Have you been thinking about orthodontic treatment for yourself or a family member? Like any new adventure, this one can come with a lot of questions! If you’ve tried googling the information you need, you may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of results available. There’s so much material out there that it can be hard to know which sources to trust. But with your family’s smiles on the line, it’s important to find a qualified provider that’s a good fit for you. That’s where we come in! Keep reading below to learn what an experienced orthodontist has to offer and why McGrory Orthodontics could be the right practice for your family!
Additional years of education, training, and experience
Many people assume that dentists and orthodontists are more or less interchangeable, including prospective patients. The latter often wonder if their family dentist can handle their orthodontic needs and may question if an orthodontist is actually necessary. We get it! There are lots of dentists who now offer some orthodontic services, but there are still several significant differences between the two professions. It can be helpful to understand these differences in your search for a qualified provider.
Dentists and orthodontists are on a similar path right up until they graduate from dental school. At this point, many dentists will begin practicing. Orthodontists, however, will begin 2-3 years of additional training and education. Their focus during this time is on learning how to diagnose, prevent, and correct misaligned teeth and jaws. They will also receive instruction on:
- Oral disease
- Biomedical science and biomechanics
- Successfully managing tooth movement and facial development using various orthodontic techniques
Dr. McGrory knows exactly how much hard work and dedication it takes to become an orthodontist! She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and a minor in Political Science, then studied dentistry at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Upon completing her DDS degree there, she went on to earn a Master of Science Degree and Certificate in Orthodontics from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.
As if that’s not enough, Dr. McGrory also gained her board certification in 2007 and is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Less than 30% of orthodontists become board-certified, which means she has even more training and experience than the average orthodontist! You’re truly putting your family’s smiles into the best hands when you choose McGrory Orthodontics.
Patience, honesty, and personalized care
The question every orthodontist tends to hear most often is “How long will orthodontic treatment take?” Since every case is different and each patient responds to treatment in their own way, there’s no “one size fits all” answer to that. The total treatment time is related in part to the overall complexity of the case, with mild issues generally taking less time to correct than more complex problems. We also have to consider the type of appliance being used and the expected level of compliance from the patient.
That being said, you can certainly ask your potential orthodontist for an estimated treatment time! It will be just that, an estimate, but can give you a better idea of what to expect from the process. Regular check-ups are also an essential part of any treatment plan, so you may want to inquire about these to get a feel for how much time you’re likely to be spending in their office. Look for an orthodontist and practice that will give you honest answers instead of telling you what they think you want to hear. Our team will always provide you with expert information based on your specific needs!
This advice applies to discussions about the cost of treatment, as well. Orthodontic treatment is an investment of your time and finances, and the last thing you want to encounter is hidden fees! Like treatment times, the total cost will vary from case to case. It’s important to understand everything that’s covered in your treatment plan—and anything that isn’t. During your initial consultation with us, we’ll highlight each applicable fee associated with your treatment. You’ll never have to worry about any unwelcome surprises with our practice!
Speaking of treatment costs, we believe everyone should have access to high-quality orthodontic care. If you choose to pay your treatment in full at the time of services, you’ll get a courtesy discount credited to your account.
If you prefer to pay over time instead, you can choose our office payment plan with 0% financing! We also accept most orthodontic insurance and can file on your behalf to ensure you’re getting the maximum allowance.
A variety of affordable treatment options to fit your needs
There’s never been a better time to be an orthodontic patient! Modern technology has made it easier than ever to obtain a confident smile thanks to a range of effective treatment options. At McGrory Orthodontics, this includes traditional metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign® clear aligner therapy.
Metal braces
Today’s metal braces boast some major improvements over previous designs. 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 add a little pop of personality to the treatment process by choosing fun colors for your elastic bands! Metal braces are a cost-effective option with a long track record of successfully treating a wide range of cases, from simple to complex.
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 incredibly subtle way to straighten your smile. While ceramic brackets are durable, they do tend to be a bit more prone to breakage than metal brackets. For this reason, we usually only recommend them to our teen and adult patients.
Invisalign® clear aligner system
Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of clear removable aligners to move the teeth. These are made from a special thermoplastic resin and customized to fit firmly but comfortably over your teeth. Because they’re removable, they provide patients with a bit more freedom and flexibility than braces. They also allow you to brush, floss, and eat as you normally would! Invisalign can often be just as effective as braces when patients are fully compliant and wear the aligners exactly as directed.
Find the right provider for your family’s smiles at McGrory Orthodontics
If you’ve been searching for an orthodontist you can trust with your family’s smiles, look no further! Dr. McGrory and the rest of our talented team can offer you and your loved ones exceptional care, affordable treatment options, and long-lasting results you’ll love. To learn more about how we can help improve your family’s oral health, get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with our Pearland or Bellaire office!