At Cox Orthodontics, we strive to ensure that each of our patients is well-versed in all aspects of their orthodontic care and feels comfortable making educated decisions throughout the course of their treatment. The first step toward straightening your smile with us is exploring the various services we provide at our Franklin & Lewisburg locations. Both our traditional metal braces and Invisalign clear aligners have proven to be very popular amongst our patients of all ages, so let’s take a deeper look at each of these options.

Traditional braces have a lengthy history of successfully straightening smiles because they have been used for ages in various guises. They typically consist of brackets composed of metal or ceramic that Dr. Cox affixes to the teeth’s front surfaces. Then, wires and tiny rubber bands or elastics are used to join these brackets together. Together, these elements will gradually nudge the teeth into the ideal placements.

Brackets for straightening teeth now are less invasive and more effective than ever before. And they’re adaptable to your needs. Patients who wish to express their individuality during treatment can choose from a wide variety of brightly colored bands and brackets, while those who want a more discreet option can go for clear or tooth-colored brackets.

Traditional braces can be extremely helpful in more severe or complicated cases and are incredibly effective at treating a number of mouth problems. The overall treatment time may be shortened since they can work more quickly than clear aligners to close gaps and straighten teeth. There is no “one size fits all” solution for how long treatment will last, it is vital to remember that. The length of time varies depending on a number of variables, such as the intricacy of the case and the patient’s response, but generally speaking, it takes between 12 and 36 months.

Having traditional braces might make it difficult to keep a consistent oral hygiene routine, especially at the outset. Because of all the crevices, food particles can easily become lodged in the wires and brackets, making thorough cleaning a challenge. When this happens, it provides favorable conditions for the growth of harmful bacteria, which in turn raises the chance of developing cavities and tooth decay.

Fortunately, there are a variety of tools and aids that can make caring for your braces less of a hassle. Ortho-picks are useful for flossing around braces, and oral irrigators like the Waterpik direct a stream of water to hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.

One of the biggest adjustments to getting used to having braces is usually the food limitations. Patients must refrain from eating anything crunchy or chewy throughout treatment to protect their braces and teeth. Included in this are a few fresh fruits and vegetables, popcorn, gum, almonds, and a variety of candies and sweets. Keep in mind that wearing braces is only temporary if you do. Once your braces are taken off and we can see your stunning new smile, all your effort will have been worthwhile.

Patients with braces should anticipate to see us for follow-up appointments every four to eight weeks. You don’t want to skip these appointments because they’ll help you see benefits faster. Dr. Cox and his staff will use these visits to ensure everything is going according to plan. They’ll swap out the wire while they’re at it and replace the bands on the brackets.

Our most popular alternative to conventional braces is clear aligners. This cutting-edge device offers patients a simple and discrete treatment alternative that, in many situations, is less painful for the mouth than braces while still producing great results! The effectiveness of the system is greatly influenced by patient compliance. Throughout the course of treatment, patients must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day, changing them out for the following set every one to two weeks as prescribed by Dr. Cox. The results and length of the treatment process may be impacted by not adhering to these instructions.

The length of time a patient has to wear the aligners varies from case to case, just as it does with braces. However, the typical duration is closer to two years. Since the transparent aligners must be removed prior to consuming anything other than water, there are no dietary limitations. Patients with Invisalign can continue to enjoy all their favorite foods without restriction. Cleaning your teeth with aligners is considerably easier than with braces since you may remove them before brushing and flossing.

Patients using the Aligner will return to our office for checkups every couple of months, though many can take part in remote monitoring of their treatment progress and hence require fewer in-person appointments. If the aligners aren’t changed out on schedule, missing or postponing visits might slow or reverse treatment progress. Aligners provide patients with more freedom than braces, but they also need greater self-management and adherence. This is why some patients may benefit more from getting braces.

Our knowledgeable staff will be able to assist you in choosing the treatment that would be the greatest fit for your smile, lifestyle, and objectives when you book an orthodontic evaluation with us. This will give you a perfectly positioned, practical smile that fits you perfectly! Make an appointment for your FREE consultation at Cox Orthodontics now to find out more about whether braces or aligners could be a good fit for you.

To find out which orthodontic treatment is ideal for your smile, lifestyle, and objectives, book an evaluation with our experienced team today! A perfectly aligned and healthy smile is yours for the taking with this method! Get in contact with Cox Orthodontics right away to arrange a no-cost consultation to find out if braces or aligners are right for you.