Aesthetic Options Keep Orthodontic Treatment on the Down-Low
GRAYSLAKE AND KENILWORTH, ILLINOIS – Aesthetics dominate many decision-making processes in our lives today, including orthodontic treatment.
It may seem silly that anyone would be concerned about how their teeth look while they’re in orthodontic treatment. After all, isn’t the very purpose of orthodontic treatment to correct aesthetic flaws, as well as bite and alignment issues?
“That’s true,” says Dr. Michael Stosich of iDentity Orthodontics, where we specialize in orthodontics for children and adults. “However, the patient demand is there for treatment options that aren’t so noticeable, and technology continues to rise to the challenge.”
We offer two popular aesthetic orthodontic treatment options here at our office: SureSmile and Invisalign. Invisalign also makes a product geared toward teens, appropriately named Invisalign Teen.
Dr. Michael Stosich isn’t ashamed to admit that he picks favorites when it comes to treatment, and SureSmile is his favorite.
SureSmile is a Sure Thing
SureSmile is a technologically advanced process that provides insight into each patient’s tooth movement. It calculates all customization that is required to deliver Dr. Stosich’s planned treatment path. Robotically bent, customized arch wires allow for faster, more precise tooth movements than can be accomplished by Dr. Stosich manually bending wires, which is done with traditional braces.
“This treatment is great because orthodontists are able to achieve more precise tooth movement,” says Dr. Stosich, a braces provider to patients in Grayslake and other neighboring communities. “The use of 3D technology creates a plan where the teeth move more efficiently.”
So how fast are we talking, you ask? Dr. Stosich estimates treatment can be wrapped up 30 percent faster with SureSmile than other methods.
This makes it possible for us to address aesthetics in a couple of ways. First, we finish treatment faster, which means less time spent with appliances in your mouth. Secondly, we can improve aesthetics during treatment by providing clear brackets instead of traditional metal ones.
“Clear brackets with SureSmile are a much better option than Invisalign because of the quicker, more precise results,” says the Grayslake and Kenilworth orthodontist. “The ease of lifestyle adaptation also is better than Invisalign.”
However, Dr. Stosich knows that some patients just can’t bear the thought of braces on their teeth. These patients still stand to benefit from Invisalign, particularly if they are adamantly against brackets and wires. Some form of treatment is better than foregoing treatment altogether.
Invisalign for Invisible Correction
Invisalign uses custom-made aligners made of comfortable and practically invisible plastic. Aligners can be taken out to eat and maintain normal oral hygiene.
Patients get a new set of aligners approximately every two weeks, and they must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day during the treatment process to see the desired result quickest.
If you’re considering Invisalign, you need to keep in mind that Invisalign aligners can stain or become discolored with wear. Sometimes removing the trays is uncomfortable, and Dr. Stosich says movements aren’t as precise with Invisalign.
“Invisalign often is marketed as being a fast treatment option, but this form of treatment takes twice as long as clear aesthetic braces,” he says.
Food for Thought
If you are looking to straighten your teeth but you’re concerned about the way you’ll look with metal braces, keep in mind that these discreet options exist.
Dr. Stosich has treated numerous patients with these two technologically advanced procedures, and he is the only university-trained doctor in the country to receive advanced training from the inventor of SureSmile. He also offers a complimentary consultation to discuss your specific needs and how SureSmile or other treatment options can best address your particular bite or alignment issues.
