As you begin your orthodontic journey, you want the right expert to guide you along the way. It’s important to have the right information from the right person when you leave your first appointment. The perfect office for you can give you the confidence to move forward. Lucky for you, Coppe + Sears has a list of questions you can ask to determine the right orthodontist for you.
Is the doctor a trained orthodontic specialist?
This may seem like an obvious start, but it’s an important thing to consider when seeking an orthodontic expert. This is because some general dentists provide orthodontic treatment, but this does not mean they specialize in it. These dentists may provide braces treatment and learn aligner therapy along with dental services such as cleanings, fillings, crowns, and dentures. An orthodontist, on the other hand, specializes exclusively in providing orthodontic services.
This is an important distinction to make. Think about it the way you would think about receiving specialized surgery. Would you want you or someone you love to receive surgery from a general physician, or a dedicated specialist who understands exactly what you need? The same goes for your orthodontic treatment. To guarantee quality orthodontic care, you want a specialist. This means you want an orthodontist who has:
- Studied the growth and maturation of teeth and jaw
- Been introduced to numerous case studies
- Developed diagnostic skills
- Learned biomechanical techniques to properly move teeth
- Studied how to change the development of the dental alveolar complex and facial growth of younger patients
Orthodontic residency programs are very competitive, accepting only the top students in any dental school graduating class. These orthodontic programs tend to last around two to three years in addition to full-time training that focuses on correcting orthodontic issues with braces and aligners. Most general dentists do not have this same level of in-depth orthodontic training and experience. Dentists are essential for fundamental oral health maintenance. But for specialized orthodontic care, you want someone who knows the specifics of what you need. Coppe + Sears knows this. Dr. Sears has provided better smiles to patients for almost twenty years, and our team of well-trained, eager orthodontic assistants has the experience and skills to give you exceptional results. If you want a rewarding experience with the right personalized treatment, we’re here for you.
What treatment options does the orthodontist offer?
Every patient has different needs and different goals, so it’s important to know your orthodontist has exactly the treatment you’re looking for. At Coppe + Sears, we offer up-to-date treatment options with advanced orthodontic technology so you can reach your smile goals. Here are a few of the treatments we offer:
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most widely used type of fixed orthodontic appliance. While older models are known for being bulky and painful, modern advancements have made metal braces lighter, smaller, and more comfortable. At our office, Dr. Sears will collect photos and X-rays of your mouth to create a customized treatment plan for you based on the information we gather. This option uses a slide mechanism to hold the archwire, reducing the amount of pressure exerted on the teeth and allowing teeth to move more freely, quickly, and comfortably.
Clear Braces
Also known as “ceramic braces,” clear braces are similar to metal braces with a more discreet appearance. The brackets are made from a tooth-colored ceramic material that gives them an almost invisible appearance. This is a popular choice for adults and older teens who want a less obvious appearance compared to metal braces. Clear braces require more care, as they can break easily and are prone to staining depending on your eating and drinking habits. But this can be combated with a rigorous oral hygiene routine. While clear braces can be pricier, Dr. Sears will determine a treatment fee that fits your specific orthodontic needs, and our office will do everything we can to accommodate you and your budget.
Invisalign
If you don’t want to deal with brackets and wires, Invisalign could be a more desirable alternative for you. This option comprises a series of invisible, removable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth by applying steady pressure on your teeth. You will need to wear them about twenty-two hours a day for them to be effective, although you can remove them to eat, drink and brush your teeth.
Jaw Surgery
Corrective jaw surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, treats abnormalities of the facial bones, jaws, and teeth. These kinds of abnormalities can cause difficulties with chewing, talking, sleeping, and other activities involving mouth movement. By moving the teeth and jaws into more balanced positions, often in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, this surgery can restore proper functionality, dramatically enhance the facial appearance, and create a healthier smile.
How frequent are follow-up appointments with the orthodontist?
While your specific follow-up schedule will vary depending on the orthodontic treatment plan you and our team decided is best for you, we will schedule most patients’ adjustment appointments for about every eight weeks. Patients using Invisalign may be seen slightly less frequently, but regardless of treatment, regular appointments with us are crucial for your overall orthodontic process. When seeking the right orthodontist, it’s important to find someone who knows what you need and won’t waste your time helping you get it.
The average process will take anywhere from eight to twenty-four months to achieve your desired smile, but you can begin seeing visible results as early as the first few months with most of our treatment plans. We know you’re busy, so just give us a heads up if you’re running late or need to reschedule. We value your time but don’t forget that your participation in the follow-up care is just as important. At our office, we want to work with you to make the most of your time, money, and treatment.
Trust your smile to the experts at Coppe + Sears
As you begin orthodontic treatment, you need the right experts and the right team to guide you every step of the way. When you trust your teeth to Coppe + Sears, you can be sure that our expert team will only recommend the treatment they feel is best for your unique needs and goals. If you’re ready to take the first step on the road to your ideal smile, get in touch today to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Sears!