Choosing to improve your oral health and straighten your smile with orthodontic treatment is a big decision! You don’t want to trust your smile to just anyone, but you may have some questions about choosing an experienced orthodontist.
Here at Dillehay Orthodontics, we want you to feel empowered and educated during every step of your orthodontic journey, from the first to the last. That’s why we’ve put together this list of important questions to ask when choosing an orthodontist. Keep reading below for a more detailed look at what you should know before committing to treatment!
Are you a trained orthodontic specialist?
Sure, it might feel like stating the obvious, but this is probably the most important question you can ask when contemplating braces or clear aligner therapy! That’s because some dentists are also able to provide orthodontic treatment, even though they don’t specialize in it. A general dentist will usually offer common dental services such as crowns, fillings, dentures, and occasional orthodontic treatment. An orthodontist, on the other hand, spends their days providing only orthodontic services.
This distinction matters. Imagine for a moment that you or your child required specialized treatment or surgery. Would you feel comfortable with your family physician handling your case, or would you prefer a dedicated specialist? Orthodontists are dentists who also have several years of additional specialized training and experience in orthodontics. That means an orthodontist has:
- studied the growth and maturation of the teeth and jaw
- been introduced to numerous case studies
- developed diagnostic skills
- learned biomechanical techniques to properly move teeth
- studied how to change the development of the dental alveolar complex and facial growth of younger patients
Because orthodontic residency programs are extremely competitive, only the top students in any dental school graduating class are accepted. These orthodontic programs tend to last around two to three years, with full-time training that focuses on correcting orthodontic issues with braces and aligners. While there are always exceptions to every rule, most dentists will not possess this level of exhaustive orthodontic training and experience.
Dr. Ken Dillehay earned a Bachelor of Arts before continuing his education at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. There he earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery. After completing his education, Dr. Dillehay moved back to his hometown to practice general dentistry before attending a residency program in the specialty of orthodontics at the University of Tennessee. Today, Dr. Dillehay is an accomplished orthodontist, involved in multiple professional organizations and continuing education courses.
Dr. JK Dillehay attended the University of Mississippi, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology in 2006. After college, he moved to Memphis, TN, to attend the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry. Dr. J.K. spent four years training to be a dentist, earning his Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 2010. Following dental school, Dr. J.K. continued his education to become a specialist in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. He attended the prestigious orthodontic program at the University of Tennessee, where he spent three years training to be an orthodontist, earning a Master of Science degree in 2013.
At Dillehay Orthodontics, our only focus is on orthodontic care and treatment
Our doctors spend their days straightening teeth. Our entire team stays up to date on the latest industry practices by regularly continuing education courses. We have also equipped our East Wichita, West Wichita, and Derby offices with the most current orthodontic equipment to better serve our patients. We are committed to providing you with the best in high-quality, individualized orthodontic care!
What treatment options do you have available?
Dillehay Orthodontics is proud to offer a wide variety of orthodontic treatments to patients of all ages, including traditional metal braces and clear aligner therapy with Invisalign.
Metal braces
Traditional metal braces are still the most widely used orthodontic appliance, and have come a long way in recent years! They are typically made of a mix of high-grade stainless steel, nickel, and other durable metals. Bands wrap around the back molars, and smaller metal brackets are cemented to the front surfaces of the other teeth. There is also a thin, springy metal wire that runs through the brackets, which may be attached to the brackets by flexible elastics, metal ties, or another type of clasp. All of these components come together to gently guide your teeth into the desired positions over time.
Metal braces are a reliable, effective, and economical option. They’re also more comfortable and customizable than ever before. With smaller, lighter brackets and a multitude of colored bands to choose from, metal braces are a perfect fit for every personality!
Clear braces
Sometimes called ceramic braces, these function in the same way metal braces do, but are made of clear materials instead of stainless steel. Because they are less visible than traditional braces, they’re popular with older teens and adult patients who may be more image-conscious and looking for a more esthetic treatment option. They are larger and more brittle than their metal counterparts, so we tend to use them on the upper front teeth more often than the lower teeth.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are made from the same materials as traditional braces. However, they’re placed on the back of your teeth so no one will ever know you’re wearing braces. Lingual braces are 100% customized to your unique teeth. That means your treatment is one-of-a-kind!
Invisalign
The Invisalign system is made up of a series of customized aligners that are nearly invisible and completely removable. Unlike traditional braces, no brackets and wires are needed to move the teeth! This offers patients a measure of freedom and flexibility that traditional braces just can’t beat. Designed to fit snugly but comfortably over your teeth, Invisalign provides a more subtle and comfortable orthodontic experience. When worn the recommended 20-22 hours per day, and changed out weekly with the next in the set, these aligners will gradually move your teeth into the desired positions.
Invisalign Teen
Although Invisalign and Invisalign Teen work the same way when it comes to the underlying technology, Invisalign Teen was developed with the unique needs of teen patients in mind. There are a few special features that are specific to the Invisalign Teen system, including the following:
Compliance indicators
To help teens stick to their treatment plan, Invisalign Teen has a compliance indicator incorporated into each aligner. This will fade from blue to clear as it is used, providing a visual approximation of wear. This lets patients, parents, and orthodontists keep track of patient use. If a teen is skipping out on hours, it will be noticeable in enough time for us to correct compliance, thus keeping the overall process moving along at the right speed.
Eruption tabs
This feature accommodates the growth of the second molars in young adults, helping to keep space open for unerupted teeth and making it possible to treat a wider range of conditions with Invisalign.
Replacement aligners
We all lose or damage things from time to time. While we encourage all of our Invisalign patients to be careful with their aligners, teens don’t need to worry about misplacing or losing one. Invisalign Teen anticipates it happening, and provides up to six replacement aligners at no charge, just in case!
How frequent are follow-up visits in the office?
Whatever your treatment plan, you can expect regular visits to your orthodontist. If you have braces, adjustment appointments will be scheduled every 4-6 weeks or so. During these visits, your orthodontist will replace any worn-out rubber bands, check your teeth’s progress, and make adjustments to the wires to ensure the teeth are being pulled in the right direction. Invisalign patients may be seen slightly less frequently, but these appointments are still an essential part of the orthodontic process.
Although treatment time varies from case to case, the average patient will spend anywhere from one to three years in braces or aligners. Be prepared to see us regularly! We know how busy our families are, and your time is valuable to us. That’s why we never overbook patients and always aim to see you at your scheduled time!
Expertise you can trust at Dillehay Orthodontics
For a truly exceptional orthodontic experience, you can’t do better than Dillehay Orthodontics! You’ll receive a personalized treatment plan and unmatched care from your first appointment to your last. Since their sole specialty is orthodontics, Dr. Ken and Dr. JK have the experience and expertise necessary to give you nothing but the best in treatments, cost, and efficiency as you work to straighten your smile.
If you’re ready to take the first step in your orthodontic journey, we would love to meet you! When you schedule a FREE consultation with our office, you’ll receive a thorough examination by Dr. Ken or Dr. JK. They’ll discuss any diagnosis with you and outline what your next steps should be. This is a no-pressure appointment! Even if you decide not to pursue orthodontic treatment immediately, we’ll be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you might have to help you make an informed decision.
There’s never been a better time to go after the smile you’ve always wanted, so get in touch today to schedule your complimentary consultation!