Not All Orthodontists are the Same: How to pick the right one
The number of adults getting orthodontic work is at an all-time high, making up one-third of patients, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Of course, orthodontics for youth and teens is widely accepted.
“Orthodontic treatment is just as effective for adults as children,” the AAO says. “Healthy teeth can be moved at any age because it’s the same physiological process.”
Perhaps you’ve been considering visiting an orthodontist but aren’t sure what to look for, how much it’s going to cost, or how much time you can dedicate to treatment.
To help you choose an orthodontist that will give you the right treatment and respect your budget and time, here’s what you need to know.
Orthodontists have in-depth training
Orthodontists are dental specialists who complete a bachelor’s degree, four years of dental school, and a two- or three- year orthodontic residency program. Programs are competitive and require applicants to have excellent academic and practical performance. After their residency, new orthodontists may open private practices on their own or with a group.
While orthodontists share a similar educational background, their approaches to practice vary.
For example, many orthodontists don’t fully inform consumers about their options, according to orthodontist Bryan Nelson in his book, “Lies, Truths & Myths About Braces & Invisalign: What Your Orthodontist May or May Not Want You to Know.” They may perform unnecessary work or use outdated procedures that are expensive, painful, and less effective than newer methods.
In fact, clear aligner products — like Invisalign — can accomplish all the same goals as wire braces in less time and with more convenience when treated by an accomplished Invisalign provider. However, many dentists and some orthodontists will incorrectly tell patients they are not good candidates.
Orthodontics has gone wireless
Wire braces have been used since the 1800s, with the modern version developed in the 1950s. Invisalign entered the scene in the late 1990s with a resin-based laser-hardened compound forming a series of retainers that can incrementally move patients’ teeth without the need for wires. Invisalign has gained popularity recently as orthodontists have become more advanced in their understanding of the digital case planning methods used with Invisalign
Patients flock to Invisalign which is less visible, more comfortable, and easier to remove and clean than wire braces. Research over the years has shown Invisalign’s effectiveness, and often superiority when managed by an Invisalign expert. It helps most patients reach their goals, and they finish treatment much sooner than with wire braces, according to “History of Orthodontics” by Basavaraj Subhashchandra Phulari.
You can get quality treatment at a fair price
It is commonly believed that not all teeth alignments respond to Invisalign, and orthodontists typically recommend it for mild overbites or underbites, overcrowded teeth, mildly crooked teeth, teeth gaps, and protruding teeth. Recent advancements in training and expertise allow expert orthodontists to treat even the most difficult cases with Invisalign. It’s important to have an orthodontist with advanced Invisalign experience to ensure your experience is positive.
Dr. Nelson of Trinity Orthodontics has over 25 years of experience and can accommodate your Invisalign treatment request, even when other orthodontists have said you are not a candidate. He is among the top 1% of Invisalign providers in the world and the No.1 provider in Colorado. He successfully treats adults, teens and even does early phase/interceptive treatment in young children.
To help you meet your goals quickly and affordably, Nelson developed the proprietary F.A.S.T. System for “Fewer Appointments, Straight Teeth.”
“A common reason patients put off pursuing orthodontic care is because they don’t want to commit to several years of treatment,” Trinity Orthodontics says.
The F.A.S.T. system minimizes the number of in-office appointments you need, saving time and money. And some of your appointments can be virtual, so you can ask questions and have your smile assessed from home.
It’s commonly believed that Invisalign treatment is drastically more expensive than traditional braces. At Trinity Orthodontics, that is not the case.
For more information or to request a complimentary consultation, contact our team today.
