The best way to determine the right orthodontic treatment for you is to have a free consultation either in-person or via our online consultation tool.
You are still considering your options? Think about which one of these factors is most important to your decision-making process:
- Cosmetics: Would it be better to keep your treatment on the DL than show off your beautiful smile?
- Convenience: How frequently are you able to make trips to see the orthodontist each week?
- Comfort: How severe should you expect soreness?
What Is The Most Budget-Friendly Treatment?
There are many options for patients with orthodontic problems. These include traditional braces. But all of these options will allow you to achieve the smile you desire quicker and with less discomfort.
What’s The Difference Between Traditional Braces & Bytes?
Most patients can choose traditional braces, which is a term to describe a treatment that consists of archwires or brackets. Braces come in both standard and clear metal brackets. Clear or tooth-colored ceramic or plastic brackets are also available. The wire is designed to minimize the braces’ appearance.
Byte Aligners treatment guides patients through a series of clear plastic aligners. These are more discreet than braces and can be removed for eating, drinking, and special occasions. Byte treatment is an option for many patients. However, compliance must be considered before you decide to proceed with treatment.
Cosmetics: Do You Care If Others Know That You Are Straightening Your Teeth?
Clear aligners make it easy to manage your orthodontic treatment. Braces offer you the freedom to be as artistic and creative as your heart desires.
Braces made of traditional metal are easily noticeable. However, it is up to the patient to decide how noticeable they are. Braces use small elastics to secure the archwire. For many patients younger than 18, this is a great way of using fun colors and patterns to make their orthodontic treatment an accessory. You can downplay the appearance of braces by using tooth-colored elastics and clear or tooth-colored ceramic brackets. However, the wire will still be evident.
Convenience-Do You Need More Or Fewer Appointments?
If time is important to you, this could help you make a decision.
Two appointments will be required to put on braces. They are called the bond and debond. You will visit your orthodontist several times during treatment. These visits are usually once every two weeks. You may need to see your orthodontist every few weeks because he is creating your smile while you are in treatment. There may be more trips if you have trouble breaking wires or brackets.
While your final and initial appointments will take longer, you will have fewer check-in visits throughout the treatment. Aligners are delivered approximately every 10-14 days. A byte is more likely to schedule emergency appointments. There are no brackets to break! The most annoying thing is the risk of damaging or losing your aligner. Depending on the stage of your treatment, you will need to call your dentist to determine if your aligner set can be replaced or if it’s time to move on to the next set.
Comfort: How Comfortable Is It Worth?
Braces with traditional metal attachments and wires can cause sores to your lips, cheeks, or tongue. You can use orthodontic wax to soothe sore areas from your braces while you wait for an adjustment. Braces may cause some discomfort after an appointment. This usually lasts for a few days. An athlete should wear a mouth guard, although any roughhousing may cause sore cheeks and gums.
Aligners are designed from the start, so it is easier to spread movements out to minimize discomfort. Some patients may feel soreness after changing to the next aligner. The only problem patients have with aligners is the way they rub against their gums. Aligners are completely smooth. It’s easy to correct this, so make sure you contact your dentist if you have any problems.
