At Andrews Orthodontics, we see patients of all ages, from adolescents to adults, but if at all possible, we love to see patients for the first time when they’re children. When the first permanent teeth begin erupting around age 7, it is the perfect time for your first visit. It is our team’s priority to create a fun, nurturing environment for your child that ensures their first trip to the orthodontist is positive and exciting, and you’ll learn a lot about important milestones to watch out for.
If you’re an adult thinking about getting braces, welcome! Some of our newer adult patients feel self-conscious about wearing braces because they think braces are something only teenagers wear, but that’s not true anymore. At Andrews Orthodontics, about 25% of our patients are adults. They usually only wish they had started treatment sooner!
Today’s orthodontics are more lightweight and comfortable than ever before, and technology keeps improving. If you’re concerned about standing out while in treatment, you can choose clear braces or Invisalign, which involves completely transparent plastic aligners.
Traditional metal braces use stainless steel brackets connected by heat-activated archwires. They’re a good general solution because they tend to be the most economical option and work for a wide variety of cases. Kids often like how the rubber bands that attach the archwires to the brackets come in a rainbow of fun colors that can be switched out at each visit.
Ceramic braces are like traditional braces, but we use ceramic brackets to blend into your teeth better, and they don’t gleam in the light like metal braces. This makes them less conspicuous. They can cost a little more than traditional metal braces and are also more popular with our grown-up patients.
We also offer Invisalign, which aren’t braces technically but treat many of the same conditions. If you still have questions, don’t worry. We’ll go through all of your treatment options during your complimentary consultation with Dr. Andrews.
Invisalign is a great option for straightening teeth without using braces.
The main reason people choose Invisalign over traditional braces is that treatment is virtually invisible (hence the name). Instead of brackets and wires, treatment involves a series of transparent plastic trays that fit directly over teeth. When you’re wearing Invisalign trays, it will be hard for anyone to notice that you are wearing them. Invisalign is especially favored by our adult patients. We also offer Invisalign Teen for our adolescent patients. Invisalign treatment times tend to be comparable to traditional braces. We look forward to answering all of your questions at your complimentary consultation.
We know that everyone’s lives are jam-packed with things to do and commitments we have to schedule our lives around. That’s why we offer our patients same-day braces so that they can get started on their smile journey as quickly as possible – as well as saving them another trip to our office. To schedule your free consultation, call our office today and we’ll set everything up for you.
After your braces are off and you’ve finished orthodontic treatment, you’re not quite done yet. Your teeth need to settle into their new positions, as the supporting structures in your mouth have to strengthen and solidify around your new smile. Retainers are necessary to “retain” all the work that has been accomplished. So make sure to wear your retainer according to Dr. Andrews’ instructions. If not, your teeth will start drifting back to their original positions! And no one wants that.
