With the abundant advancement of technology, it can be hard to decide which treatment to go for when it comes to aligning teeth. There’s ranting and raving from both sides but sometimes, it's best to go the traditional route -- braces.
Offering multiple solutions, Cavanaugh and Nondorf Orthodontics recommends braces to patients of any age who are looking for a reliable way to fix their smile.
“More and more adults are getting braces, so it's not uncommon to see a 65-year-old with braces as it is a 12-year-old with braces,” Dr. Matthew Nondorf said.
As for younger patients, braces, brackets, and wires can be easier to place onto smaller teeth as opposed to fitting trays or other types of alignment tools.
No matter the patient’s age, Cavanaugh and Nondorf start each patient’s journey with a consultation.
“The first step would be a consultation, which would be complementary, so no charge,” Nondorf said.
During the consultation, photos of the patient’s face and teeth are taken. X-rays are also taken to monitor the health of the teeth themselves.
“We sit down with the patients and go over the information, see what their concerns are, and if there are any concerns with their dentist,” he said.
Nondorf said this is also when specifics are broken down, including the patient’s bite, alignment, and prospective aesthetic. Then, both Cavanaugh and Nondorf share their recommended treatment options best fit for the patient.
Even with the option for alternatives like Invisalign, Cavanaugh said a large number of patients still opt for a traditional set of braces.
“There are some circumstances where braces outshine Invisalign,” he said. “Sometimes, braces work a bit quicker, they are a little bit more affordable, they are very durable, and they’re going to keep working instead of taking them out like Invisalign.”
For alternative solutions, like Invisalign, to be effective, patients have to continuously wear their trays in order for the teeth to shift into the correct alignment. Braces are actively shifting the teeth since they cannot be taken off conveniently like the trays, so brace-wearers do not have to be conscious about their treatment.
“With braces, the movement of the teeth can also be a bit better than the movement with Invisalign,” Nondorf said.
When it comes to check-ups, especially for patients with smaller teeth, it can be easier for tools to be used on braces than molding new trays or other routines needed for further treatment.
Both Cavanaugh and Nondorf recall patient’s stories about their brace treatment and how it transformed their smile. When they see the before and after pictures, Cavanaugh and Nondorf know that they’ve done their job.
“These patients didn’t want to smile before, but now they just can’t stop smiling. Medical-wise, patients weren’t able to chew their food properly, but now they can’t believe how much better their jaw functions,” Nondorf said.
“It’s life changing for those patients,” Cavanaugh said. “And that’s the best part.”
To learn more about Cavanaugh and Nondorf, the treatments they offer, and more information about traditional braces, visit https://www.cnorthodontics.com
