Central Massachusetts Orthodontic Associates provides our patients with expert, high-quality care that lasts a lifetime. If you want to begin orthodontic treatment but need help deciding which you should get, Dr. Giarrusso, Dr. Livanos, Dr. Kotin, and the rest of our incredible team can help you! Read on to learn more about how to choose the most effective options and what factors to consider in the process.
The Importance of a Consultation
When you come into our practice for the first time, we offer a consultation where our team is able to understand your teeth, and you can learn more about your orthodontic needs, what you are looking to achieve with treatment, and your options.
Dr. Giarrusso, Dr. Livanos, or Dr. Kotin will review your x-rays, a digital impression, and other materials as they provide expert recommendations based on their findings while keeping in mind your lifestyle and aesthetic choices. Please share your questions and concerns with us during this time so our team can help you make an informed choice.
Available Treatment Options
Metal Braces
Known for their reliability, metal braces are a tried and trusted orthodontic appliance that has helped millions achieve their smile goals. Made of brackets, wires, elastics, bands, and other components, they place slight constant pressure on your teeth to shift them into their ideal position over a long period of time. We offer an array of colors for your elastics, so you can choose whether to show them off with your favorite colors or keep a more subtle appearance with tooth-colored and neutral colors.
This appliance is now lighter and smaller than ever, allowing for a much smaller and more comfortable fit so you can go about your day without thinking about it. You can rely on metal braces to fix any dental issue with long-term results, no matter how complex.
Clear Braces
If you are looking for a discreet appliance with the same results you can achieve with metal braces, then clear braces may be the perfect decision for you. They use the same technology and components as their metal counterpart, though clear braces utilize tooth-colored ceramic brackets that blend in with your teeth to achieve a subtle look. Thanks to advancements in the field, you won’t need to worry about staining them with coffee, chocolate, or other dark liquids or foods.
The slight pressure on your jaw and teeth shifts them over a long period until they reach ideal alignment. Clear braces provide a comfortable feel inside your mouth, so you don’t have to worry about agitation due to friction against your lips, gums, and cheeks.
Invisalign
Our office is proud to offer Invisalign to our patients. A state-of-the-art appliance, these clear aligners are an excellent option for patients looking to realign their smile without the conspicuous appearance of metal braces. We provide a series of nearly invisible clear trays that fit over your teeth. Each set of trays stays on for about two weeks for 20-22 hours per day as your teeth shift into their new position.
It is crucial to stay compliant throughout treatment and wear your trays for as long as needed to keep your treatment plan on track. However, you won’t have to wear them during meals, allowing the freedom of no food restrictions throughout your smile journey.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
There are many reasons to begin orthodontic treatment, one of which is that you will enjoy the beautiful smile you deserve! Braces and clear aligners can help you feel more confident in your smile and become a happier person. Nothing is more satisfying to our team than the beaming grins we see on patients leaving our office after removing their appliance.
Besides aesthetics, many patients experience positive changes to their overall health, including smoother digestion, improved function of their teeth like chewing and biting, easier dental hygiene, and, in turn, fewer dental complications.
Which Should You Choose?
Aesthetics and Lifestyle
Personal preference certainly matters in choosing an orthodontic appliance. We want you to feel confident in how you look in braces or clear aligners and stay compliant throughout treatment to ensure you stay on track with your treatment plan, avoiding any delays as necessary.
For example, fixed appliances, such as metal or clear braces, vary in appearance, though they stay in your mouth the entirety of the treatment, so you don’t have to worry about when to remove or put them back in. Removable appliances like clear aligners lack food restrictions but ask more of you when keeping them in all day.
Severity of Dental Issues
Depending on how complex the work you would like to accomplish is, Dr. Giarrusso, Dr. Livanos, and Dr. Kotin may suggest certain appliances over others to ensure effective results in an efficient amount of time. While you may be able to choose any treatment option to work on your teeth, we typically recommend using metal braces for more severe issues and clear aligners or clear braces for mild to moderate problems. The shorter you need to be in treatment, the better!
Budget and Cost
During your free consultation, we will consider your financial needs when sharing more about each appliance. Our team will provide a price breakdown of what you can expect to pay so no surprises await you later. If you are using dental insurance, you can count on us to help you file your claim to receive the maximum benefits. We strive to keep our high-quality care an option for everyone in our community by offering interest-free monthly payment plans.
Start Your Treatment Today!
No matter which orthodontic appliance you choose, you can count on the Central Massachusetts Orthodontic Associates team to start you on the right path toward a healthy, beautiful smile! If you have any questions about our treatment options or our orthodontist’s recommendations, schedule a consultation with us today at our Worcester, Spencer, or Auburn practices.