If you’ve been thinking about straightening your teeth, you’re not alone. Many adults are opting for orthodontic care to enhance function, boost confidence, and maintain long-term oral health, and modern orthodontic systems offer discretion, flexibility, and more!
What Are Braces?
Braces in Watertown use small brackets and a thin wire to gently guide tooth movement over time. The brackets and wires are crafted from a compound containing pure silver, and they remain a budget-friendly option for addressing a wide range of bite and alignment issues. Ceramic braces, which utilize tooth-colored brackets and finer wires, are also available and provide a more discreet orthodontic approach
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners (we offer the ClearCorrect system) are a series of removable, nearly invisible trays made from smooth plastic that gradually move teeth into their ideal positions. Each set is worn for 1-2 weeks at a time, for at least 22 hours a day.
Because aligners are removable, you can take them out for meals, brushing, and flossing. Consistent wear is essential for success, making aligners an ideal choice for patients with mild bite and crowding issues.
Braces vs. Clear Aligners: A Comparative Overview
• Visibility: Braces are noticeable, though ceramic options are more discreet. Ceramic braces are similar to traditional metal braces, but they utilize clear or tooth-colored ceramic brackets, making them less visible.
• Removability: Braces remain on your teeth and require that patients avoid very sticky, hard, or chewy foods that might damage brackets. Clear aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and short special occasions.
• Hygiene: Braces require careful brushing around brackets and threading floss. Aligners require regular brushing and flossing, as well as daily cleaning of the trays to maintain optimal oral health.
• Case complexity: Braces can address a wide range of tooth movements and bite corrections, while aligners can treat many mild to moderate concerns, with suitability determined at your exam.
Patient Candidacy For Braces & Clear Aligners
Braces are often recommended for people with crooked or crowded teeth, those who experience difficulty flossing and brushing, and/or patients who frequently bite their tongue or cheek. Other candidacy indicators can include jaw discomfort or clicking, difficulty chewing food efficiently, and developmental issues such as irregular loss of baby teeth, delayed adult tooth eruption, or the presence of an underbite, overbite, or extra/missing teeth.
Clear aligners are often a suitable option for patients seeking straighter teeth using a method that is less visible than traditional braces. They are often used to correct issues like gapped teeth, cramped or crowded teeth, crooked teeth, and various bite irregularities, including overbite, underbite, open bite, and crossbite.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Treatment length varies based on your goals and the movements required. The duration of clear aligner treatment typically ranges from 6 to 18 months, while braces timelines generally range from 12 to 24 months. During your check-in visits, we’ll assess your progress and make any adjustments necessary to keep you on track.
About Our Practice
At Beyond Dentistry, we provide personalized dental care with a caring, small-town, judgment-free approach. Learn more about our team and values on our About page!
What Our Patients Are Saying
“Awesome experience! I had to take a chance on a new dentist to prepare for adult braces (yikes!), and the staff and dentists were great from the moment I called to book an appointment. All were friendly, welcoming, informative, and made me feel at ease coming to a new dental facility! I highly recommend this dental office for any dental care needed!” – Krista O’Dea
Ready To Take The Next Step?
We’d love to help you feel confident in your smile. Whether you’re leaning toward clear aligners or traditional braces, our Watertown team is here to guide you. Call Beyond Dentistry at (605) 868-5326 or book online now!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much do braces and clear aligners cost?
The costs for braces in Watertown and clear aligners vary depending on the type of appliance, the complexity of the case, the number of visits, and customization requirements. We will review your options and discuss whether your dental benefits may apply. We also offer a Membership Plan and in-house financing. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision that fits your priorities. Call us to book your visit at (605) 868-5326!
2. Are clear aligners as effective as braces?
For many patients with mild to moderate cases, aligners can be highly effective when worn as directed and planned by our dentist. However, some complex tooth rotations, vertical changes, or significant bite corrections are more predictably handled with braces in Watertown. The most critical factor is proper diagnosis and a customized treatment plan. We will review your records together, and if clear aligners or traditional braces don’t feel like an ideal fit, we’d be happy to discuss ceramic braces and whether they may be right for you. Book a consultation with us today!
3. Will treatment be painful?
Most patients feel pressure or tenderness for a few days when beginning orthodontic services or after switching to a new aligner. This sensation usually eases quickly. Soft foods, warm saltwater rinses, and over-the-counter pain relief can help manage discomfort during the first few days. If you experience sharp or persistent pain, contact us ASAP at (605) 868-5326!
4. Can I switch from braces to aligners, or vice versa?
In many cases, yes. Some patients start with braces in Watertown for complex movements and then transition to aligners for fine-tuning, or vice versa. Switching requires updated scans or impressions and a revised plan. We will discuss the pros and cons, any impact on timing, and how to maintain progress during the transition. The goal is always a stable bite and a result that meets your expectations.
5. What if my child needs braces but is hesitant?
If your child is unsure about getting braces in Watertown, you can help prepare them by maintaining a positive attitude and emphasizing the long-term benefits of orthodontic care. Reassure them that our team is dedicated to making the entire process as smooth, easy, and fun as possible. Have questions? Call us today!