Choosing orthodontic treatment naturally comes with a lot of questions—and having the right provider is important so that these questions aren’t left unanswered. Choosing a practice like Lozman Orthodontics with over fifty years of experience can come in handy for this reason! We’re going to explain how to choose the right braces for your lifestyle.
Similarities & Differences
When you evaluate your alignment options, you’ll notice we use three main appliances. Each is designed to address certain orthodontic needs and can better suit certain lifestyles.
- Traditional Metal Braces are the classic choice, known for their durability and effectiveness. They can even be customized with colorful bands for those who want a fun, personal touch.
- Clear or Ceramic Braces are a discreet option that blends in with your teeth. They can reliably handle most orthodontic issues while also addressing aesthetic concerns.
- Invisalign aligners are removable trays that offer flexibility and subtlety. They can be ideal for those who are worried about oral hygiene maintenance as they can be removed to clean their teeth.
Needs & Preferences
There are so many things to consider when you work with Dr. Robin Lozman to select the right route for your orthodontic care. It may be easier to think of these as questions to ask yourself—about your lifestyle, your orthodontic needs, and how you envision your treatment experience.
How Discreet Do I Want My Treatment to Be?
If you’re concerned about the appearance of braces, clear aligners or ceramic braces might be ideal for your lifestyle. Clear aligners are practically invisible and removable, making them perfect for addressing this concern. Ceramic braces also offer a more discreet look than metal braces.
How Active Is My Lifestyle?
Do you regularly participate in contact sports or other high-energy activities? If so, traditional braces combined with a custom mouthguard can provide the durability you need to continue these activities. Since clear aligners are removable, they can also allow you to protect your teeth during activities without compromising your treatment. But remember that a mouthguard will always need to be in the picture!
What Are My Main Orthodontic Needs?
Your specific dental concerns will influence the type of braces you need. For complex cases, metal braces may always be the most effective option. Clear aligners will be most suitable for mild to moderate alignment issues.
How Much Time Can I Commit to My Treatment?
If you have an extremely busy schedule, you may prefer an option with fewer in-office adjustments at Lozman Orthodontics, such as clear aligners. However, if you choose traditional braces, our amazing office team will work with you to create a treatment schedule that fits your lifestyle.
What’s My Budget?
One disclaimer we’d like to provide: We never want to turn away a patient on the basis of finances. Lozman Orthodontics offers extensive, flexible payment options to work with every patient. We will also help handle all of your insurance processing and questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
We would also like to take the time to answer a few more equally important, miscellaneous questions that the majority of new patients will ask at some point.
Q: How will braces affect my daily life?
A: Braces and aligners will inevitably require some adjustments to your daily routine. After all, you have a new and unfamiliar appliance in your mouth! But clear aligners tend to be easier to adjust to, since you can take them out for meals. We will offer a lot of helpful tips for making your transition into your braces a lot simpler, as well. Regardless of what you choose, our expert guidance will help alleviate any difficulty.
Q: How long will treatment take?
A: There’s a common misconception that orthodontic treatment is completed in one universal window, when the truth couldn’t be further from this statement. Every patient is different. In general, patients can expect treatment duration to fall somewhere in the range of 12 to 24 months, but this completely depends on the complexity of your treatment and your own compliance.
Q: How do I approach eating and dietary restrictions?
A: Contrary to popular belief, you can still have an incredibly diverse and nutritious diet with permanent braces applied. There are certainly some foods you’ll want to steer clear of (sticky, hard, or chewy), but there are endless recipes and resources available for you to choose from.
The Highest Standard of Care
Lozman Orthodontics cares deeply for our Latham community—and whether you’ve been a resident for years or find yourself here as a recent transplant, we cannot wait to show you the best orthodontic care available!