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Braces: An Important Investment in Your Future

 

types of braces

Braces are more than just metal in your mouth; they are an investment for your future no matter your age. In the past, teens and adults saw braces as an embarrassing stigma, but in modern times they are seen as part of the norm and even a luxury in many cases. Despite times of recession and plenty that have come and gone since the start of the new millennium, studies have shown that parents, teens, and adults have all placed a high priority on fitting orthodontic treatment into their budgets. We live in an increasingly visual world, and where a picture says a thousand words, a first impression can say a million. Studies have shown that most people will decide who you are based off a first impression, and one of the first things they notice is your smile. Those who smile more often tend to be more confident, and those who are more confident do better in school and professionally. Orthodontists have many payment plans and personalized orthodontic plans for their patients that can fit your budget and your expectations. When it comes to a bright, confident smile, and the future potential it provides, it’s too good of an investment to pass up.

 

Did You Know?

The majority of patients that receive orthodontic care (a.k.a. braces) are between 12 and 15 years of age. Females tend to receive braces more than males and it is thought that it is for aesthetic reasons. In the past, orthodontic treatment took around 2 years to complete, whereas most orthodontic treatment can take between 12 and 18 months now. In a study done by the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) titled “The Economics of Orthodontics”, they found that 87% of young adults interviewed reported an increase in personal relationships after straightening their teeth with braces. They also reported that out of 4.5 million Americans receiving orthodontic treatment, 25% of them are adults. It’s never too late to invest in your smile. The cool thing about orthodontics is that ALL orthodontists are dentists, but only about 6% of dentists are orthodontists (or can provide orthodontic care). Orthodontists actually attend dental school and then must complete 2-3 years as well as continuing education to perform orthodontic care. They take those extra years investing in their knowledge of teeth because they know that orthodontic care is a highly important investment for you.

 

Why Are Braces Necessary?

Not everyone needs orthodontic treatment, but the majority of people can highly benefit from them and what a straight smile does for them throughout life. Your dentist will usually suggest braces when the time is right and you will come meet with us for an examination. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), braces are usually needed to correct bad bites, jaw problems and teeth that are crooked or crowded. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that the first orthodontic appointment take place when a child is between 7 and 8 years old. At that age, if we find that there are major problems with bite (overbite, underbite, crossbite, etc.) we may recommend braces to correct the bite problems so that children will have an easier and shorter time with braces when they are adolescents. The ADA also suggests that not having a straight smile can lead to increased risk of tooth decay (or tooth loss), gum disease, jaw problems, speech or chewing issues, and abnormal wear on the teeth. Crooked teeth are also much harder to keep clean and to prevent dental caries, which is why dentists work so closely with orthodontists to keep your mouth the healthiest it can be now and for the rest of your future.

 

Orthodontic Treatment: An Investment In Your Future

Major news outlets such as the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal have done studies about orthodontic care and what a straighter smile can do for a child (and even an adult’s) future. In a recent study by the New York Times, parents saw orthodontic treatment as a major investment in a child’s future, so much so, that many families went without basic necessities or wants in order to provide their children with braces. Braces were seen as a necessity, not a luxury, and they were no longer viewed as a stigma even in many adolescents (as they sometimes were in the past). During times of recession, families still pinch their dollars here and there for orthodontic care. Why? Having straighter teeth sends a strong message to all those around you. It tells someone that you take care of your teeth, which can transcend to mean that you take care of your overall health and wellness. Studies have found that people with straighter teeth show them off more and exude more confidence in the workplace, at home and at school more-so than others. When it comes to job interviews, a potential employer notices a person’s smile (and teeth) within the first 30 seconds of meeting them. A straighter, more confident smile can literally change your future!

 

Your Options for Orthodontic Treatment

Whether you are a parent investing in orthodontic treatment for a child or an adult seeking orthodontic treatment to better your pearly whites, you have options! In the past, only traditional metal braces were used to straighten the teeth. Now, we have options such as Invisalign transparent aligners, lingual braces and clearer braces for you.

  • Invisalign aligners system consist of transparent aligners that are custom-fit to your mouth. The aligners change every couple weeks to discreetly straighten your teeth while improving the functionality of your smile. The best part is that they can be removed for eating, drinking, participating in sports and cleaning your teeth. People will usually not even know you have them!
  • Lingual braces are relatively new in the last few years of orthodontics. They are a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces and are hidden behind the teeth instead of in front. They are sometimes referred to as “Incognito” lingual braces because they are virtually invisible and doing their work behind the scenes. This hidden treatment apparatus on the tongue-side of your teeth, consists of brackets and a wire molded to the inside of the teeth to achieve a healthy, straight and beautiful smile. These are perfect for patients who don’t want traditional metal braces or transparent aligners.
  • White or clear braces are basically traditional braces with the intent to make them more discreet in your mouth. We can use brackets and bands that match the color of your teeth, making traditional braces much less noticeable. This allows our patients to get the full benefits of traditional treatment, without the brackets being too obvious in the mouth.

 

Call for a Orthodontic Treatment Consultation

In an increasingly visual world where a picture says a thousand words, a first impression can say a million. Those who smile more often tend to be more confident, and those who are more confident do better in school and are more successful professionally and socially. Braces are more than metal in your mouth. They are an investment for your future no matter your age! Let us help make an impactful first impression with a confident, straight smile you can show off wherever you go. Call Belmar Orthodontics today at (303) 233-2445 for your orthodontic consultation or to simply learn more about what we do!