Our Locations
Huntington Office
At Shiney Smiles Orthodontics, we have noticed something that tends to happen to our patients and ourselves–when we are confused or overwhelmed by something, we tend to avoid it or put it off. I think we’ve all been there, but when it comes to orthodontic treatment we don’t want any confusion to hold you back from getting the smile of your dreams!
At our practice, we have worked with our patients for years as they figure out their best treatment and then craft stunning, healthy smiles. You don’t need to be alone or confused as you figure out what works for your unique needs or lifestyle. Read on to see our overview of how braces and Invisalign might be a good fit for you!
What to Know About Wearing Braces
Cosmetic Appearance
If all you think of when you think of braces is the bright, shiny, metallic smile then you’re missing part of the story! Yes, traditional braces are made from metal and those still work great for some patients. But in recent years clear braces have become more popular. These braces are made from a tooth-colored ceramic that blends into your smile and reduces the appearance of your braces! If appearance is a concern but you still want or need braces, ceramic braces are a great choice for you!
Case Complexity
While you might think that you know exactly what your teeth and mouth need to create a straight smile, the truth is that there is often much more to know beneath the surface. Dr. Sheinis is a board-certified orthodontist who is an expert at looking at everything you may miss, including taking x-rays and understanding the roots, bones, and nerves of your teeth and how your jaw fits into the equation. This means that there may be more work that needs to be done than you expect! In complex cases, Dr. Sheinis may recommend braces as the best treatment for those challenges. Braces are a classic for a reason and are just the best option for dealing with tricky dental cases.
Time in Treatment and in Our Office
One factor to consider with your orthodontic treatment is how often you will need to come into our office, and how long the treatment will last. These are big commitments of your time, but we think they are worth it to get aligned teeth that will last a lifetime. For braces specifically, treatment times tend to be around 24 months on average, but your treatment time will vary depending on your needs. It will also be necessary to come into our office for an appointment about every six to ten weeks for us to track your progress and make changes to your treatment plan if necessary.
Restrictions
Braces are what we call fixed appliances, which means that you can’t take them out when you want to eat crunchy or sticky foods. That is slightly unfortunate because it means that you will need to be cautious about which foods you eat to avoid breaking your braces or causing tooth decay. Check-in with our team for the full list of items you should avoid during treatment with braces.
Hygiene Routine
Braces mean an update to your hygiene routine, and some added diligence to keep your teeth extra clean! Pretty soon you’ll be used to this change in your daily habits, but it takes a bit of practice so be patient with yourself. First, be sure to clean thoroughly around and under your brackets and wires with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Then be sure to floss using a floss threader to guide the floss under each wire. Don’t skip out on these basics to avoid decay and discoloration when your braces come off!
What to Know About Wearing Invisalign
Cosmetic Appearance
For our patients that are very concerned about their appearance during treatment, we love recommending Invisalign. Just like the name suggests, the clear aligners are nearly invisible and allow patients to look and feel just like themselves throughout treatment!
Your Case Complexity
As we describe above, depending on your genetics and appearance, you may have different needs with your treatment. If Dr. Sheinis decides that you only have a mild to moderate case then Invisalign might work for you! Be sure to discuss this option with him to see if it’s a good fit!
Time in Treatment and in Our Office
One thing about Invisalign is that you will need to be ready to come to our office regularly to pick up your upcoming retainers. Usually every six weeks you will need to stop in, and it’s a great excuse for our team to check out your progress. Overall, the treatment tends to be faster than with other treatments, lasting an average of 6-18 months total!
Restrictions
Generally, Invisalign wearers have few restrictions since their retainers are what we call a removable orthodontic appliance. That means you can simply take them out when you are eating and drinking, and then put them back in! You will need to be cautious about storing your retainer and keeping it safe when not wearing them to avoid losing them and costing you extra to get replacements!
Hygiene Routine
Your regular oral health routine will stay just about the same when you get clear retainers, which is one of the other reasons why they are such a convenient option for many people! Just be sure to add in a little bit of time to clean and sanitize your retainers daily to keep them safe to continue wearing!
Find the Treatment You Need at Shiney Smiles Orthodontics
Are you ready to get started on your own orthodontic treatment and have the beautiful straight smile you’ve always wanted? It’s not a pipe dream, but a reality when you come to Shiney Smiles Orthodontics in Huntington and Woodbury! Give us a call today to learn more about our free consultation appointment!