Choosing the best orthodontic treatment for you is no small feat. Many people spend years putting off this decision, thinking that it’s too much effort, or too confusing to know which options to choose. The truth is, you will never know until you try, and it’s definitely worth the effort! Having a beautiful smile that you can be proud of will also mean investing in the health of your smile for life! That’s always worth the effort!
Thankfully you won’t have to make any of these decisions alone. Rio Grande Orthodontics is available for our patients across New Mexico, and we are always ready to welcome new patients who want to get started on their own smile transformation. Continue reading to know more about different treatment options, and which one might be a great fit for you or your child!
Time Spent in Our Office
One of the realities of getting orthodontic treatment is that you will need to come into our office regularly to have your progress evaluated. With nine convenient locations, it should be simple to get in the door, and after a few visits, you will see how efficient and important these visits can be.
Regardless of which treatment you choose, your visit schedule will be similar. People getting braces usually need to be in our office every 6-10 weeks for evaluations and adjustments. Those with Invisalign retainers need to plan to come in every 6 weeks to have their progress evaluated and to get their new set of aligners!
Restrictions
When it comes to things you can and cannot do during treatment, the biggest factor will be what you can or can’t eat. Because Invisalign retainers are removable orthodontic devices, you can simply take them out when necessary, avoiding all the restrictions. Just be sure to store them safely so you don’t lose them, and be sure to put them back in as soon as possible!
Braces on the other hand do require some adherence and restrictions to keep your teeth and braces safe during treatment. We call them fixed appliances because they stay on your teeth at all times during treatment, and it will be important to avoid eating and drinking certain things to keep them safe. Hard and crunchy foods like celery, apples, carrots, and biting ice will be off the menu when you have braces, as well as sticky foods like caramel and gum. Avoiding these things for a few months will save you time and money on repairs and replacements with your braces!
Taking Care of Your Teeth
Naturally, it will be important to keep up with your daily hygiene routine regardless of which treatment you choose. When you have braces, you will have to adjust to a slightly more detailed cleaning process, angling brushes to go in and behind wires to prevent plaque from growing in the nooks and crannies. Flossing means using a floss threader to weave the floss under each wire as you go. Though it might seem tedious, it’s actually really important to embrace these parts of the process to keep your mouth healthy during your treatment and avoid tooth decay!
If you use Invisalign as your treatment, your cleaning routine will be slightly simpler, as all you need to do is remove the retainers and brush and floss your teeth as normal. Just don’t forget that your retainers need a good cleaning as well, so scrub those out at least once a day with a mild cleaning solution like mouthwash!
Cosmetics
The way you look is often a big factor for many people when choosing a treatment option. Braces are known to be a bit flashy and distracting, but sometimes they are necessary depending on your unique case. If you end up needing braces but are concerned about your appearance, talk to your Rio Grande doctor about ceramic braces. These are tooth-colored and blend in seamlessly with your smile, and reduce the visibility of your braces.
If braces are not necessary, then Invisalign retainers are a great option for people who want a discreet treatment. Invisalign is just what it sounds like–invisible retainers that slowly shift your smile. The fact that they are clear means that many people will not notice you are in treatment at all!
Case Complexity
As we mentioned above, there are some people whose unique needs mean that braces are necessary. When it comes to shifting teeth drastically or even shifting the jaw into alignment, braces have the power and pair well with other devices to make it possible. If your case is less complex, then your doctor may recommend Invisalign retainers that are still effective at shifting mild to medium cases. Be sure to discuss these options with your doctor when you come in for a visit at Rio Grande Orthodontics
Time Spent in Treatment
One final option to consider when choosing an orthodontic treatment is how long it will take to finish. Invisalign tends to be the faster route, taking between 6 and 18 months for your teeth to be aligned. Braces can take longer, closer to 24 months in total. Though it’s not always an option to choose one over another, it’s still a good thing to keep in mind as you plan your life and anticipate your future!
Find the Treatment You Need at Rio Grande Orthodontics
Find the Treatment You Need at Rio Grande OrthodonticsRegardless of which treatment plan you prefer, know that you will find the options you need at Rio Grande Orthodontics! With five doctors and nine locations across New Mexico, you will have all the support you need to get the teeth of your dreams! Call today to schedule a free consultation appointment and speak to a doctor about the best options for you. There’s no need to keep putting off a beautiful and healthy smile. We can’t wait to see you in one of our offices sometime soon!