Traditional metal braces and Invisalign both work to straighten your teeth. At Belvedere Family Dentistry we have worked together to provide you with information on the two most popular methods, braces vs. Invisalign, to achieve the smiles you want.

How Do Braces Work?

For decades braces have been the traditional form of treatment used by most orthodontists. Traditional braces consist of metal brackets, bands, and wires. The surface of each tooth gets a metal bracket bonded to the tooth. Flexible wires or arch wires hold the brackets together in place. The wires exert pressure on the brackets which gradually move and correct the position of teeth over time. Patients with braces are requested to visit the orthodontist every six to ten weeks, to have the wires tightened and adjusted. The average braces treatment tends to be anywhere from 18 months to 3 years. Once teeth are in the patient’s desired position, braces will be removed. Following the removal of braces, patients are fitted for a removable retainer to help their teeth stay aligned for many years to come.

How Does Invisalign Work?

Invisalign straightens patients' teeth without wires, bands, and brackets. Invisalign is a series of clear, thin, custom-made, removable, tray aligners that fit snugly over your teeth. The aligners are worn every day and are replaced every two weeks. Each tray will feel different because it gradually moves and shifts the teeth to the desired position. You can remove it before eating, drinking, brushing, flossing, and special occasions. Many people don’t realize you’re wearing them because they are virtually invisible. The total treatment time takes around 6 to 18 months to complete. Just like braces, patients are fitted for a removable retainer to wear only at night to help keep teeth aligned.

Both Invisalign and braces work to give you straight teeth and improve your overall smile, but determining which is best depends on your needs and preferences. When determining to go with braces or Invisalign it is important to start with a consultation. That is why we have partnered with Burrow & Welchel to offer orthodontic services in our office. Please reach out to (704) 334-7202 or set up a consult today by emailing us through the link HERE. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Finding the right orthodontist can be complicated if you have never been through it. Like all patients, you want peace of mind knowing that you selected the proper orthodontist for your unique oral healthcare needs. Orthodontic treatment has the potential to be a lengthy process, so it is crucial to find someone who not only makes you feel comfortable, but someone who you can trust.

The first step in finding the right orthodontic practice is asking for a recommendation from someone who has gone through the process. Whether that be a close friend, family member, neighbor, or co-worker. Chances are, someone in your circle will have a recommendation that they trust. The next step is to get online and do the research. Reading reviews is a great place to start. At Belvedere Family Dentistry we have over 100 Google reviews to help you make the right choice. We have included one example below of what you should look for.

“Brought my daughters here and they are absolutely the first dentist that took their time and explained what they were doing and also explained to the girl’s the importance of taking care of their teeth. Also very convenient with the orthodontist for my 13 yr old who will be getting braces, highly recommended.”

Reviews are a good way to see what patients liked and disliked about the services they received. Next, compare prices and find the best one that fits your needs and budget. Lastly, upon considering different orthodontists, you need to determine if your top orthodontists have completed the American Board of Orthodontics Specialty Certification exams. Choosing a board-certified orthodontist can assure you that you will receive the complete treatment and care you need. Here at Belvedere we have partnered with Burrow & Welchel Orthodontics to offer their services at our office. Dr. Jack Burrow, Dr. Sam Burrow, and Dr. Britney Welchel are all Board Certified Orthodontists and have been in Charlotte for over 30 years.

Once you have narrowed down your list and done your research, the next step is scheduling consultations. Most orthodontists will provide you with a free consultation for first-time patients. This will allow you to meet the orthodontist and their team. Scheduling a consultation will allow you to also get a good feel of their office environment. You can schedule your FREE consult today with Burrow & Welchel by calling (704) 334-7202 or by emailing us.

Before leaving the consultation it is important to ask questions. The more informed you are about your orthodontic needs, the easier it will be for you to choose the right orthodontist.

Please call our front desk at 704-927-5499 and one of our Belvedere team members can answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding orthodontics.

Your smile means a lot to our team here at Belvedere. That is why we have partnered with Burrow & Welchel Orthodontics to offer their services at our office. Dr. Burrow and his partners have been in Charlotte for over 30 years, helping patients achieve the beautiful smile they want. You can now have all of your oral health needs taken care of under one roof.

Orthodontists specialize in the examination, prevention, and reconstruction of misaligned teeth and jaws. Dr. Jack Burrow, Dr. Sam Burrow, and Dr. Britney Welchel are all Board Certified Orthodontists, nationally less than half of all orthodontists are. They are trained to diagnose and treat teeth, gum, and mouth conditions like jaw malocclusions, palette expansion, or tooth overcrowding. If you are experiencing any of these conditions, one of our dental professionals may refer you for a visit at Dr. Burrow & Welchel Orthodontics.

You may be asking yourself, “when is the right time to visit an orthodontist?” It is recommended for children to have a check-up with an orthodontist post-baby teeth, no later than the age of 7. This allows orthodontists to recommend treatment before problems become more serious and complicated to treat. If you are an adult looking to get orthodontic treatment, do not worry about age as an issue. Healthy teeth can be moved at any time! The average orthodontic treatment lasts for 2 years, but can take longer depending on your procedure and the severity of your misalignment.

We understand that orthodontic treatment can be a time-consuming and expensive process. Doctors Burrow and Welchel are here to ensure that your teeth properly function and to create beautiful smiles. Not everyone is born with perfectly aligned teeth, and that is perfectly fine! Crooked teeth, misaligned jaws, and tooth gaps or overcrowding can be easily fixed. Here at Belvedere, we want our patients to be confident about their smiles and have access to all of the proper oral healthcare they need, all under one roof!

If you have further questions about our orthodontic services, please feel free to contact (704) 334-7202 or set up a FREE consult today by emailing us through the link HERE. Looking for preventive dental care? Schedule an appointment today with our dentist through our online scheduler. We look forward to helping improve your oral health!