Which Orthodontic Treatment is Right for Me

Are you getting started thinking about orthodontic treatment? The beauty of going to a local office like Kovacs Orthodontics for treatment is that we offer multiple options to find the perfect fit for each patient’s needs and lifestyle. We start with the basics: what do your teeth need in order to be in their absolute healthiest alignment? And then we consider all the other factors like personality, age, and lifestyle. 

If you are just getting started, keep reading to find out more about different kinds of treatments and why they may or may not be the right fit for you! Before you settle on your perfect fit, be sure to give us a call and set up a free consultation appointment with Dr. Kovacs so he can give his professional opinion too! We are eager to work with you to find the right fit for your orthodontic treatment!

Cosmetics

One huge factor that many teens and adults think about when leading up to their treatment is how it will look. Back in the day when metal braces were the only treatment, people didn’t have the luxury of considering their options, but now you can go with your preference as well as the best treatment for your unique need!

Braces are considered a fixed appliance that stays in your mouth throughout the course of your treatment. Kovacs Orthodontics offers ceramic braces as well as metal braces so that you can choose just how visible you are comfortable with. Removable orthodontic appliances like Invisalign retainers are often considered the most discreet option as they slide right over your teeth and fit perfectly and invisibly. Some people prefer them for this reason. 

Case Complexity

One important component that will be difficult for you to judge on your own without a board-licensed orthodontist is how severe your case might be. There is so much more to know about your teeth than just how they look. For example, the gums, roots, and bones of your teeth need to be taken into account, as well as the bite and jaw. Depending on your unique biological factors and arrangement, you may need more significant treatment. In that case, Dr. Kovacs will likely recommend braces as they are the best option for significantly shifting teeth. If you have a mild to medium case, then Invisalign might be a good option. 

Time Spent in Treatment

If the length of your treatment is an important factor to you, then you should certainly mention this during your consultation appointment. Braces typically take longer, approximately 24 months, whereas aligners when worn diligently typically have a 6-18 month treatment time. Much of it will depend upon your commitment to the process, but be sure to ask Dr. Kovacs what he recommends when it comes to the timeline. 

Time Spent in Our Office

Regardless of which treatment you choose, the chances are good that we will be seeing you in our office regularly. For braces, patients typically need to come in for a check-up every 6-10 weeks where Dr. Kovacs will evaluate the progress and make adjustments and additions as needed. For Invisalign, you will be back in our office every 6 weeks to review your progress and receive your upcoming aligners. Know that this commitment is part of the process, and we love seeing you regularly in our Billings or Miles City offices.

Restrictions

Having braces means adhering to the ‘braces diet’ to avoid breaking your appliance with hard, crunchy, or chewy foods. You will have to get used to avoiding most of these foods and cutting up any crunchy fruits or vegetables, and maybe even cooking them to make them softer. Invisalign on the other hand is fairly restriction-free since you can simply remove your aligners in order to eat or drink. 

Taking Care of Your Teeth

Having teeth means taking good care of them. When you have braces, know that your daily maintenance is even more important! You will need to brush and floss daily, including flossing around each tooth and wire. This can take some practice and generally will take up a bit of time, though there are some simpler options like a water flosser that can serve as an easier solution. Of course, you still have to brush and floss daily when wearing Invisalign retainers, but it is usually a bit easier since there are no permanent devices like braces getting in the way. Note that you will also need to brush and sanitize your retainers every day in order for them to be clean enough to stay in your mouth. 

Which Orthodontic Treatment is Right for MeFind the Treatment You Need at Kovacs Orthodontics

Now that you know about what different treatment options might bring to your smile and lifestyle, it’s time to come in for that free consultation to get all the details from Dr. Kovacs. He will evaluate your unique dental needs, as well as listen to your questions or concerns about different treatment options and together you can choose one that works great for you and your lifestyle.

We can’t wait to see you in one of our offices soon!