If you are interested in receiving orthodontic treatment, knowing your options before deciding which is best for you is essential. Orbach Orthodontics loves meeting new patients and helping them figure out where to begin their smile journey. Read on to learn more about our care options and which orthodontic treatment is right for you!
What is Orthodontic Care?
Orthodontists like Dr. Orbach specialize in realigning your teeth and jaw to fix common complications such as crowding, bite issues, malocclusion, and protruding teeth. Their job is to help your smile shine and reach its perfect placement. We use treatments such as metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign, each working to shift your teeth to accomplish the same beautiful results.Â
Your first appointment with an orthodontist is recommended at age seven, with treatment for most beginning in early adolescence. This allows us to spot any issues related to crowding that can be fixed while your jaw is still malleable to avoid tooth extraction.
Benefits of Straightening Your Teeth
Realigning your teeth can grant you a tremendous confidence boost! Whether working on first impressions or simply meeting up with friends, having a grin you are proud of makes all the difference in your self-assuredness.Â
Besides aesthetics, there are plenty of health benefits to straightening your teeth. You will experience smoother digestion due to more effective chewing, easier oral care maintenance as hard-to-reach spots disappear, and improved verbal speech patterns due to your tongue and lips resting correctly.
Available Orthodontic Treatments
Orbach Orthodontics provides many treatment options to accommodate our patients’ lifestyles and orthodontic needs. During your free consultation with Dr. Orbach, he will learn more about your teeth and what options he believes would work most effectively.
Clear Aligners
A great aesthetic option, clear aligners can grant you the smile results you are after with a comfortable, discreet design. They are custom-made out of smooth plastic to fit the alignment of your teeth perfectly.Â
This appliance works in a series of trays where you transition from one set to the next to slowly shift your teeth into the perfect alignment. Each set of aligners is worn for about two weeks before moving on to the next. Clear aligners are great for those with crowded or gapped teeth and minor bite issues. Our office provides 3M Clarity clear aligners and Invisalign.Â
Metal Braces
A long-trusted orthodontic treatment, metal braces have remained popular over the years due to their dependability and increasingly comfortable design. They are now smaller than ever and less noticeable. Brackets, wires, elastics, and other materials place constant slight pressure on your teeth to slowly move them over time.
Despite being a traditional option, the many advancements made toward metal braces have made this appliance a cost-effective choice that excels in strength and provides long-lasting orthodontic treatment that will preserve your teeth for years. This appliance can fix any oral issue, no matter how complex.
Incognito Lingual Braces
Attached to the inside surface of your teeth, Incognito lingual braces are a hidden orthodontic appliance that does the same work as metal braces with an inconspicuous appearance. They use the latest orthodontic technology to ensure a unique fit for your teeth and provide customized, effective treatment.Â
Lingual braces work towards your alignment objectives and even simplify oral hygiene. You can expect an easy and comfortable experience wearing this appliance. It is perfect for professionals and older teens looking to maintain a polished look while still working on their oral health.Â
InBrace Hidden Braces
InBrace hidden braces, another lingual appliance, is a reliable choice to reach your smile goals. They use a small wire masked behind your teeth, which is programmed to slowly align your teeth into place using advanced computer modeling and Gentleforce technology.Â
This effective treatment does not require tightening each month and allows you to eat as you usually would while wearing them. It also improves oral hygiene so that nothing will get stuck between the braces. The subtle aesthetics of this appliance make InBrace Hidden braces a popular option among older teens and adults.Â
Clear Braces
Made of ceramic, clear braces work like metal braces but without the same prominent appearance. They are comprised of brackets and wires attached to the front surface of your teeth as slight pressure is placed on them to shift over time. These brackets are tooth-colored to blend in with your smile and provide a low profile in public.Â
Clear braces provide a comfortable and smooth feel so your gums, lips, and cheeks are less agitated while transitioning into wearing them. Dr. Orbach recommends this appliance to older teens and adults looking to straighten their smiles.
What to Consider When Deciding on Treatment
Average Treatment Length
A common question we get asked is how long treatment will take. Your time in treatment will vary depending on the appliance you choose, your smile goals, and your current oral health. On average, care takes around one to three years to complete. Some patients get done sooner than others if their case is milder than an adult’s average work.Â
Fixed Vs. Removable Appliances
Orbach Orthodontics provides fixed appliances bonded to your teeth, like metal and clear braces, as well as removable braces that can be removed, like clear aligners. The treatment you choose is contingent on your lifestyle and the work you can consistently put in.Â
Budget
During your free consultation, our team will provide you with a full breakdown of the costs and share how much different appliances will be. Metal braces are known for their affordability, while lingual braces are on the more expensive side. Insurance will also play a role in your final payment, so remember to bring that information to your appointment.
Seek Out Treatment Today!
After learning more about your treatment options and what to consider before choosing treatment, we hope you feel more confident beginning your smile journey. If you want to begin care, scheduling your free consultation with Dr. Orbach is your first step! We serve Washington, D.C., Falls Church, and the surrounding communities. Our team can’t wait to meet you.