If you look at the website of many general dentists or “cosmetic dentists,” you will notice that they tend to offer one or two orthodontic options. But if you look at our website, you’ll see that we offer four different options, and that’s not including some of the finer details that we can customize during your consultation.
That’s a lot of choices, but, really, it’s not too many. Our four different approaches to orthodontics allow us to find the right orthodontic treatment for you. Here’s some more information about the orthodontics we offer and who they are best for.
Inman Aligner
The Inman Aligner is one of the newer treatment options available. It’s a mouthpiece that you wear most of the day. It fits over your dental arch and has springs that push two aligner plates together. These aligner plates can move your smile into place in as little as six weeks!
Who’s It For: The Inman Aligner only does certain types of tooth movements, so it’s limited to a small number of cases. It’s completely removable, so it’s good for people who don’t want to feel “trapped” in braces. The problem is, it’s highly visible when you’re wearing it, so you have to be prepared for people to see it. This is a great treatment option for people with an appropriate case who don’t mind people seeing their orthodontia.
Six Month Smiles
Six Month Smiles uses an upgraded version of traditional braces to focus just on moving your front teeth. These teeth are easier to move, so the procedure goes faster and has less discomfort.
Who’s It For: Six Month Smiles is appropriate for most people who just need orthodontics for cosmetic reasons. You can’t have bite issues or need to move your molars for any reasons. Six Month Smiles aren’t removable, but they’re pretty subtle, so you don’t have to worry as much about people noticing them.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners in a computer-designed sequence to move your teeth into place. The aligners are removable, so there’re no dietary restrictions, and there’s no metal wire or brackets to irritate your cheeks.
Who’s It For: Invisalign does great moving teeth horizontally, so if you only need teeth moved together or spaced apart, Invisalign is a great choice. It does okay at pushing teeth back down, but it’s not very good at moving them upward. The convenience factor is also pretty significant. Invisalign is great for appropriate candidates who don’t want people to see their braces, and who have appropriate treatment needs.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces use brackets attached to your teeth and metal archwires to guide your teeth through a series of movements. With the bracket attached firmly to the teeth, it’s possible to apply significant force in almost any direction desired. That’s why traditional orthodontics haven’t gone anywhere–they’re still here and still popular.
Who’s It For: Traditional braces are the best option for people with complex orthodontic needs. This includes people with bite problems that aren’t treatable through other means. Because it can be hard to clean teeth with traditional braces on, and because you will be wearing braces for an extended period of time, you have to be committed to oral hygiene during your orthodontic treatment.
Which Is Right for You?
The best way to find out which treatment is actually the best choice for you is to talk to a dentist in person. To schedule an appointment with an Orange County cosmetic dentist, please call (949) 551-5902 for an appointment at Rice Dentistry in Irvine.
