From a child’s first dentist appointment to an adults eventual decision, the news that you need to shop for braces can come at any time of life. Braces are commonly sought after for the perfect smile that mother nature didn’t deliver on, but braces can also be a healthy choice to prevent migraines or eliminate hard to brush spots that lead to tooth decay. Whatever your reason for looking into braces, here are some things to consider.

Types of braces

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional braces are stainless steel and work with elastic bands to maintain tension on teeth. These elastic bands will need to be adjusted by your orthodontist periodically.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces are very similar to traditional braces but do not require the use of elastics. Because of this, they will need fewer adjustments than traditional braces. They put less pressure on the teeth than traditional braces and are considered more comfortable by some.

Clear (Ceramic) Braces

Ceramic braces are a popular choice due to their limited visibility. They are often used by adults or on upper teeth for cosmetic reasons. They are, however, larger and more brittle than metal braces and require careful brushing to maintain.

Clear Aligners

Clear braces or Invisalign are by far the most popular choice for braces. They are comfortable acrylic forms which gentle position your teeth. They are removable by hand so that teeth can be properly brushed each night. There is no risk of mouth abrasion like in metal braces. Because they are clear acrylic they are nearly invisible and are loved for their cosmetic qualities.

Unlike most braces, you will receive several sets at a time of clear aligners and will only need to visit your orthodontist every 6 to 8 weeks, making clear aligners the most time effective choice. Invisalign is the most popular choice when it comes to braces – learn more.

Quality care

Even more important than the choice of braces is the choice of orthodontists. Quality care comes from an experienced provider with the education to produce excellence as well as the compassion to earn trust.

If you are in the New Hope MN area, then consider University of Minnesota graduate Dr. Karen Reese who opened her practice Reese Orthodontics to keep things close to home. She is an award-winning orthodontist with 24 years experience making beautiful smiles in Minnesota. Her practice has a patient-focused model dedicated to the comfort of her patients since 1972.

Reese Orthodontics is a child-friendly place designed to defeat the fear of dentists with the pre-appointment playroom. Kids can enjoy this space while waiting for their appointments, or while their brothers and sisters are treated. This keeps the whole family at ease.

Adults will find the waiting room to be a calm and respectful space to relax in before entering their appointments. Dr. Reese understands the importance of flexible scheduling and works hard to ensure availability before and after work and school.

Choosing Braces

When choosing braces, there are many factors to consider including cost, appearance, length of treatment and comfort. These choices are best made as a discussion with your orthodontist about your needs and wants. Dr. Karen Reese offers virtual smile consultations and office visits to discuss your options.

Reese Orthodontics is proud to accept most insurance plans in Minnesota and will work with you and your family to form a payment plan. There should never be a surprise bill or unexpected cost associated with braces. Dr. Reese will make sure you understand your payments before any treatments begin.

If you are considering braces for your child or yourself, you have some important decisions between you and a perfect smile. Dr. Karen Reese is available for office visits and virtual visits to discuss those choices and get you on the road to the smile you always wanted.

New Hope | Reese Orthodontics, 9401 36th Ave N, New Hope, MN 55427, 763-284-9496