Invisalign Alternative North Tampa
Many of our patients come to Miller Orthodontics to get their teeth straightened and have already heard of Invisalign and want to know what else is out there. We believe everyone should know all the options so they can choose what’s best for them.
The most well known alternative to Invisalign is probably traditional metal braces. These have been around for a long time and are great for fixing all kinds of orthodontic problems. Brackets are attached to each tooth with metal braces and a wire connects them. We tweak the wire every now and then to gradually move your teeth into place. Modern metal braces are much smaller and more comfortable than they used to be, although they are more visible than clear aligners. Many of our younger patients like picking out colored bands to make their braces their own. Braces for Kids help young patients develop healthy, well-aligned smiles that last a lifetime.
Ceramic braces are the middle ground between metal braces and clear aligners. They work the same way as metal braces except the brackets are tooth colored or clear so they blend in with your natural teeth. The wire can even be the same color as your teeth so the whole system is much less noticeable. Patients who want something less noticeable than metal braces but need the full treatment that bracket and wire systems offer usually choose ceramic braces. The most important thing to know about ceramic braces is they require the same oral care as metal braces and may be a little more fragile.
Lingual braces are another option we sometimes discuss with patients in North Tampa. These go on the back of your teeth so you can’t see them from the front. They work just like regular braces except you can’t see them. The downside is they can take longer to get used to and may affect your speech temporarily. Also they are more expensive and require special training to be placed in the right spot. Lingual braces aren’t offered by every orthodontist but can be a great option for patients who need full orthodontic treatment but can’t have visible braces.
Some direct to consumer aligners have become popular in recent years for patients with small crowding or spacing issues. These companies send you impression kits or guide you to scanning places and then mail aligners to your home. These may seem easy and cheap but we always tell our patients to be careful. Moving teeth is only one part of orthodontic treatment. We need to consider your bite, jaw alignment and overall oral health. We can monitor your progress, make any necessary changes and spot any potential problems early when you see an orthodontist in person.
Accelerated orthodontics is another option that works for very specific situations. This method uses regular braces or clear aligners along with other treatments to help teeth shift faster. Not everyone can get this kind of treatment but for those who can it can cut down the time it takes to get better. We look at each patient individually to see if faster methods would work for them.
Some patients may want to know if retainers can be used instead of comprehensive orthodontic treatment. If teeth have moved a little after previous orthodontic treatment we may be able to use retainers to make small changes. Retainers are mostly used to keep teeth in place not to move them a lot so this approach only works for very small changes.
We at Miller Orthodontics believe all our North Tampa patients should know all their treatment options so they can make the best choice for themselves. We’ll look at your teeth, talk about your goals and talk about your lifestyle during your appointment. We’ll also explain which treatment would be best for you. Some people may be better off with clear aligners, others with traditional braces or a combination of both.
The costs vary and this is usually the biggest part of the decision. We always tell our patients the full price upfront and help them find a payment plan that fits their budget. Many dental insurance plans cover braces and we can help you find out what your plan covers.
Most importantly choose a treatment you’ll be comfortable with and stick with. We’re here to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted and answer your questions. Dr. Zack Miller, DDS, of Miller Orthodontics, earned his dental degree from the University of Maryland and completed his orthodontic residency at the University of Colorado. As an active member of the American Association of Orthodontists, he is dedicated to creating healthy, confident smiles through personalized and transparent care.