13945 Panther Dr.Dewitt, MI 48820
(517) 669-5833
5238 W St. Joseph Hwy., #1Lansing, MI 48917
(517) 321-4375
Choosing to improve your oral health with orthodontics is a big decision, and one we know you don’t take lightly. There’s a lot to think about, research to be done, and a number of factors to take into consideration—and that’s before you even get to the braces or aligners! The first step in any journey towards a straighter smile begins with finding an experienced orthodontist to address your concerns, answer your questions, and make you feel comfortable about the treatment process. With so many providers available, you may not be sure where to start, but Grubaugh Orthodontics is here to help! Keep reading below to learn more about what you should before choosing an orthodontist.
You may be wondering why you’d even need to ask this, but orthodontists aren’t the only ones who can provide orthodontic care. Although most dentists focus on traditional dental services and some cosmetic treatments, others have branched out into orthodontics as well. Clear aligners are especially popular with dental offices right now! While there’s nothing wrong with them offering certain orthodontic services, it’s important to understand that most dentists lack the amount of training and education orthodontics have. Their practice will also be splitting their time and attention between dental and orthodontic patients instead of having one area of focus like an orthodontist does.
Orthodontists like Dr. Grubaugh have spent a lot of time and effort learning the best ways to move teeth with braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances. Like dentists, they complete dental school first, but their paths diverge from there. While dentists may go straight into practicing, budding orthodontists will go through several more years of specialized education and training. During this time, they learn about the biomechanical techniques involved in moving teeth safely and successfully, study facial growth and development, and develop a specific set of diagnostic skills. They also work with orthodontic faculty during a residency program, treating patients for 2-3 years before setting out on their own.
It takes a lot of time and dedication to become an orthodontist! Dr. Grubaugh is dedicated to creating smiles that are as beautiful as they are functional. If you’re already feeling nervous about the orthodontic process, knowing your doctor is a dedicated professional who loves what he does can offer you some peace of mind and extra reassurance.
Once upon a time, the only way to straighten your smile was with clunky metal braces. Thankfully, today’s treatment options offer more comfort, style, and affordability than ever before! Grubaugh Orthodontics offers the following options to transform your smile into something you love.
Traditional metal braces
These are the most widely used type of fixed orthodontic appliance, and are typically made of a mix of high-grade stainless steel, nickel, and other metals. These braces consist of bands that wrap around the back molars, with smaller metal brackets cemented to the front surfaces of the other teeth. The archwire is made of thin, springy metal, and runs through the brackets. It’s fixed to the brackets by flexible elastics, metal ties, or another type of clasp. These components apply gentle pressure that moves the teeth into more optimal positions over time.
Metal braces are reliable, effective, and economical. Not only that, but braces today are smaller, lighter, and more comfortable to wear than ever before. They can even be personalized by choosing from differently colored elastics, for patients who love to show off their personality
Insignia digitally-designed custom braces
Insignia custom braces combine digital treatment with custom brackets and wires that are tailored to each patient’s specific dental anatomy. This allows for precise, predictable, and optimal results. With Insignia’s 3D software, Dr. Grubaugh can even see the end result before treatment begins! It also allows him to view with pinpoint accuracy the curvature and width of the best smile for each individual patient’s facial features and proportions. Unlike off-the-shelf braces and wires, a treatment plan that has been developed with Insignia involves the kind of meticulous detail that provides fast, accurate, and predictable results.
Damon self-ligating braces
The Damon System is a scientifically proven approach to orthodontic treatment where each bracket is self-ligating. This means it has a built-in door that holds the wire passively to the bracket, eliminating the need for additional attachments like ligature or elastic rubber o-ties, and decreasing the amount of force required to move the teeth. This can minimize the need for extractions of permanent teeth, headgear, or high force palatal expanders.
Damon braces are very precise and effective, and because they work more efficiently, fewer adjustments are required. As a result, appointments tend to be faster and fewer in number. The unique design also moves teeth into their correct positions with less discomfort than traditional braces. Damon smiles are fuller, more natural, and achievable with lighter forces specifically designed to improve the overall result for each patient.
Damon also has a specifically designed bracket for patients who want Damon results but with less noticeable brackets. Damon Clear brackets are manufactured from a crystalline material, and they are clear, durable, and comfortable, as well as stain-resistant!
Invisalign clear aligner therapy
The Invisalign system consists of a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom designed for each individual patient to fit comfortably over the teeth. Much like traditional braces, these customized aligners gently move the teeth into the desired positions. To accomplish this, you’ll wear them 20-22 hours per day throughout the course of treatment, and replace them every 1-2 weeks for the next aligner in the series.
Invisalign offers patients a bit more freedom and flexibility than regular braces do. There are no food restrictions since aligners are easily removed when eating or drinking, and it’s easy to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy since you don’t have to work around wires and brackets. You simply remove the aligner, then brush and floss the way you normally would!
Grubaugh Orthodontics provides potential patients with a free smile assessment that includes digital photographs of the teeth and a discussion about the available treatment options. During your first visit, you’ll be provided with a beverage and given a quick tour around the office before meeting Dr. Grubaugh. He’ll talk with you to determine what kind of treatment plan will meet your smile goals, and you’ll leave knowing exactly what you can expect from our expert team throughout your orthodontic journey!
You’re putting your smile into the best hands with Grubaugh Orthodontics! Our office provides every patient with a highly-qualified orthodontist, experienced support staff, and a state-of-the-art office to make the orthodontic experience as stress-free as possible. Are you ready to take your smile to the next level? Get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Grubaugh!