Dr. Sal Says - Everything you need to know about getting braces

There’s a lot of talk in the orthodontic world about clear braces for teeth and the advances that have been made to provide patients with a great smile in a less noticeable way. The most popular brands of clear braces, otherwise known as ‘clear aligners,’ are Clear Correct and Invisalign, which feature plastic trays that fit over your teeth. The removable trays gently straighten your teeth over time and are switched out every few weeks to accommodate movement

Many people see ClearCorrect and Invisalign Orthodontics, two products that offer removable braces, as perfect ways to get the straight teeth and beautiful smile they’ve always wanted – and in some cases that’s true. However, there’s one thing most potential patients need to understand before their excitement gets the best of them: clear aligners don’t work for everyone.

If you have a teenager, or are a teenager who needs braces, you’re probably having the Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces debate. There are a few questions you need to ask first that can help make your decision an easier one.  

When most people hear the terms, ‘removable braces’ or ‘clear aligners,’ they think of Invisalign, but there are alternatives that could prove to be a better choice for you. Find out more about options for adults seeking camouflaged treatment. 

Though braces have greatly gained popularity in the recent past, in days gone by, they were a thing to be avoided. No one wanted a mouth full of metal. Even now, braces aren't the first choice for many; nearly everyone wishes they were born with a mouth full of perfect, straight and white teeth. 

There are a few alternatives to traditional metal braces. Clear aligners like Invisalign and ClearCorrect are great for patients that have mild issues and teeth that are slightly crooked. These aligners are removable and most of the time, no one knows you have them. However, there are several problems with Invisalign and other clear aligners; use the following information to help you determine which solution is right for your needs. 

Dental emergencies happen at the worst of times. You are out of town on vacation, it's a long holiday weekend, or your orthodontist is out of the office for a day. So, you have an orthodontic bracket that's loose. What do you do now? There are a few steps you can take to minimize this emergency and get yourself through until you can get an appointment. 

Many patients avoid getting braces because they have heard some common myths and now have some fear of the orthodontist or the actual process of getting braces. We've put together a list of the most common myths and the facts behind them to help alleviate any concerns you might have about getting braces, either as an adult or young person. 

Your family dentist can handle many of your oral health care needs. This makes things simple for you, the patient, when you are scheduling appointments, handling paperwork and dealing with payments. However, sometimes your dentist may not be able to handle all of your needs, or you may wish to seek the services of an orthodontist for more specialized care. If you are wondering just what is an orthodontist or when you should make an appointment with your regular dentist versus contact an orthodontist, the following information will help.