About four million people in the US already wear braces. Of these, 25% are adults. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, make sure to visit your Cranberry orthodontist.

During your consultation appointment, you can talk to your orthodontist about the different treatment options available. They can help you determine which form of treatment best suits your needs and goals.

Here are a few forms of treatment your Cranberry orthodontists might recommend. Learning more about these treatments will help you prepare for your consultation appointment. Read on to learn more. 

Traditional Metal Braces

Most people think of traditional metal braces when they’re considering orthodontic treatment.

Using metal wires and brackets, metal braces connect your teeth to bring them into alignment. The wire is connected to the overall system using elastic ties. You can customize your braces using colored elastics and brackets.

You can turn your braces into an accessory based on your preferences. 

Throughout the span of your treatment plan, you’ll need to visit your Cranberry orthodontist every four to eight weeks. During these check-ins, your orthodontist will make adjustments to your system. These adjustments to the wire will bring your teeth closer together, closing any gaps or misalignments.

Traditional metal braces are ideal if you have more severe orthodontic issues. It’s also ideal for younger patients. With Invisalign treatments, younger patients might neglect to put their aligners back in, causing treatment delays.

With traditional metal braces, you won’t have to worry about remembering to wear them. You’ll always have them in place.

New braces are faster and smaller than previous systems. They’re also comfortable.

However, you might need a few days or weeks to adjust to having an orthodontic system in place. For example, you might notice changes to your speech during the start of your treatment.

Patients will also need to make changes to their diet. For example, you should avoid crunchy or sticky foods that can get stuck in the system. Otherwise, you could struggle to thoroughly clean food particles from your braces.

Failing to brush and floss properly could increase your risk of dental decay or gum disease. Make sure to prioritize your oral hygiene throughout your treatment.

You can ask for orthodontist tips to learn how to thoroughly clean your braces.

Invisalign Aligners

Your Cranberry orthodontist might recommend Invisalign treatment instead. 

Invisalign aligners can improve the appearance and function of your smile. The system uses clear, plastic aligners to bring your teeth into alignment. This treatment option is ideal if you prefer discretion.

Most people won’t realize you’re wearing aligners over your teeth. You can smile with confidence without worrying about the appearance of metal or brackets.

Invisalign is one of the most popular alternatives to metal braces. They offer flexibility and convenience throughout the span of your treatment.

Invisalign treatment can help improve your oral health. Once your teeth are properly aligned, you’ll have an easier time cleaning them. Your risk of tooth decay and gum disease will decline.

You can remove your Invisalign aligners throughout your treatment to eat, drink, and brush your teeth. However, it’s important to put your aligners back into place immediately. Otherwise, you could experience delays during your treatment.

You’ll need to wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day.

During your initial appointment, your Cranberry orthodontist will take a scan of your teeth. They’ll use this scan to develop your aligners. 

Every week or so, you’ll switch to a new pair of aligners. Each pair will bring your teeth slowly into alignment. 

The treatment process should take a year or less (with traditional braces, treatment is about two years). As a result, you can start enjoying your new smile sooner than expected.

Consider choosing an orthodontist in Cranberry that offers Invisalign treatment.

Ceramic Braces

Your Cranberry orthodontists might recommend ceramic over metal braces if you’re worried about discretion. Braces can help improve the appearance and health of your smile. However, ceramic braces are less noticeable than traditional metal braces. 

You can still experience the benefits of traditional braces without worrying about the appearance of wires and brackets.

Though these braces are similar to metal braces, ceramic braces are instead made with premium ceramic materials. They’re designed to match your teeth perfectly. As a result, you can minimize their appearance when you smile.

Remember, some patients neglect to put their clear aligners back into place after meals. As a result, these patients can delay their treatment plan. You can’t remove your ceramic braces, though.

They’ll work 24/7 to bring your teeth into alignment as a result.

Ceramic braces are also less likely to stain than materials that were previously used for clear braces. You’ll have the flexibility to eat and drink what you wish.

Beyond that, ceramic braces are also comfortable. 

Palatal Expander

During your consultation appointment, your Cranberry orthodontists might recommend a palatal expander instead.

This oral device is used to fix a number of dental conditions, including crossbites or a narrow jaw. These problems can develop due to tooth decay, pain, or improper alignment.

Wearing a palatal expander can help improve the appearance of your smile. These devices are ideal for both children and adults. 

The device works by gradually expanding the roof of your mouth to widen your jaw. If you have a narrow jaw, it could cause a misalignment that will impact your smile. A narrow jaw might also reduce gum space, causing impacted teeth.

You can talk to your Cranberry orthodontists to determine if a palatal expander will help create your crossbite. If you’re experiencing pain, sleep apnea, or tooth decay, schedule an appointment right away. 

Visit Your Cranberry Orthodontist to Begin Treatment Today

Don’t let a misalignment or gaps between your teeth impact the appearance of your smile. Instead, consider visiting your Cranberry orthodontist. You can schedule a consultation appointment to determine which types of orthodontic treatment best suit your goals.

Once you start treatment, you can begin improving the appearance of your smile in no time!

Eager to get started? We can’t wait to see you.

Book an appointment at our Cranberry offices today.