Choosing The Right Orthodontist For Your Smile

Now that you’ve made the decision to improve your oral health, the first step should be finding an experienced orthodontist who will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and give you the confident smile you desire. Modern technology has led to incredible advances in both braces and clear aligners, but they still require a lot of planning and expertise behind the scenes. 

Your smile is unique to you, and it’s important to find an orthodontist that’s a good fit for your needs and lifestyle. But where to begin? If you’re not sure, Williams & Hamman Orthodontics has got you covered! Let’s take a look at some of the best questions to ask when searching for an orthodontist who’s the perfect fit for you! 

“What kind of training and experience do you have?”

Don’t be afraid to ask about an orthodontist’s education, training, and experience. As a dental specialist, they should have a solid understanding of the mechanics of moving the teeth safely and effectively. They’ll also know what an ideal bite should look like and how to accomplish that. That’s down to all the extra education and training they receive!

After completing dental school, an orthodontist will receive an additional 2-3 years of specialty training learning how to diagnose, prevent, and treat issues that arise with the teeth and jaws. Our doctors are no strangers to the hard work and dedication that comes with orthodontic training! 

Dr. Williams earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Tennessee at Martin before pursuing a Doctorate of Dental Surgery and Master’s of Science in Orthodontics from the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center Dental School. Besides creating beautiful smiles for patients across DeSoto County, he is currently the program director of the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Tennessee Dental School and has served on the faculty since 1985.

Dr. Hamman spent his undergraduate career at Austin Peay State University where he earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree. From there, he received a Doctorate of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. He went on to earn his Master of Dental Science and certificate of advanced training in orthodontics from the University of Tennessee Department of Orthodontics. Dr. Hamman is also an instructor for the Charles Tweed Orthodontics Study Course, one of the top orthodontic courses in the world.

As you can see, your smile will be in exceptional hands when you trust it to the experts at Williams & Hamman Orthodontics!

“What treatment options are available to me?” 

Thanks to major advancements in orthodontic technology and techniques, achieving a straighter smile has never been easier. Because no single treatment will work for everyone’s needs, it’s important to choose a practice that offers a variety of options. We’re proud to provide patients of all ages with the following treatments for a total smile transformation! 

Metal Braces 

Today’s metal braces are a far cry from their predecessors. The brackets are much smaller and no longer wrap around the entire tooth. Thinner archwires are used to move the teeth with more comfort and speed. You can even put a pop of personality into your treatment journey by choosing fun colors for your elastic bands! Metal braces are usually the most economical treatment option and are ideal for patients who have more serious or complex cases. 

Clear Braces

Clear braces are the same shape and size as metal braces but use clear or tooth-colored brackets to blend in with your natural smile. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored elastics, they provide a very subtle way to straighten your teeth! While the ceramic brackets are durable, they are more prone to breakage than metal brackets. For this reason, we usually only recommend them for our teen and adult patients. Clear braces can be an excellent option for adults who want the benefits of traditional metal braces without the visibility.

Clear aligner system

Instead of brackets and wires, these systems use a series of clear removable aligners to gently move the teeth over time. These are made from a special thermoplastic resin and customized to fit over your teeth firmly but comfortably. Because they’re removable, they provide adult patients with a bit more freedom and flexibility than braces. That means there are no food restrictions, and keeping up with a good dental hygiene routine is a snap! Clear aligners can be just as effective as braces when worn as directed.

“How long will my treatment take? How many visits will I need?”

Every case is different and each patient responds to treatment in their own way. For this reason, there’s no exact answer to either of these questions. However, any orthodontist should be able to give you an estimated treatment time! As for visits, you can expect regular check-ups whether you’re in braces or clear aligners. These will typically be every 6-8 weeks or so, depending on your particular treatment plan. 

During these visits, one of our doctors will check your progress and ensure everything is proceeding as it should be. If you’re a braces patient, we’ll adjust them at this time. These check-ups are an essential part of the treatment process so you’ll definitely want to have a better understanding of how many you’re likely to have. This will allow you to form a clearer plan for the future of your smile!

“How much will my treatment cost?”

The total cost of treatment is influenced by a number of different factors, including the severity of your case, how long you’ll need to be in braces or aligners, and even where you live! Williams & Hamman Orthodontics believe everyone should have access to the treatment they need for a healthy, happy smile. Our team will take care to outline all the fees associated with your treatment plan so that there are never any surprise costs to contend with. We provide affordable treatment options for every budget, and also offer flexible payment plans, accept most major credit cards, and work with many insurance plans.

Could Williams & Hamman Orthodontics be a good fit for your smile? 

Your smile is one of your greatest assets! You don’t want to trust it to anything less than an experienced orthodontist. We just happen to have two, plus a talented team working alongside us to create confident smiles and improved oral health! If you’re in DeSoto County and want to learn more about what our orthodontists have to offer, get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation with us. Your future smile will thank you!