Tye: Can you tell us about your practice as well as your journey in Dentistry? 

Dr. Bailey: My journey in dentistry started as a 1st-year dental student eager to learn yet unaware of all dentistry had to offer.  During dental school, I was naturally attracted to surgeries, the engineering behind how a tooth moved and the science behind both. 

Upon graduating from dental school I completed two specialty residencies:  Periodontics & Surgical Implantology and then in Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics. From this training, of which only a handful of dentists in the country complete, I married sound physiological science, advancing digital technology and an artistic eye. 

I use these fields to educate people about their oral & systemic health. 

More importantly, I teach them how to avoid health problems by taking preventive measures. It just so happens I do this while practicing Orthodontics & Periodontics.  

Do you know that two of the most financially draining costs are not having the finances to pay for healthcare and being unhealthy?  If you learn and take preventive actions then either of the above becomes less significant in our day to day lives!

Tye: Traditional Braces Vs Invisalign. I know most people have seen or heard of traditional braces and Invisalign. From a Dentist’s perspective can you define them both as well as the main differences?

Dr. Bailey: Traditional braces consist of a bracket [typically metal or clear acrylic] bonded to each tooth. Connected to them is a high-technology wire to cause movement of teeth.  Invisalign is a series of clear, custom-made aligners that fit over the teeth. Each aligner moves the teeth incrementally. You trade up to the next set of aligners, dictated by your Orthodontist until your treatment is complete.  

The main differences are, in our office, with Invisalign aligners there are fewer appointments and the appointments tend to be shorter in comparison to traditional braces.  

Our adult patients who are in media or speak in front of audiences enjoy them because they are essentially invisible. From a health perspective, because they are removable, it provides better access for oral hygiene care than traditional braces. 

Tye: Are there certain instances when traditional braces are a better option compared to Invisalign?

Dr. Bailey: In my opinion, Invisalign is not the most efficient when it comes to correcting teeth that are turned or rotated.  However, due to technological advances, Invisalign can correct approximately 85% of dental malocclusions corrected by traditional braces.

Tye: Is treatment time shorter with one vs the other?

Dr. Bailey: Invisalign treatment is slightly shorter than traditional braces.  However, in our office, again we use modern science along with advancing technology to shorten the length of treatment of traditional & Invisalign treatment.

Along with the orthodontic treatment we use techniques like High-Frequency Vibrations and Micro-osteoperforations to make challenging tooth movements more predictable and accelerated.  

A lot of orthodontic offices are starting to use these technologies.  However, from my training in Orthodontics & Periodontics, I have discovered that the sequencing or timing of when to incorporate these techniques is what is resulting in our shorter treatment times.  I cannot think of one patient who has not enjoyed accelerated treatment time and still having a great result.

Tye: How often would I visit for checkups with braces compared to Invisalign?

Dr. Bailey: Typically our patients in traditional braces are seen every 8 weeks.  Our patients in Invisalign therapy are seen every 10 weeks to 12 weeks.

Tye: What about comfort?

Dr. Bailey: Traditional and Invisalign aligners are both fairly comfortable.  With regard to traditional braces, we use high technology wires (wires that are as flexible as a spaghetti noodles yet so strong you can tie in several knots & it will not break) to apply gentle forces upon the teeth to move them.  

With regard to Invisalign aligners, when I digitally design my cases so the aligners cause incremental steady gentle tooth movements to the teeth.  

From my surgical periodontal training, I have learned that slow steady forces actually move teeth more quickly … “lighter is better”.

Tye: Is Invisalign better than traditional braces in terms of different food I can eat during treatment?

Dr. Bailey: An advantage of wearing Invisalign aligners is that the aligners can be removed before meals &/or snacks.  Thus, patients enjoy little restrictions on what they can or cannot eat. You can eat almost anything. You’re not able to do that with traditional braces.

Tye: Can kids and teens use both Invisalign and Braces?

Dr. Bailey: Yes, most kids & teens are able to wear Invisalign aligners.  Invisalign continues to improve upon its technology such that their aligners can be used to treat about 85% of cases normally treated by traditional braces.

The limiting factor may be if the child or teen is not responsible enough to wear the aligners then the dental correction will not occur.  Another determining factor maybe if the child or teen has a skeletal [bones of the face] issue then their treatment may be more suited for traditional braces. 

I have a great representative, from Invisalign, that works with me on behalf of Invisalign. They have allowed me to present to all of our parents of our child & teen patients a “Teen Guaranty”.  

If for some reason the child or teen is unable to wear the aligners during the first 6 months of treatment we can convert treatment to traditional braces without incurring any additional costs.

Tye: Would you recommend one over the other for Kids and teens?

Dr. Bailey: My recommendation is tailor-made depending on the needs of the child or teen and even adult patients.  Everyone’s needs differ. Most issues can be corrected by traditional braces or Invisalign aligners.

Tye: What about cost comparison between traditional braces and Invisalign?

Dr. Bailey: In our office, the cost is the same for traditional and Invisalign orthodontic treatment.  I have removed the "cost difference factor” to make orthodontic treatment possible, more affordable & easier.  We all have plenty to worry about: what to cook for dinner, picking up my son after soccer practice. etc... I do not want to add to the list upon coming to our office.

Tye: Are they both covered by most of the insurance providers you typically work with?

Dr. Bailey: Most insurances provide coverage for traditional braces & Invisalign aligner orthodontic treatment.  Insurances generally do not differentiate between traditional braces & Invisalign aligners. To them, they are both “orthodontic treatment”.  Thus, it comes down to communicating with your respective insurance company to discover if your insurance policy provides coverage for “orthodontic treatment”.

Tye: What other payment options are offered other than insurance?

Dr. Bailey: Our office works with two third-party financing companies.  The majority of our patients who have used and are currently using them either were able to choose a low monthly payment that works best for them.  Some without added interest. This allowed them to receive treatment without breaking their budget or bank account.

Tye: Do you offer a free consultation and what’s the best way to schedule with you?

Dr. Bailey: All of our orthodontic consultations are complimentary.  I utilize this time to do a full head, neck, face, growth & development & medical history exam.  This allows me to understand the present dental & overall health issues as well as advise on potential dental issues.

Then I explain all of the findings in easy to follow and understand terms.  We have had quite a few patients who have visited other offices prior to visiting with us say, “I have never had such a thorough detailed exam”.

No one has taken the time to explain what caused this, why something needs to be done or potential problems that may arise in the future”.

The best way to schedule a complimentary informative consultation is by calling our office at 704-788-1873 or requesting an appointment through our website at www.CarolinaDentalSpecialists.com.