When you think about orthodontics, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Most would-be patients here at West Family Orthodontics in DeWitt, MI, say that they think of Invisalign, but it hasn’t always been the most popular or prominent form of orthodontic treatment. When parents think back, they might remember bulky braces and headgear that made it hard to sleep. Luckily, a lot has changed in the orthodontic world in the last 20 years.
More braces options than ever before
Back in the day, braces meant chunky, painful silver brackets, with boring, tan rubber bands. At night, you were sporting those boring braces with some added headgear to correct your bite while you slept. Good luck getting comfy with headgear pieces attached to your chin and forehead.
The orthodontic industry has really advanced in the last 20 years, and orthodontists have created several new treatment options for patients. Classic silver braces still exist today, but they have a much sleeker look to them. They are still one of the most popular treatment options because of their affordability and predictability.
The traditional silver braces aren’t boring like they used to be, though. Your child has the freedom to customize their braces with just about any rubber band color they can imagine. Kids and teens love being able to express their personalities through their band colors. It helps make the orthodontic journey more fun and exciting. Several orthodontists also have ceramic and clear braces options, too.
Invisalign has been one of the biggest orthodontic developments in the last 20 years, and it is loved by patients of all ages! Invisalign is a removable, nearly invisible treatment option that slowly applies pressure to teeth in order to move them into the preferred place. They can be removed at mealtime and are super easy to care for during treatment.
Comfortable and discreet orthodontic treatments
Braces used to be painful and annoying, but over the last 20 years, they have been modified and redesigned to be comfortable and painless. Braces are now customized to each patient and have a gentle, lightweight fit. With smaller brackets and a more seamless wire, you are less likely to get abrasion or need adjustments every two weeks. Because braces are smaller and more lightweight than before, the application process is much easier and faster as well.
Invisalign takes discreet comfort to a whole new level. No wires or brackets are involved, which means nothing can poke or cut your gums while wearing Invisalign. Like a mouthguard, the edges of Invisalign are smooth and won’t cause any irritation to your mouth. Invisalign is made out of medical grade, flexible plastic and is fitted to each tooth for maximum comfort.
You can choose from ceramic braces, clear braces or Invisalign for an almost invisible braces experience. Each of these treatment options is designed to go unnoticed during treatment, so you don’t have to worry about your look changing while you get your best smile!
No more goopy, uncomfortable dental impressions
Have you ever heard of impressions? Did you ever have putty placed in your mouth so the orthodontist could take impressions of your teeth? With advances in technology, putty impressions are now an irrelevant form of the past!
It is easier than ever for your orthodontist to develop a treatment plan for you. With digital scanners, Dr. Kristine West can take photographs of your teeth without any gooey mess. After we scan your teeth, Dr. West will create a unique treatment plan for you, and they can even show you what your new smile will look like at the end of treatment.
The digital scanner and the technology coupled with it help to speed up your treatment process. With the help of digital scans, Dr. West can explore several treatment options with you until you find the perfect one!
Choosing Invisalign makes the treatment process even smoother. Without the need for tightening wires on your braces, you will only have to come into the office for occasional check-ups!
The orthodontic industry has changed and improved drastically over the years so that each patient can have a seamless, more comfortable treatment experience! If you are ready to begin your journey to a new smile, call us at (517) 507-3001 to set up your free consultation appointment today! We know you’ll love your new smile, and we are confident you will be surprised by how easy the process is nowadays.
