aligners systems use a series of removable clear aligners to straighten smiles. These customized trays are made of smooth high-performance plastic and are designed to fit snugly but comfortably over your own teeth. This material won’t irritate the gums or cheeks the way braces sometimes can, and most patients adjust to them quickly.
The Invisalign and Spark systems are less invasive than traditional braces, but the overall treatment time is still dependent on how each patient responds to and maintains their treatment. The average tends to be between 12-18 months, although it can take more or less time depending on the case. With Invisalign or Spark, the treatment time will also depend on patient compliance. Those wearing the removable clear aligners must keep them in for at least 20-22 hours every day and switch them out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks. Failure to do so can lead to a longer treatment time and less optimal results.
Because clear aligners are removable, they are extremely easy to maintain. They’re designed to be taken out before eating and drinking anything other than water, so you never need to worry about food getting stuck in between the brackets and wires (a leading cause of bacteria and decay.) Aligners are also removed before brushing and flossing, which makes dental hygiene a quicker process. This removability also means there are no food restrictions for Invisalign or Spark patients!
Like braces patients, those in Invisalign or Spark aligners will be scheduled for regular follow-ups with Dr. Desai about every 12 weeks. Skipping appointments or missing scheduled aligner changes can quickly undo any progress made in treatment, so it’s important to keep up with these visits.
Find the best fit for you with Elm Tree Orthodontics
Traditional braces and Invisalign or Spark aligners each have their own list of pros and cons, but both can be excellent options for patients looking to improve their oral health and achieve a beautiful smile. By working with our experienced orthodontic team, you are guaranteed to find the best treatment option for you.
If you’re ready to explore everything orthodontics has to offer you, get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with our expert team. We’re committed to finding the most effective solution to perfect your smile, keep your mouth healthy, and looking good for a lifetime!