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When you’re deciding whether or not orthodontic treatment is right for you, there’s a lot of information to sort through. From treatment plans to benefits, and orthodontists to treatment times, straightening your smile might seem like a complicated process at first. Luckily, that’s what Shiney Smiles Orthodontics is here for: helping you understand the most common misconceptions about orthodontics and how the process actually works.
#1: Orthodontic treatment is only for teenagers
Let’s clear this one up right off the bat: orthodontic treatment will work for you no matter your age, condition, or background. At Shiney Smiles Orthodontics, we offer treatment for kids, teens, and adults alike because we believe that everyone deserves the power of a confident smile.
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that kids visit their orthodontist for the first time at age seven. Early intervention at a young age allows Dr. Sheinis to track jaw growth and provide treatment to patients who have more severe conditions years before they become teens.
Adults are great candidates for orthodontic treatment, too! Every year, more and more people over the age of 18 turn to Dr. Sheinis to improve their smiles. In fact, one in every five orthodontic patients is an adult!
You may be under the impression that only teens wear braces, but in reality, orthodontic patients seek treatment at all ages.
#2: Braces are only used to straighten teeth
While this is a popular belief, orthodontic treatment is not just used for cosmetic purposes alone. There is a wide range of benefits from wearing braces, InBrace, or clear aligners. Choosing to get orthodontic treatment can have a major impact on your overall health and confidence.
Sleep Apnea: If you suffer from sleep apnea, you experience difficulty breathing while asleep, and for some patients, the cure is orthodontic treatment. Tooth or jaw misalignment can cause obstructions in your airway, making it difficult to sleep and causing you to snore. Fortunately, treatment from Shiney Smiles Orthodontics can help!
Speech Impairment: Sometimes, misaligned jaws or bad bites can cause speech problems that can make you feel frustrated and self-conscious. That’s because your teeth play a huge role in your ability to pronounce certain words. By seeking orthodontic treatment, you can realign your teeth and improve your speech by leaps and bounds.
Oral Hygiene: Crowded, crooked teeth leave lots of room for bacteria to grow. Too much of this bad bacteria, and you’ve got plaque buildup that can lead to cavities and tooth decay! By straightening your teeth, however, they’ll become much easier to clean and care for, so you won’t have to worry about dental problems like gingivitis or periodontal disease.
Choosing to straighten your smile can absolutely give you a makeover – but that’s not all it will give you! You’ll also enjoy a boost to your physical health in many more ways than one.
#3: Braces are my only treatment option
Because braces are all over the movies and social media, you may think that they are your only treatment option. That belief could not be further from the truth! Modern orthodontics has come a long way since the old days of bulky brackets and wires, and at Shiney Smiles Orthodontics, our team offers four unique treatment options for you to choose from:
Clear Aligners: This treatment option uses a series of clear plastic trays that gradually shift your smile in line over time. Rather than using the bulky brackets and wires of traditional braces, our clear aligners straighten your teeth almost invisibly, so you can enjoy the perks of a beautiful grin even while undergoing treatment. Clear aligners are an excellent option for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues, and treatment can take as little as six months to complete.
Metal Braces: Metal braces are our most popular treatment method, and they’re probably the first method that comes to mind when you think about orthodontics. Metal braces are a heavy-duty method for fixing moderate to severe orthodontic issues. Traditional braces straighten your smile over 12-36 months using a system of brackets and wires.
Clear Braces: Like metal braces, clear braces use brackets and wires to align your smile. However, unlike traditional braces, clear braces use white ceramic brackets that blend in with the natural color of your teeth for a less noticeable treatment. Clear braces are an excellent option for patients who want a more discreet treatment plan with the same strength as metal braces.
InBrace Hidden Braces: Imagine getting the straight smile you love without anyone ever knowing you’re getting treatment – that’s what InBrace Hidden Braces can do for you. By using a customized SmartWire hidden behind your teeth, InBrace straightens your smile without attracting notice. Best of all? You won’t need monthly tightenings or tray changes. This treatment works on autopilot to give you a smile you deserve.
Shiney Smiles: Straight Smiles and a Whole Lotta Fun
At Shiney Smiles Orthodontics, you’ll enjoy your entire treatment journey because Dr. Sheinis and our team pride ourselves on treating you with the same respect and honesty we wish for ourselves. We don’t just see ourselves as a business but as an office of advocates for you and your family.
If you’re ready to get started on your orthodontic treatment journey, we’re ready to see you smile! Schedule your free consultation at one of our offices in Huntington or Woodbury today!