Here at Guymon Orthodontics, we know that your smile is as unique as you are. That’s why it’s important to trust it to an expert who has the education, training, and skills to best meet your specific needs. If you’ve been considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or a loved one, you may not be sure where to begin. Every smile journey starts with finding a qualified provider, so let’s take a look at the top questions you’ll want to ask before choosing an orthodontist!
Is the doctor a trained orthodontic specialist?
Many dentists now offer some form of orthodontic care in addition to their regular dental services. So even though it seems like the answer to this question would be obvious when searching for an orthodontist, it’s still one worth asking! Even if a dentist offers certain orthodontic treatments along with cosmetic and restorative ones, these don’t tend to be the main focus of their practice. A practice like ours, on the other hand, is dedicated to providing nothing but orthodontic treatment and services.
In simple terms, an orthodontist is a dentist who has had several additional years of specialized training and education. That means an orthodontist like Dr. Guymon has:
- studied the growth and maturation of the teeth and jaw
- been introduced to numerous case studies
- developed specific diagnostic skills
- learned biomechanical techniques to properly move teeth
- studied how to change the development of the dental alveolar complex and positively influence the facial growth of younger patients
Orthodontic residency programs are notoriously competitive and generally accept only the top students in any dental school graduating class. They last 2-3 years and include intense full-time training on how to correct a wide range of orthodontic issues safely and effectively. Although there are exceptions to every rule, most general dentists won’t possess this high level of specialized training and expertise.
As you can see, there is a lot of hard work and dedication involved in becoming an orthodontist. Dr. Guymon is a perfect example of this! He graduated from Utah State University with a Business Administration degree, then moved on to Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, where he graduated #1 in a dental class of almost 100 students. The last stop on his educational journey was the University of Iowa, where he earned a Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master’s Degree in Science.
Dr.Guymon is also certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, a distinction less than 30% of orthodontists achieve.
The sole focus here at Guymon Orthodontics is providing patients with world-class orthodontic care and treatment. Dr. Guymon performs teeth straightening procedures daily, and our entire team takes advantage of various continuing education courses throughout the year. You can trust that your smile is in the most capable hands when you choose us!
What treatment options does the orthodontist offer?
As we mentioned above, every smile is unique. A treatment that works for one patient may not be a good fit for another, which is why Dr. Guymon creates personalized treatment plans for every patient. Your custom plan will be built around your specific needs, goals, and lifestyle. It will also include a recommendation for the most appropriate treatment for your smile. We offer patients of all ages the following options from our two conveniently located offices in Logan and Hyrum, UT.
Metal braces
Today’s metal braces have come a long way from previous designs. The brackets are much smaller and no longer wrap around the entire tooth, while thinner archwires are used to move the teeth with comfort and speed. Metal braces are a cost-effective option with a long track record of successfully treating a range of cases, from simple to complex. You can even insert a pop of personality into your smile journey by choosing fun colors for your elastic bands!
Clear braces
Clear braces are the same shape and size as metal braces but use transparent or tooth-colored brackets to blend in better with your natural smile. When paired with clear, white, or tooth-colored elastics, they provide an extremely discreet way to straighten your smile! While the ceramic brackets are durable, they do tend to be a bit more prone to breakage than metal brackets. For this reason, we usually recommend them for our teen and adult patients only.
3M Clarity aligners
Instead of brackets and wires, the Clarity aligner system uses a series of clear removable aligners to move the teeth. These are made from a special thermoplastic resin that’s comfortable and customized to fit snugly over your teeth. Because they’re removable, they provide patients with a bit more flexibility than braces throughout the treatment process. They also allow you to brush, floss, and eat as you normally would! Aligners can often be just as effective as braces when patients are fully compliant and wear the aligners exactly as directed.
How frequent are follow-up visits with the orthodontist?
The orthodontic process includes regularly scheduled follow-up visits, so you can expect to see us every 6-8 weeks or so throughout the treatment process. During these visits, Dr. Guymon will ensure everything is progressing as it should be, make any necessary adjustments, and replace worn-out elastics if you’re wearing braces. He may choose to change the wire at this time as well.
Every patient responds to treatment in their own way, so the total time in braces or clear aligners will always vary from case to case. In general, however, the average treatment time is anywhere from 12-24 months in total. Your checkups are an essential part of the treatment process, so you should do your best to keep these appointments as scheduled! Since you’ll be seeing your orthodontist regularly over this period of time, it’s important to choose a doctor and practice you feel comfortable with.
Find your best smile at Guymon Orthodontics
Our expert team works hard to provide patients with compassionate care, a stress-free smile journey, and a rewarding orthodontic experience. If you’re ready to learn more about how we can transform your smile, get in touch today to schedule a FREE consultation!