Your Vestavia Hills, AL orthodontics specialists can help you restore your smile and get the most out of every family photo. However, the field of orthodontics is pretty massive, and it can be difficult to decide on what solution is best for you. Fortunately, the team at Backus Smiles Orthodontics offers a wide range of orthodontic solutions – and we have over 125 years of collective experience with braces, aligners, and retainers of all kinds.
If you’re ready to get started, contact us today to schedule your first visit. But if you need a little more information about your different options, that’s totally understandable. Read on to learn more about our orthodontics, and decide which solution is best for you:
Aligners
Most people express interest in aligners. You’re probably more familiar with the brand names of Invisalign, and Spark (which is becoming more popular). We offer both, and “aligners” is a catch-all term for these orthodontic solutions. Aligners are great for folks who are looking for a low-profile solution. They’re clear, they’re removable, and they’re really not noticeable unless someone is weirdly close to your mouth.
When you use aligners, you have to wear them between 20 and 22 hours a day. They pop on over your teeth, and they gradually shift your teeth into the proper place. Because it’s a gradual process, you’ll typically have to go through several sets of aligners until your teeth are finally where you’d like them to be. But each set of aligners is custom made, and again, they aren’t as noticeable as braces.
Aligners are a great option, but sometimes braces are unavoidable. Fortunately, the Vestavia Hills, AL orthodontics pros at Backus Smiles Orthodontics can do braces like you’ve probably never seen them before – pun intended.
Braces
One of the main concerns people have about braces is their visibility. For many of us, braces are a right of passage in our teenage years. But there’s many ways you can make them lower-profile, or completely hidden to the outside observer. At Backus Smiles Orthodontics, we provide clear braces, and depending on your situation, we can also provide lingual braces that are completely hidden behind your teeth.
There’s no reason to feel ashamed about your braces. After all, a little bit of wire-work today means a straighter, picture-perfect smile tomorrow. And with our Damon System braces, we can reduce the overall treatment time, while also providing a more comfortable orthodontic experience.
Whether you need braces, aligners, or you’d just like to talk over your options with the pros, Backus Smiles Orthodontics is here to help. With offices in Sylacauga and Birmingham, we make it easier than ever to get in touch.
Let’s Smile Together – Contact Us Today
At Backus Smiles Orthodontics, we’re happy to offer a wide range of orthodontic solutions. Whether you’re looking for braces, clear aligners, retainers, or anything in between, we can help you find the best option for your needs. It’s never too late to get the smile you deserve. Get in touch with us today, and see how a Vestavia Hills orthodontics specialist from our office can help.
Life With Braces And Aligners
Whether you’ve chosen traditional braces or clear aligners, adjusting to life with these treatments requires a bit of time and effort. Both options offer great results, but they come with their own set of day-to-day considerations. Your Vestavia Hills, AL orthodontics specialist can help make the process smoother and help you maintain good dental health throughout your treatment.
Daily Life With Braces
While braces are effective at moving teeth into the correct position, they require some lifestyle adjustments.
One of the first things you’ll notice with braces is the need to modify your eating habits. It’s best to avoid foods that are hard, sticky, or chewy, as they can damage the brackets or wires. This includes items like popcorn, gum, and caramel. You’ll also need to be cautious with foods like apples and carrots, because biting into them puts a significant amount of pressure on braces.
Brushing and flossing can be a bit more challenging with braces, as food can get trapped in the brackets and wires. It’s essential to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and orthodontic floss threaders to clean between your teeth and braces thoroughly. Many patients find it helpful to carry a travel-sized toothbrush with them, so they can clean their teeth after meals.
You may also experience some discomfort, particularly after adjustments. This is normal and typically goes away after a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage any soreness.
Daily Life With Aligners
Clear aligners, like Invisalign, are removable, which makes cleaning your teeth and eating much easier when compared to traditional metal or clear braces. However, they need to be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day to be effective. This means you should only remove them for meals and when brushing and flossing. In the beginning, simply remembering to put on your aligners may be an adjustment.
With aligners, you don’t have to worry as much about food restrictions, as you’ll take them out before eating. However, it’s important to clean your teeth before putting the aligners back in to avoid trapping food particles that could lead to cavities or staining.
One of the biggest advantages of aligners is their comfort. Unlike braces, which can cause irritation from the metal brackets, aligners are made from smooth plastic. While you may feel some pressure when switching to a new set of aligners, it’s typically temporary and more mild.
Perhaps the biggest adjustment to daily life with aligners is maintaining their cleanliness. It’s relatively simple, but it’s still an extra thing to add to your morning and nighttime regimen. You’ll need to rinse them with lukewarm water and use a soft brush to gently clean them. Avoid using hot water, as it can warp the plastic.
Managing Your Orthodontic Appointments
Regular checkups are a key part of any orthodontic treatment, whether you have braces or aligners. These appointments allow your orthodontist to monitor your progress and make necessary adjustments. If you have braces, these visits typically involve tightening the wires or changing the bands. For aligner patients, the appointments are usually shorter and focus on checking your progress and giving you the next set of aligners.
Maintaining Your Results
Once your treatment is complete, the next phase involves maintaining your new smile. Retainers are often required to keep your teeth in their new position. Whether you’ve had braces or aligners, wearing your retainer as instructed by your orthodontist is crucial. Neglecting to wear it can lead to your teeth shifting back to their original position.
Your Vestavia Hills orthodontics specialist will provide detailed instructions on how often to wear your retainer and how to care for it. This step is essential in ensuring that your results last a lifetime.
Whether you’re considering braces or aligners, it’s important to work with a skilled orthodontist who can guide you through the process. At Backus Smiles Orthodontics, we’re here to put our decades of experience to work for your benefit and support you every step of the way. If you’re looking for a trusted Vestavia Hills orthodontics specialist, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our personable, dedicated team is ready to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
Choosing The Right Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic care offers a variety of treatments to improve dental alignment and achieve a healthy smile. From traditional metal braces to modern clear aligners, there are many options available. Selecting the right orthodontic treatment depends on individual dental needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Below are several factors to consider when choosing the right orthodontic treatment:
1. Severity Of Dental Issues
Before deciding on a treatment, it’s important to consider the severity of your dental issues. Traditional braces are highly effective for correcting more complex problems, such as severe overcrowding or bite misalignment, while clear aligners are suitable for less severe cases.
2. Aesthetic Preferences
Patients who are concerned about the visibility of their braces may prefer clear aligners or ceramic braces, which are less noticeable than metal braces. Clear aligners offer the added benefit of being removable, while ceramic braces provide a less conspicuous alternative to traditional metal braces.
3. Duration Of Treatment
Treatment times vary depending on the type of orthodontic device used and the complexity of the dental issue being treated. Traditional braces often work faster for more complex cases, while clear aligners can be more time-consuming, especially if they require frequent adjustments.
4. Comfort Level
Comfort is an important factor when choosing an orthodontic treatment. Metal braces may cause more discomfort due to their brackets and wires, while clear aligners are made from smooth plastic, providing a more comfortable experience. It’s important to discuss these factors with your orthodontist to find the best fit for your lifestyle.
5. Maintenance And Care
Orthodontic devices require different levels of care and maintenance. Traditional braces require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent food from getting stuck in the wires. Clear aligners, on the other hand, need to be cleaned after meals and removed before eating, which makes them a more flexible option for patients who prefer low-maintenance care.
6. Age And Lifestyle
Age plays a role in selecting an orthodontic treatment. Teenagers and younger patients may feel comfortable with traditional braces, while adults may prefer more discreet options like clear aligners or ceramic braces. Lifestyle factors, such as the need for a professional appearance or involvement in contact sports, should also be considered when choosing an orthodontic solution.
7. Budget And Insurance Coverage
Cost is another important consideration. Traditional braces are typically more affordable than ceramic braces or clear aligners, but prices can vary depending on the length of treatment and other factors. It’s essential to review insurance coverage and budget before committing to a specific treatment plan.
Making The Right Choice For Your Orthodontic Care
Orthodontic treatment offers a wide range of options, each designed to address specific dental issues. By considering factors such as the severity of dental problems, aesthetic preferences, and comfort, patients can make an informed decision about the treatment that best fits their needs.
If you’re looking for orthodontic care in Vestavia Hills, AL, Backus Smiles offers personalized treatment plans to help you have a healthy and confident smile. Reach out to our team to discuss your options and start your journey toward better oral health!
Vestavia Hills Orthodontics FAQs
At Backus Smiles Orthodontics, we understand that starting orthodontic treatment can bring up a lot of questions. Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or a loved one, it’s important to feel confident in the decisions you make. We’ve compiled some of the most common questions we receive about orthodontics to help guide you through the process. Below, our Vestavia Hills, AL orthodontics team has addressed key concerns related to braces, oral hygiene, and treatment benefits.
Are There Any Foods Or Habits To Avoid While Wearing Braces?
One of the most important things to keep in mind while wearing braces is to avoid certain foods and habits. Some foods can damage your braces or cause unnecessary discomfort. Hard, crunchy foods like nuts, ice, and hard candy should be avoided as they can break wires or loosen brackets. Sticky foods, such as gum and caramel, should also be avoided, as they can get stuck in your braces, making them difficult to clean. It’s also essential to avoid biting on objects like pens or your fingernails, as these habits can lead to breakage. When you visit us, we’ll give you a list of foods to steer clear of and guide you on how to best care for your braces throughout your treatment.
Can Adults Benefit From Orthodontic Treatments Like Braces Or Clear Aligners?
Many adults wonder if orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners are only for children and teenagers. The good news is that orthodontic treatment can benefit people of all ages. Whether you’re looking to straighten your teeth, improve your bite, or boost your smile’s appearance, you’re never too old for treatment. Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, offer a discreet option for adults who want to straighten their teeth without the look of traditional braces. We’ve helped many adults achieve the smile they’ve always wanted, no matter their age. Contact us today to learn how we can help improve your smile.
Are There Any Risks Or Complications Associated With Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is generally safe, but, as with any medical treatment, there are some potential risks or complications to be aware of. The most common issues include discomfort during adjustments, as the braces or aligners are gradually moving the teeth into their new position. There’s also a small risk of tooth decay or gum irritation, especially if you don’t maintain good oral hygiene. However, these risks are manageable with regular checkups and following your orthodontist’s care instructions. We’ll monitor your progress throughout your treatment to address any concerns and make adjustments as needed to keep things on track. We also are open to questions, so feel free to ask our team to address any lingering questions you might have on how our treatments might affect you.
How Do I Care For My Braces And Maintain Good Oral Hygiene?
Proper care of your braces is key to maintaining oral health during your treatment. Brushing your teeth thoroughly after every meal is crucial to prevent plaque buildup around your braces. You should also floss daily, using a special orthodontic flosser or a floss threader to get between the wires and around the brackets. In addition, it’s important to visit your orthodontist regularly for adjustments and to check for any issues that may need to be addressed. If you follow these simple guidelines, you’ll help keep your teeth and gums healthy while you’re on your journey to a better smile.
Can Orthodontic Treatment Fix Issues Like An Overbite Or Underbite?
Orthodontic treatments can be very effective at correcting issues like overbites, underbites, and other alignment problems. If you have a misaligned bite, braces or clear aligners can help move your teeth and jaws into the correct position, improving both the function and appearance of your teeth. These treatments can also alleviate issues like difficulty chewing, jaw pain, and speech problems caused by bite misalignment. We’ve helped many patients improve their bite and smile, so if you’re dealing with an overbite or underbite, don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your options.
We have over 125 years of combined experience. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest level of care and comfort for all of our patients. Each member of our team is a registered assistant, ensuring that your treatment is managed by trained professionals who are committed to your success.
If you’re ready to start your orthodontic journey, we invite you to reach out to our Vestavia Hills orthodontics team at Backus Smiles Orthodontics. Whether you’re interested in traditional braces or clear aligners, we’re here to help you achieve the smile you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile. And remember, orthodontics is for everyone so you are never too old to improve your smile!