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.