Here at Feil Orthodontics, we know that no two smiles are the same. That’s why it’s important to work with an expert who is committed to finding the perfect treatment option for your unique smile. The first step towards a Feil Smile is a consultation with Dr. Feil in one of our four conveniently located offices. During this visit, you’ll receive a brief oral examination and have some photographs taken of your mouth. This is what allows Dr. Feil to form a diagnosis and build a treatment plan around your specific needs and goals.
This customized plan will include a recommendation for the treatment method that is likely to be the best fit for your smile. Our practice has a variety of treatment options available, and we use the latest in orthodontic technology to make it easier than ever to achieve a confident smile! Today’s appliances are comfortable, efficient, and affordable, offering exceptional results our patients love. Let’s take a look at the treatment options we offer and how they can help straighten your teeth and improve your oral health!
Back to the basics of braces
Braces are the most popular orthodontic treatment and with good reason. They’ve been around for centuries in one form or another and come with a long history of successfully correcting bad bites and misalignments. Braces can be particularly effective for patients dealing with more complex or severe cases. They tend to work fast at closing gaps and aligning the teeth, with the average treatment time lasting anywhere from 12-24 months. Minor signs of improvement can often be seen in a relatively short period, which can be encouraging for patients new to the process!
There is some maintenance involved with traditional braces, which can be a learning curve. Your dental hygiene routine is a good example! Brushing and flossing regularly is an essential part of oral care for all of us, but it’s even more important for orthodontic patients. You may find it trickier to keep your teeth and gums clean when wearing braces since it can be challenging to navigate around the brackets, wires, and bands. Fortunately, it only takes a little patience and practice to get the hang of it! For the best results, we recommend patients brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time and floss every night before bed.
Food restrictions are another necessary part of the orthodontic process with braces. During treatment, you’ll need to avoid anything sticky or crunchy since these foods can damage the brackets and wires. While there’s no denying this takes some getting used to, perspective is key. Remind yourself that nothing lasts forever (even if it sometimes feels like it!) All your hard work will pay off once your braces are removed, and we reveal your beautiful new smile.
Follow-up visits are also essential for the success of any treatment plan. These appointments are usually scheduled for every 6-10 weeks or so in the office of your choice. During these checkups, Dr. Feil will ensure the teeth are moving in a healthy way and change the bands attached to the brackets. He may choose to replace the wire at this time as well. These appointments tend to be pretty quick so we can get you back to school or work as soon as possible, but they do help us produce the best results in the least amount of time. If you can’t make one for any reason, let us know as soon as possible and we’ll be happy to reschedule it for you. This will keep your treatment plan on track and our office running smoothly.
What are the different types of braces available?
Modern orthodontics comes with cutting-edge technology and efficient techniques that are comfortable and customizable. The variety of treatment choices available allow Dr. Feil to give you the results you desire without surgery or extractions in most cases. These options include the following.
Traditional metal braces
Today’s metal braces are better than ever, with stainless steel brackets that are smaller and more comfortable than previous versions. These brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth then connected by a flexible wire. Dr. Feil will adjust the wire throughout the treatment process, which slowly repositions the teeth into the proper alignment. Patients can also add a pop of personality by choosing colorful elastics or go for a more subtle option with clear bands.
Clear ceramic braces
Ceramic braces work just like metal braces but have the added benefit of clear ceramic brackets. These match the color of the natural teeth much more closely, giving patients a discreet way to straighten their teeth, especially when paired with clear or tooth-colored elastics! Although these braces are durable, the ceramic material can make the brackets a bit more susceptible to damage. For this reason, we tend to recommend these clear braces for our older teen and adult patients.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners are technically an exciting alternative to traditional braces, but we think they’re worth talking about, too! Instead of brackets and wires, these systems use a series of customized trays to straighten the teeth. These trays are made of a soft thermoplastic resin and customized to fit snugly but comfortably over your teeth. They’re also designed to be removable for short periods, like when you’re eating or brushing your teeth, giving you an extra measure of flexibility throughout the treatment process.
Patient compliance is important with any clear aligner system. The aligners need to be worn for 20-22 hours per day throughout the treatment process to work. They must also be switched out for the next in the series every 1-2 weeks to keep up with the movements the teeth are making. If you’re worried about your ability to keep up with these requirements, metal or clear braces that are fixed in place may be a better choice for you.
Find the best braces for you with Feil Orthodontics
Every treatment option has its own list of pros and cons, and not every method will be suitable for all patients. This is why Dr. Feil will create a personalized treatment plan for you based on your specific needs, lifestyle, and goals.
You’ll never find any “cookie-cutter” treatment plans here at Feil Orthodontics! Dr. Feil will only ever recommend the treatment that is the best fit for your unique smile.
If you’re in Bismarck, Mandan, Beulah, or Dickinson, we’d love to meet you and walk you through all the treatment options available to you. Get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation and take the first steps towards the confident smile you deserve!