At Howard Orthodontics, we might administer orthodontic care because a patient is suffering from health complications, including but not limited to the following:
- Discomfort biting, chewing or swallowing
- Difficulty adequately cleaning the teeth and gums
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Infections
- Teeth loss
- TMJ pain
- Migraines
- Digestive issues
- Teeth grinding
These health concerns can be caused by malocclusion, the improper alignment of teeth and bite. Patients suffering from one or more of the above are strongly advised to seek orthodontic treatment sooner rather than later because the issues will only worsen over time.
But health concerns are not the only reason we suggest treatment. Some of our patients have no underlying health problems caused by their malocclusion. They are what we consider cosmetic orthodontic patients.
What is cosmetic orthodontics?
Unfortunately, the appearance of your teeth can affect your life in ways beyond physical health. People with crooked teeth are at-risk for mental health issues such as depression and anxiety induced by the isolation of feeling or looking different than their peers. People with straighter teeth are proven to have an easier time making friends, getting dates, and being offered jobs they interview for.
Cosmetic orthodontics is when orthodontic treatment is provided to a patient who desires better teeth and jaw alignment but has no related health concerns.
Why would someone want cosmetic treatment options?
Patients who desire cosmetic orthodontic treatment are typically looking to improve their self-esteem, people’s perception of them, and lifestyle. They might also be interested in an appliance with a discreet appearance that makes little to no change to their daily routine. These appliances are called cosmetic treatment options because of their low visibility when worn and minimal disruption to the wearer’s life.
What are some cosmetic treatment options?
Though there are many cosmetic treatment options, we are going to focus on just two today.
Invisalign
The first option we highlight in this blog is perfect for individuals with mild orthodontic corrections who want the most flexibility with their treatment.
Invisalign is a brand of removable clear aligners. These aligners, also known as trays, are custom-made for each individual. Their personalized design allows for a snug fit that makes them nearly invisible to onlookers; most people won’t even know you are wearing them!
A key feature of their popularity is their removability, giving patients more freedom in their care. Because Invisalign users must remove the trays for eating and drinking, patients can stick to their regular diet without restriction from their orthodontic care. The trays must also be removed for oral hygiene so patients can keep their routine from before treatment began—no brackets or wires are creating hard-to-reach places! Patients can choose to remove the aligners for special occasions, like important pictures or big presentations! As long as patients wear the trays for twenty-two hours a day, they’re okay to remove them occasionally at their discretion.
Invisalign trays are the perfect cosmetic treatment option for people with busy schedules or lifestyles who can handle the responsibility of wearing the trays every day as directed.
Clear Braces
If you don’t want the responsibility of remembering to wear the aligners or if Dr. Howard determines your needs to be more complex than Invisalign can safely adjust, please don’t feel discouraged! There’s another treatment choice!
Clear or ceramic braces are almost a carbon copy of their metal counterpart except for a few key differences. For starters, clear braces don’t use metal brackets! Instead, their brackets are made of a tooth-colored polycrystalline ceramic material. When paired with matching ligatures (the elastics that hold the wire to the bracket), these materials give the illusion of clear braces. While ceramic braces are not as fragile as their name might suggest, they are not as durable as metal braces. Because of this, they could take a little longer to straighten the teeth and jaw because they can’t handle as much pressure at once.
Unlike Invisalign clear aligners, clear braces are not removable, and patients will have to adjust their diet and oral hygiene routine accordingly while in treatment. Even still, clear braces are a fantastic treatment option for adults and older teenagers who would prefer a natural orthodontic aesthetic but don’t need or want clear aligners or heavy-duty metal braces.
We have your cosmetic orthodontic needs covered.
Whether you seek orthodontic care to address health or aesthetic concerns, Howard Orthodontics has the cosmetic treatment you want.
Dr. Howard and his team are passionate about transforming people’s smiles and love watching their attitudes toward their appearance become more and more positive during treatment.
Cosmetically adjusting your smile doesn’t have to involve invasive surgery or permanently damaging to your teeth. To find out if you are a candidate for cosmetic care or treatment, contact us today! Our welcoming and helpful team members can answer any questions you have and, when you’re ready, book you for a free consultation!
We can’t wait to provide you with life-changing orthodontic care, so book your appointment soon! We look forward to meeting you and your family!