Complete Guide to Braces & Invisalign
Papillion orthodontics is the dental specialty focused on diagnosing and correcting teeth and jaw alignment using braces, clear aligners, and specialized appliances. An orthodontist treats crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and other bite problems. Unlike general dentists, orthodontists complete two to three additional years of specialty training in tooth movement and facial development after dental school.
At Hawley Orthodontics, Dr. Nate Hawley, DDS, MS and Dr. Chanel Torres, DDS, MS, our dynamic duo, provide patient-centered care for kids, teens & adults throughout Papillion and the surrounding Sarpy County area. Both doctors completed specialty residency training in orthodontics and are members of the American Association of Orthodontists. Treatment plan options include traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Invisalign clear aligners. Each approach offers unique benefits depending on your smile goals, lifestyle, and the complexity of your case.
Not sure which option fits you best? Schedule your free consultation to get a tailored treatment plan. The awesome Hawley Orthodontics family uses digital scans, no goopy, gaggy impressions, to create a clear picture of your smile and discuss what makes the most sense for you and your family.
Metal Braces: The Proven Standard
Metal braces remain the most reliable method for correcting complex orthodontic issues. They work by applying continuous, gentle pressure to teeth through brackets bonded to each tooth and connected by archwires. As your orthodontist adjusts these wires during regular visits, your teeth gradually shift into proper alignment.
What Metal Braces Treat Best
Metal braces work well for correcting:
- Severe crowding or spacing
- Significant overbites and underbites
- Complex crossbites
- Rotated or tilted teeth
- Bite issues requiring precise tooth control
Treatment Timeline and Care
Most patients wear metal braces for 12 to 24 months, though your specific timeline depends on your unique case. You'll visit our Papillion orthodontic office every 4 to 8 weeks for adjustments to keep things moving in the right direction.
Caring for metal braces takes some attention:
- Brush after every meal to prevent plaque buildup
- Use a floss threader or water flosser daily
- Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods, yes, that means goodbye to popcorn for a bit
- Wear a mouthguard during sports
Cost Considerations
Metal braces are often one of the more budget-friendly orthodontic treatment options. Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of orthodontic treatment, and Hawley Orthodontics offers flexible payment plans to work with your family's budget. Everyone deserves access to a healthy smile, so we'll work with you to make treatment affordable for all. You can learn more on our financing and insurance page.
Clear Braces: Discreet Traditional Treatment
Clear ceramic braces offer the effectiveness of traditional braces with a more subtle appearance. At Hawley Orthodontics, we use self-ligating braces made from high-quality translucent ceramic that blends with your natural tooth color, so your treatment flies under the radar.
How Clear Braces Differ
Unlike metal brackets, ceramic brackets are tooth-colored and less noticeable. Our self-ligating design eliminates the need for elastic ties. Instead, a small door mechanism holds the wire in place. This means:
- Less friction on your teeth and gums
- Potentially shorter appointment times
- A cleaner, sleeker appearance
Clear braces work just as well as metal for most cases, including moderate to complex alignment issues.
Keeping Your Clear Braces Clear
Ceramic brackets can stain if you're not careful. Follow these tips:
- Avoid dark beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine
- Don't smoke or use tobacco products
- Brush thoroughly after eating colored foods
- Keep up with your regular adjustment appointments
Cost Comparison
Clear braces can cost slightly more than metal braces at some practices because of the ceramic materials involved. During your free consult, our team will walk you through your treatment options, pricing, and payment choices clearly before you begin.
Invisalign in Papillion: Clear Aligner Therapy
Invisalign in Papillion offers a different approach to straightening teeth. Instead of brackets and wires, you wear a series of custom-made, removable plastic aligners that gradually shift your teeth into place. Each set of aligners applies controlled pressure to specific teeth, and you switch to a new set every one to two weeks.
Are You a Good Candidate?
Invisalign works well for:
- Mild to moderate crowding
- Gaps between teeth
- Minor bite adjustments
- Patients who've had braces before and experienced some shifting
- Adults and teens who want a discreet option
For more complex cases, traditional braces might deliver better results. Dr. Hawley or Dr. Torres will help you figure out which option fits your needs during your free consultation.
The 22-Hour Rule
Invisalign only works if you wear your aligners. You'll need to keep them in for 22 hours each day, removing them only to eat, drink anything besides water, and brush your teeth. Compliance matters: the more consistently you wear your aligners, the better your results.
Treatment Length and Benefits
Most Invisalign patients finish treatment in 6 to 18 months, depending on their case complexity. Key benefits include:
- Nearly invisible appearance
- Removable for eating and special occasions
- Fewer office visits than traditional braces
- No food restrictions, pizza night is back on the menu
- Easier brushing and flossing
Hawley Orthodontics has extensive experience creating beautiful smile transformations with clear aligners for patients in Papillion, Omaha, and throughout Sarpy County.
Orthodontics for Every Age in Papillion
Orthodontic treatment isn't just for teenagers. Kids, teens & adults all benefit from straighter teeth and healthier bites. Our orthodontics for all ages page explains how treatment timing can differ depending on age, growth, and smile goals.
Children: Early Evaluation Matters
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, enough permanent teeth have come in to identify developing issues like crossbites, crowding, or jaw growth concerns. Early evaluation doesn't always mean early treatment. It gives your orthodontist the chance to monitor growth and step in at the right time.
Some children benefit from two-phase treatment. Phase one addresses jaw development or specific tooth issues while your child is still growing. After a rest period, phase two, usually full braces or aligners, fine-tunes the smile once more permanent teeth have come in.
Teens: The Sweet Spot
Teens make great candidates for orthodontic treatment. Their jaws are still actively growing, making teeth more receptive to movement. Plus, many teens are motivated by the social benefits of a straighter smile, hello, prom photos.
Both braces and Invisalign Teen work well for this age group. We'll help your teen choose the option that fits their lifestyle and personality.
Adults: It's Never Too Late
More adults are choosing orthodontic treatment for both smile confidence and long-term oral health. Whether you missed out on braces as a kid or your teeth have shifted over time, adult treatment can reshape your smile and improve your bite.
Adults often prefer Invisalign or clear braces for their discreet appearance. Treatment may take slightly longer than for teens, but the results are just as rewarding. Dr. Hawley and Dr. Torres, both specialty-trained orthodontists, regularly treat adults who are finally getting the smile they've always wanted.
The Treatment Process: From Consultation to Retention
Getting orthodontic treatment at Hawley Orthodontics follows three easy steps to your new smile. Here's how it works at our Papillion office:
Step 1: Free Consultation
Your first visit is all about getting to know you and your smile. We'll take digital scans and X-rays to see exactly what's happening with your teeth and jaw. No goopy, gaggy impressions here! Dr. Hawley or Dr. Torres will examine your bite, talk through your concerns, and answer your questions.
Step 2: Custom Treatment Plan
Based on your evaluation, we'll create a tailored treatment plan just for you. You'll learn:
- Which treatment option we recommend and why
- How long treatment will likely take
- What your investment will be, including insurance and financing options
Want fewer appointments? In many cases, you can start same-day as your free consult.
Step 3: Active Treatment
During active treatment, you'll visit our Papillion office regularly for adjustments, if you choose braces, or to pick up new aligners, if you choose Invisalign. These appointments are often quick, typically in and out before your coffee gets cold. We'll monitor your progress and make sure everything is moving according to plan.
Step 4: Retention
Once your teeth are in their ideal positions, you'll move into the retention phase. Retainers keep your teeth from shifting back to their old positions. The Hawley Guarantee means we'll provide your retainers and, if your teeth shift, we'll work to get you back to where you were.
Braces vs. Invisalign: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between braces and Invisalign depends on several factors. Here's a quick comparison:
| Factor | Metal Braces | Clear Braces | Invisalign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Noticeable | Subtle | Nearly invisible |
| Removable | No | No | Yes |
| Treatment Time | 12-24 months | 12-24 months | 6-18 months |
| Best For | Complex cases | Complex cases with aesthetic concerns | Mild to moderate cases |
| Food Restrictions | Yes | Yes | None |
| Maintenance | Moderate | Moderate, avoid staining | Easy |
When Braces Make More Sense
Choose braces if you have:
- Severe crowding or bite issues
- Teeth that need significant rotation
- Concerns about wearing aligners 22 hours daily
- A preference for "set it and forget it" treatment
For patients comparing braces by location, you can also review our braces in Omaha and Papillion braces pages.
When Invisalign Shines
Consider Invisalign if you:
- Have mild to moderate alignment issues
- Want a discreet treatment option
- Play contact sports or a wind instrument
- Can commit to wearing aligners consistently
For location-specific aligner information, visit our Invisalign Papillion NE or Invisalign Omaha pages.
Making Your Decision
The best way to decide? Talk to your orthodontist. During your free consultation at Hawley Orthodontics, Dr. Hawley or Dr. Torres will explain which options work for your specific case and help you weigh the pros and cons based on your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does orthodontic treatment cost in Papillion?
Treatment costs vary based on the type of braces or aligners you choose and the complexity of your case. At Hawley Orthodontics, we offer flexible payment plans and work with most insurance providers. Your free consultation includes a detailed cost breakdown with no surprises and no pressure to commit.
Does insurance cover braces or Invisalign?
Yes, in many cases. Dental insurance plans often include orthodontic benefits, typically covering a portion of treatment costs. Our team will verify your benefits and help you understand what's covered before you start treatment. You can also visit our financing and insurance page for more details.
How long does treatment take?
Plan on 12 to 24 months with braces or 6 to 18 months with Invisalign for most patients. Your specific timeline depends on your case complexity and how well you follow your treatment plan.
What age should my child see an orthodontist?
Age 7 is the magic number. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation around this age, which gives your orthodontist the chance to spot developing issues early, even if treatment isn't needed right away.
Do braces hurt?
You may feel some soreness for a few days after getting braces or following adjustments. This mild tenderness is usually manageable with over-the-counter relief options. Soft foods and a little patience go a long way during those first few days. Most patients adjust quickly and get back to their normal routine.
Can I get Invisalign as an adult?
Absolutely! Adults make excellent Invisalign candidates. Many adults prefer clear aligners because they're virtually invisible and won't interfere with professional or social settings.
Additional Orthodontic Resources
Looking for more information about orthodontic treatment? These resources can help you learn more and feel confident about your next steps:
American Association of Orthodontists: The AAO offers patient education guides, treatment information, research-backed articles on bite issues, and tips for finding a qualified orthodontist in your area. The AAO is the leading professional organization for orthodontic specialists worldwide.
Insurance and Financing: Contact our Papillion office to discuss your specific insurance benefits and learn about our flexible payment options. We're happy to walk through coverage details, deductibles, and lifetime orthodontic maximums with you before treatment begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Oral Hygiene During Treatment: We'll provide detailed instructions for keeping your teeth clean with braces or aligners. Our team can also recommend specific tools like water flossers, interdental brushes, and fluoride rinses that make at-home care easier and more effective during active treatment.
Emergency Care: Loose bracket? Poking wire? Call our office for guidance on handling orthodontic emergencies. Many minor issues can be managed at home with simple fixes like orthodontic wax until you can come in for a repair appointment. You can also review our orthodontic emergencies page.
Patient Reviews and Smile Gallery: Browse real before-and-after photos and video testimonials from Sarpy County families who've completed treatment with the dynamic duo. Seeing actual results from local patients can help you picture your own smile transformation. Visit our smile gallery and reviews and testimonials pages to learn more.
Community Involvement: Hawley Orthodontics is proud to support local schools, sports teams, and Sarpy County events. Ask about our current community partnerships when you visit, because giving back is part of who we are.
For more details about our specific treatments, explore our website to learn about metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign options at Hawley Orthodontics. You can also compare location-specific care on our Omaha Orthodontics, Orthodontist Omaha NE, and Orthodontist Papillion NE pages.
Schedule Your Free Consultation in Papillion
Ready to take the first step toward your best smile? Hawley Orthodontics welcomes new patients from Papillion, Omaha, and throughout Sarpy County.
Your free consultation includes:
- Complete digital scans and X-rays
- Thorough examination by Dr. Hawley or Dr. Torres
- Personalized treatment recommendations
- Clear cost breakdown with financing options
- Answers to all your questions
What to bring: Your insurance card, if applicable, and a list of any questions you have about treatment.
Don't hide your grin any longer. Schedule your free consultation online or call us at 402.227.6187. Our Papillion office is located at 10212 S. 71st St., and we can't wait to meet you!