Choosing to improve your oral health and straighten your smile with orthodontic treatment is a big decision! You know you don’t want to trust your teeth to anything other than an experienced orthodontic practice, but you may not be sure where to start. We’ve put together a list of three questions to ask when choosing an orthodontist to help take some of the guesswork out of this life-changing process.
Here at Bennett Orthodontics, we want you to feel empowered and educated on every step of your orthodontic journey. Knowing the right questions to ask will help you make the best decision on who to trust with your orthodontic care. Keep reading below for a more detailed look at what you should know before committing to treatment!
Am I Seeing a Qualified, Experienced Orthodontist?
Your teeth are an essential part of your day to day life, so you want to feel confident that you’re getting the best possible orthodontic care when you need it.
Since orthodontic residency programs are extremely competitive, only the top students from any dental school’s graduating class are accepted. These orthodontic programs typically last around 2-3 years, with full-time training that focuses on correcting orthodontic issues with braces and aligners. This means that orthodontists like Dr. Todd Bennett have extensive experience with successfully moving teeth.
Dr. Bennett attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he earned both his undergraduate degree and his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS). Upon graduating, Dr. Bennett went on to complete his orthodontic residency at the University of Connecticut Health Sciences Center.
Dr. Bennett values education and believes in the importance of continuing education in order to provide the most up-to-date care for each and every patient. He regularly attends conferences at both the local and national levels, as well as participates in online training courses.
Here at Bennett Orthodontics, our only focus is on your orthodontic care and treatment.
Dr. Bennett spends his days dedicated to performing teeth straightening procedures. Our entire team keeps up to date on the latest industry practice by regularly attending continuing education courses. Dr. Bennett has also equipped our Lincoln office with the most current orthodontic and imaging equipment and technology to better serve our patients. He’s committed to providing you with the best high-quality, individualized orthodontic care!
What treatment options do you have available? Will I have choices?
Dr. Bennett is proud to offer a wide variety of orthodontic treatments to patients of all ages in Mobile and the surrounding communities, including traditional metal braces and Invisalign clear aligner therapy. We pride ourselves on making your understanding of your treatment needs and options a priority. It is our focus to thoroughly explain the processes and choices so you can make the best decision for your unique smile.
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces continue to be the most popular orthodontic appliance, and they have come a long way in recent years! They’re typically made of a mix of high-grade stainless steel, nickel, and other durable metals. Bands wrap around the back molars, and smaller metal brackets are cemented to the front surfaces of the other teeth. There’s also a thin, springy metal wire that runs through the brackets, which may be attached to the brackets by flexible elastics, metal ties, or another type of clasp. All of these components come together to gently guide your teeth into the desired positions over time.
Metal braces are a reliable, effective, and budget-friendly option. They’re also more comfortable and customizable than ever before. With smaller, lighter brackets and a multitude of colored bands to choose from, metal braces are a perfect fit for every personality!
Invisalign
The Invisalign system is made up of a series of customized aligners that are nearly invisible and completely removable. Unlike traditional braces, no brackets and wires are necessary to move your teeth! This offers you freedom and flexibility that traditional braces just can’t beat. Designed to fit snugly but comfortably over your own teeth, Invisalign provides a more subtle and comfortable orthodontic treatment experience. These aligners will gradually move your teeth into the desired positions when you wear them the recommended 20-22 hours per day and change them out weekly for the next in the series.
Invisalign Teen
Although Invisalign and Invisalign Teen work the same way when it comes to the underlying technology, Invisalign Teen was developed with the unique needs of teen patients in mind. There are a few special features that are unique to the Invisalign Teen system, including the following:
Compliance indicators
To help teens stick to their treatment plan, Invisalign Teen has compliance indicators incorporated into each aligner. These will fade from blue to clear as you use the aligner, providing a visual approximation of wear. This allows patients, parents, and orthodontists to keep track of patient use. If a teen is skipping out on hours, it will be noticeable in enough time for us to correct compliance. That way we can keep the overall process moving along at the right pace.
Eruption tabs
This feature accommodates the growth of the second molars in young adults, helping to keep space open for un-erupted teeth and making it possible to treat a wider range of conditions with Invisalign.
Replacement aligners
We all lose or damage things from time to time. While we encourage all of our Invisalign patients to be careful with their aligners, teens don’t need to stress about misplacing or losing one. The Invisalign Teen system was created with this in mind, and provides up to six replacement aligners at no charge, just in case!
Ultimately, you and your family will have the opportunity to choose what best fits your needs.
How frequent are follow-up visits in the office, and what can I expect while I’m there?
We strive to make sure every patient and every member of your family is comfortable and welcomed by our team. You’ll be seeing us regularly throughout the course of your treatment, and we want it to be a great experience for everyone! We understand that the orthodontic process can be scary at first, but we hope to put you at ease.
For patients in braces, adjustment appointments will be scheduled approximately every 6 weeks. During these visits, Dr. Bennett will replace any worn-out rubber bands, check the progress of your teeth, and make any necessary adjustments to the wires to ensure the teeth are being pulled in the right direction. Invisalign patients may be seen slightly less frequently, approximately every 10 weeks, but these appointments are still an essential part of the orthodontic process. We’ll evaluate your progress, provide additional instructions, or change the elastics pattern as we work together towards our goals.
We know how busy our families are, and your time is valuable to us. That’s why we never overbook patients and always aim to see you at your scheduled time! Although treatment time varies from case to case, the average patient will spend anywhere from 1-3 years in braces or aligners. Be prepared to see us regularly!
Expertise you can trust at Bennett Orthodontics
When it comes to expert orthodontic treatment in a comfortable, welcoming environment, you can’t do better than Bennett Orthodontics! Dr. Bennett will create a personalized treatment plan and provide unmatched care from your first appointment to your last. Since his sole specialty is orthodontics, Dr. Bennett has the expertise and experience necessary to give you nothing but the best in treatments, cost, and efficiency as you work to straighten your smile.
If you’re ready to take the first step in your orthodontic journey, we would love to meet you! When you schedule your FREE consultation at Bennett Orthodontics, you’ll receive a thorough examination by Dr. Bennett. He’ll go over any diagnosis with you and outline what your next steps should be. This is a no-pressure appointment! Even if you choose not to pursue orthodontic treatment right away, we’ll be happy to answer any question or address any concerns you might have in order to help you make an informed decision.
There’s never been a better time to go after the smile you’ve always wanted, so contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Bennett!