Let’s start by defining what lingual braces are. Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces except they are bonded to the inside of your teeth. No, not literally “inside” your teeth. What we mean is the side of your teeth that faces your tongue otherwise known as the lingual surface of your teeth.

So what’s the advantage of lingual braces? This is a great way to straighten your teeth when you absolutely don’t want anyone to see you have braces. It’s almost like having invisible braces. For people in the public eye this is a great choice. For instance, one of our local news casters wore lingual braces. Bet you can’t guess who because you never saw the braces. If you really want to know, click here to find out.

In the past, lingual braces were a problem because it’s very difficult to accurately hand bend an archwire for the inside of the mouth. Fortunately, the advanced technology of SureSmileQT used by Orthodontic Partners has eliminated that problem through the use of 3D imaging & robotically bent customized archwires.

While it’s true lingual braces cost more and are not as comfortable as traditional braces, they may be the perfect choice if you want straight teeth without the visible braces.

3-Dimentional imaging is an amazing diagnostic tool that dramatically enhances an orthodontist’s ability to more accurately determine customized treatment plans for each patient. There is no question that you can get far more information from a 3-D image than you can from a traditional 2-D Image. With the I-Cat’s 3-D imaging technology used at Orthodontic Partners, Dr. Corbridge & Dr. Bruntz are able to study the patient’s skeletal, dental, soft tissue and other anatomical features. After all, orthodontics does more than just move teeth… it also affects the position and shape of the surrounding bone, gums, lips, cheeks and muscles of the face. 3-D imaging gives us the ability to consider all of these factors in developing the best possible treatment plan. Also, the I-Cat technology integrates perfectly with SureSmile which we also use in our office. SureSmile uses the latest in 3-D technology to create customized archwires which are precisely bent using robotics.

Of course you want to save money but even more important you want to get the best value for your money. So you ask… “What should I be considering when choosing where I want to have my teeth straightened?” 

1)      You want great results you will enjoy for the rest of your life. It’s not like a pair of shoes you can easily replace if it turns out you don’t like them.

2)      Treatment time varies… on average 18-24 months followed by retainer visits. That means you will have a long term relationship with the Drs and staff. Avoid unnecessary stress and aggravation by selecting an office that will make the whole orthodontic process a positive experience.

3)      What is the difference between having teeth straightened by an Orthodontist or having them straightened by a dentist? An orthodontist has completed all the training a dentist has and then gone on to complete additional schooling to be able to qualify as an Orthodontist. Orthodontics is complex. Dr. Corbridge & Dr. Bruntz both graduated top of their class and have had years of specializing in orthodontics.

4)      How experienced is the staff? You know how frustrating it is when someone is not qualified to answer your questions or when you feel unsure about their knowledge and ability. You are going to have a lot of interaction with the staff… everything from scheduling appointments to billing insurance, not to mention the orthodontic assistants who will be working with the Drs to straighten your teeth. At Orthodontic Partners the average employment length of our staff is over 9 years. That means every staff member you come in contact with will be able to answer your questions and provide you with the very best treatment.

5)      What’s the reputation of the practice? Ask your friends where they have gone and what their experience has been like. Here are some comments made by our patients. http://www.orthodonticpartners.net/testimonials

6)      Does the practice have financial arrangements? At Orthodontic Partners we have in-house financing with no interest and in most cases we can bill your insurance and work that into the financial arrangements. For those who prefer, we also have 3^rd party financing options available such as Care Credit and Chase Health Advance.

7)      Results…Results…Results… This one is worth repeating. Remember this is a lifetime investment. Not only do you want a good bite that will function properly and keep your teeth from unnecessary wear, you want a smile that will make you feel confident. A smile you can’t wait to share.

We were so impressed with this story we just had to share it with you.

A little over four years ago, two of our patients, Zoe and Tristan Studer wanted to do something to make a difference. Zoe decided to collect aluminum, glass and plastic to recycle and donate the money they collected to the High Sierra Animal Rescue. Tristan came up with the name Cans for Critters and they were off and running. The 1^st year they made $100. Each year since then they have increased the amount they have been able to raise. Last year they collected $1000 and all together they have donated $2400. Their goal for this year is to raise $1200. We know they have helped to make the lives of many animals better and we are proud to have them as our patients. 

If you are a patient of Orthodontic Partners and have a similar story we would love to share it. Please contact Ann at (775) 825-4804 x106.