Taking the steps towards improving your oral health by straightening your smile is no small feat. You don’t want to trust your orthodontic care to just anyone. You want an experienced orthodontic specialist who will consider every detail of your treatment. At Clauss Orthodontics, we believe that you should feel empowered throughout your orthodontic journey, not anxious about making the right decision. That’s why we’ve put together the answers to 3 questions to ask when choosing an orthodontist. Keep reading below for a more detailed look at what you should know before committing to treatment!
Am I Seeing a Qualified, Experienced Orthodontist?
You may not realize it, but your teeth are a part of almost everything you do. That’s why proper Orthodontic care is so important!. Because orthodontic residency programs are extremely competitive, only the top students in any dental school graduating class are accepted. These orthodontic programs tend to last around 2-3 years, with full-time training that focuses on correcting orthodontic issues with braces and aligners.
After earning his dental degree from Temple University in 2000, Dr. Mark practiced general dentistry for five years before becoming an orthodontic specialist. In 2005, he returned to school at SUNY Buffalo to complete his post-doctoral specialty training in orthodontics, graduating in 2007.
Dr. Mark takes as many continuing education courses as he can throughout the year, especially in Invisalign.
His professional affiliations and accolades include:
- American Dental Association
- American Association of Orthodontists
- Greater Waterbury Dental Society
- Litchfield County Dental Society
- Phi Beta Kappa
At Clauss Orthodontics, we only focus on your orthodontic care and treatment. Dr. Clauss straightens teeth every day, and our entire team stays up to date on the latest in orthodontic treatment by regularly attending continuing education courses. Dr. Clauss has also equipped our offices 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. Clauss is excited to offer many different orthodontic treatments to patients of all ages. Our treatments include traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Invisalign clear aligner treatment. 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 choice for your smile.
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces are still the most popular orthodontic appliance, and have come a long way in recent years! They’re usually 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.
Clear braces
Sometimes called ceramic braces, these function in the same way metal braces do, but are made of clear materials instead of stainless steel. Because they are less visible than traditional braces, they’re popular with older teens and adult patients who may be more image-conscious. They are larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts, so we tend to use them on the upper front teeth more often than the lower teeth.
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 required 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 experience. These aligners will gradually move your teeth into the desired positions. You wear them the recommended 20-22 hours per day and change them out weekly for the next in the set.
How frequent are follow-up visits in the office, and what can I expect while I’m there?
We want our office to be a fun, comfortable place that you look forward to visiting. You’ll be seeing quite a lot of us, after all! We understand that orthodontic treatment can be intimidating. Still, our welcoming team will do their best to put you at ease and make you feel at home.
Patients with braces will come in for adjustments every 4-8 weeks, depending on the situation. Dr. Clauss will replace any worn-out rubber bands, check your teeth’s progress, and make adjustments to the wires to ensure the teeth are being pulled in the right direction. Invisalign patients may be seen slightly less often, but these appointments are still an essential part of the orthodontic process. We’ll evaluate your progress, and provide guidance on any changes you may need to make to your daily routine.
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.
Expertise you can trust at Clauss Orthodontics
When it comes to an amazing orthodontic experience, you can’t do better than Dr. Clauss! You’ll receive a personalized treatment plan and unmatched care from your first appointment to your last. Dr. Clauss has the experience and expertise 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 a FREE consultation with our office, you’ll receive a thorough examination by Dr. Clauss. He’ll discuss your diagnosis, and outline what your next steps should be. This is a no-pressure appointment! Even if you decide not to pursue orthodontic treatment immediately, we’ll be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you might have to help you make an informed decision.