Beginning orthodontic treatment can be stressful if you don’t know what you need or your options. The Clauss Orthodontics team is here to explain your choices and help you decide which orthodontic treatment you should get. We do everything we can to help patients of all ages make the best decision for their oral health with our full range of services!
Join Us For Your Free Consultation
At Clauss Orthodontics, we offer a free consultation to every potential patient. This is a commitment-free appointment where Dr. Clauss and our team learn more about your teeth and learn more about your orthodontic needs, treatment options, and the process you can expect to undergo. He will provide his expert recommendation based on the work needed and with your lifestyle and aesthetic desires in mind.
Please ask any questions you may have so we can talk you through your choices to help you make an informed choice.
Our Treatment Options
Metal Braces
Known for their reliability, metal braces are a tried and trusted orthodontic appliance that has helped millions achieve their smile goals. This appliance is now lighter and smaller than ever, allowing for a much smaller and more comfortable fit so you can go about your day without thinking about it. You can rely on metal braces to fix any dental issue with long-term results, no matter how complex.
Made of brackets, wires, elastics, bands, and other components, they place slight constant pressure on your teeth to shift them into place over a long period of time. We offer an array of colors for your elastics, so you can choose whether to show them off with your favorite colors or keep a more subtle appearance with tooth-colored or neutral colors.
Invisalign
Invisalign clear aligners may be perfect for those looking to realign their teeth but are interested in a removable option that doesn’t use brackets. Dr. Clauss has treated teens and adults with this appliance for over a decade!
They are another nearly invisible choice comprising a series of clear trays that slowly shift your teeth into place over time. Depending on your lifestyle, this removable appliance may provide more freedom as you don’t need to worry about food restrictions or extra care during everyday oral care.
Clear Braces
A great hybrid choice between metal braces and Invisalign, clear braces use the same technology as the former but provide the aesthetic appearance of the latter many patients are after. They have tooth-colored ceramic brackets that blend in with your smile.
Clear braces are comprised of brackets and wires attached to the front surface of your teeth as slight pressure is placed on them to shift over time. You won’t have to worry about sores or agitation inside your mouth as this appliance provides a comfortable feel that is less likely to cause friction against your lips, gums, and cheeks.
What to Consider When Choosing an Appliance
Severity of Dental Issues
Some patients will have more flexibility with their appliance choice if they have mild to moderate orthodontic issues. While any appliance you choose can complete the work, some options may be more effective and efficient than others. For example, Invisalign is a popular aesthetic choice, though Dr. Clauss might recommend modern metal braces for extreme bite issues. Our team can walk you through the pros and cons of each and answer any specific concerns you have.
Budget and Cost
At Clauss Orthodontics, we believe everyone in our community should have access to friendly and expert care when working on their smile. Our treatment coordinator will go over a breakdown of costs during your free consultation and help you compare your options. Whether or not you have insurance, we strive to keep our services affordable with the help of our in-house no-interest financing, a discount upon full payment at the start of treatment, and more.
Aesthetics and Lifestyle
Ensuring you feel comfortable and confident wearing your appliance is extremely important to our team. We take into account your desired aesthetics and lifestyle when helping you choose the perfect appliance so that you are able to stay compliant through treatment and stay on track with your plan.
For example, fixed appliances, such as metal or clear braces, vary in appearance, though they stay in your mouth the entirety of the treatment, so you don’t have to worry about when to remove or put them back in. Removable appliances like clear aligners lack food restrictions but ask more of you when keeping them in all day.
Why Get Orthodontic Treatment?
There are many reasons to begin orthodontic treatment, one of which is that you will enjoy a beautiful smile as a result of your hard work! Braces and clear aligners can help you feel more confident in your smile and become a happier person. Nothing is more satisfying for our team than the beaming grins we see on patients leaving our office after removing their appliance.
Many health benefits come with straightened teeth, helping patients make a positive long-term change to their overall well-being. You can enjoy a simpler time with oral hygiene and fewer dental complications, smoother digestion thanks to improved chewing and biting, and enhanced speech function as your tongue will be able to naturally lay in the correct position.
Start Working Toward a Beautiful Smile!
After learning more about your orthodontic options with Clauss Orthodontics, we hope you feel more confident starting treatment! Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Clauss at our Watertown or Middlebury practice, and our team will be happy to start working with you. We can’t wait to help you get started!