We Offer Comfortable and Aesthetic Alternatives to Braces

When you think of someone going through orthodontic treatment, what do you imagine? Most often, people imagine a pre-teen with big metal braces and rubberbands in bright colors. Not too long ago, this was the only option—but times have changed. In 1999, Align Technology introduced Invisalign®, a clear aligner system that can correct orthodontic issues like misaligned bites, overcrowding, and gapped and crooked teeth more discretely than braces. At the Centre for Smile Designs, Dr. John Hopkins uses advanced technology to create a beautiful, uniform smile that boosts your self-confidence. Offering clear aligners as ideal alternatives to braces, our practice provides a comfortable way to enhance your smile without compromising aesthetics during treatment.

Why Should You Choose an Alternative to Braces?

Metal braces are undeniably effective, but they’re also known for their distinct look and discomfort. Braces can straighten your teeth and improve your bite, but not without some hassle.

• Uncomfortable metal: Traditional metal braces use a wire threaded through brackets attached to each tooth. As the orthodontist tightens the wire to gradually shift your teeth, soreness is common. The wire can also pop out of place, and the brackets often feel bulky, with sharp edges that may irritate your cheeks and gums.
• Difficult cleaning and maintenance: The brackets and wires running across your smile make brushing and flossing more difficult, impacting oral hygiene.
• Lengthy treatment: Traditional metal braces take an average of two years to fully align your teeth—sometimes even longer. This prolonged treatment duration can be inconvenient and frustrating.
• Fixed components: Metal braces don’t come off until you complete your orthodontic treatment, offering no flexibility or relief from the bulky metal.
• Food restrictions: Since braces stay on throughout your treatment, they come with significant food restrictions. Sticky or hard foods, like candy, raw carrots, or corn on the cob, are typically off-limits.

The Benefits of Clear Aligners

If you’re looking for alternatives to braces, clear aligners offer incredible benefits. At the Centre for Smile Designs, Dr. Hopkins offers two clear aligner systems: Invisalign® and ClearCorrect®. These clear plastic trays are custom-fit to your teeth. Dr. Hopkins will design a treatment plan that moves your teeth and bite into the ideal position. Each new set of trays in your series will shift your teeth where they need to be. The thin plastic follows the contours of each tooth, making your aligners nearly invisible.

Another key advantage of clear aligners is that they’re removable. Dr. Hopkins advises you to only remove them when eating or brushing your teeth, but you can take them out for special occasions if needed. This flexibility also means you can eat all your favorite foods without worry, and cleaning your teeth and the aligners is much easier—keeping your oral hygiene on track.

While braces take about two years to straighten teeth, clear aligners like Invisalign or ClearCorrect usually take about 4-8 months. They offer a simple, discreet way to correct your teeth or misaligned bite, perfecting your smile in no time!

Looking for the Best Alternatives to Braces? Try Clear Aligners!

Clear aligners, like Invisalign and ClearCorrect, offer a modern, comfortable alternative to traditional metal braces. Unlike braces, which are bulky, fixed, and challenging to clean around, clear aligners are removable and nearly invisible, making it easy to eat and maintain oral hygiene without restrictions. Dr. John Hopkins at the Centre for Smile Designs uses these transparent aligners to create customized orthodontic treatment plans, providing a flexible and aesthetic way to correct crowding, gaps, and misalignment. For patients seeking both functionality and comfort in orthodontic treatment, clear aligners are the ideal choice. Schedule your free orthodontic consultation today to start your journey to a straighter smile!

If you are interested in alternatives to braces, follow the Centre for Smile Designs on Facebook and Instagram to learn more!