Parts of Braces and Their Importance
What role does each part of braces play? The brackets, bands, wires and even our oral health guidelines all play a vital role to the health of your teeth and the success of your teeth straightening. Braces have been perfected over the years to provide you various options for teeth straightening through traditional metal braces, lingual braces, ceramic clear braces, Invisalign and more. These options weren’t available in years past, and each option has been perfected to provide you quick and efficient teeth straightening. Find out why each part of braces is important and what role each piece plays when it comes to your oral health.
Parts of Braces
Traditional metal braces have been around for decades. We still offer these braces because frankly, they work so well. Metal braces are also the most popular orthodontic option because they work to straighten your teeth the quickest and are the most cost-effective orthodontic option you can find. The metal we use is strong and sturdy. Metal braces are made from stainless steel, but can also be used in combination with titanium. There are three main parts of braces: the brackets, the wire, and the ligature elastics that go around the brackets:
- Brackets – These are the small metal pieces that are bonded to each tooth center using special glue. This glue ensures that the brackets stick to your teeth. The glue is gentle enough that it can be removed once your time with braces has finished. Brackets are made of stainless steel but also can be made white (tooth colored) or clear. These brackets hold the archwire for the teeth.
- Wire – This wire is actually known as the “archwire”. It is the metal wire that connects all of the brackets together in your mouth. You will have one archwire that is along the upper teeth and one that is along the lower teeth. This wire curves around the teeth and puts pressure on the teeth so that they come into proper alignment in the mouth. This is the main player that works to move your teeth in the right direction.
- Ligature Elastics – These are the rubber bands that attach the archwire to the brackets on each tooth. Without these ligature elastics, the archwire would not be sturdy and couldn’t do its job.
Additional Parts of Braces
There are more than just these three parts of braces.
- Headgear – This is an external appliance used in orthodontic care to help realign the face and jaw during your time with braces. There is retraction headgear and protraction headgear. Retraction headgear is an appliance used to retract the upper jaw. Protraction headgear moves the upper jaw forward and into proper alignment with the lower jaw. Headgear will consists of a single strap that fits around your neck and attaches to the front of your teeth. There is a second type of headgear that attaches to your braces, but the headgear has straps that fit over your head and neck. Not all patients will receive headgear unless it is really needed.
- Springs – Many braces have springs to help push and pull the teeth in the right direction. These springs generally attach to the arch wires and are located between the brackets of each tooth. The purpose of the springs are to open up or close up spaces between the teeth as they shift.
- Elastic Rubber Bands – Some patients need the additional shifting power of rubber bands to help the teeth move into place on schedule. These bands are attached to the brackets and will go from a lower tooth bracket to an upper tooth bracket. You will receive these rubber bands at your checkup and instruction for attaching your elastic bands at home until your next checkup.
Different Types of Braces
There are more than types of braces than just traditional metal ones. At Belmar Orthodontics we offer the following additional braces options:
- Incognito Lingual Braces – These braces quite literally go “incognito” as they are hidden inside your mouth. You will receive the same type of treatment as traditional metal braces. However, lingual braces are a hidden treatment apparatus on the tongue-side of your teeth. The brackets and metal are attached here and straighten your teeth without anyone else knowing.
- Invisalign – Invisalign is one of the stealthiest forms of teeth straightening. It is a series of transparent aligners customized to your teeth. You will change these aligners every 1-2 weeks until your smile is straight. They are easy to clean, easy to remove for eating and sports, and are virtually invisible in the mouth.
- Clear Ceramic Braces – Instead of metal, these braces are made from strong ceramic. They appear very similar to metal braces but are colored to match the shade of your teeth so they blend into the mouth. Even the archwires can be made white.
- Retainers – You will receive a retainer after your orthodontic braces treatment has been completed. Wearing your customized retainer is vital to maintaining a straight smile, as the teeth can quickly shift out of place. The first month is the most crucial as this is the time when your teeth will shift the most if a retainer isn’t worn.
Your Free Consultation
Keeping the parts of braces clean will greatly enhance your experience, so following our guidelines will help you find success with your orthodontic care. Proper braces appliances and all their parts will ensure that your teeth shift into perfect alignment in the least amount of time. If you would like to learn more about braces or need to schedule your appointment, call our Belmar Orthodontics office today at (303) 225-9016!
Why Adult Braces Are So Important
How important are adult braces? Not only do braces enhance your appearance, but they help prevent tooth decay and oral health problems. The American Dental Association tells us that braces are used to correct bite problems and malocclusion. Correcting these problems helps prevent oral health issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, jaw problems and even tooth loss. Proper orthodontic care goes beyond simply improving your oral health. Braces will give you added confidence that will boost performance in all facets of your life. Let us show you just how important braces are and why you should invest in them whether you are an adult or a child!
Braces for Children and Teens
About 75 percent of orthodontic patients are children and teens. Of that number, the majority opt to have traditional metal braces. Traditional metal braces are the most economic choice for orthodontic care if you are looking to improve your smile without breaking the bank. Children can receive braces as early as 7 or 8 years old depending on their needs. The adolescent years are the most common period for receiving braces when the head and mouth are still growing (especially the jaw). When children as young as 7 or 8 receive orthodontic treatment, it is usually to correct problems with alignment or bite that can become severe in later years. This early intervention ensures that teeth come in correctly in a child’s mouth and that the bite is aligned correctly. This will help correct problems with speech, biting, chewing, talking and even physical appearance.
Why Orthodontic Care Is Important
Orthodontic care during the adolescent years is generally used to correct alignment by straightening the teeth. Both bite correction and proper alignment is vitally important to oral health. When the teeth are crooked, problems such as tooth decay and gum disease can easily set in. This is because food becomes trapped in the teeth when you eat and is much harder to remove when the teeth are crooked. Gums can become irritated when plaque sits on the teeth for too long. Over time, plaque-infested gums can become red, swollen and can bleed easily–especially when flossing. Gums can even begin to recede to the point where the teeth fall out. Recession occurs more frequently with teeth that are crooked and harder to clean. Teeth that have been straightened through orthodontic care avoid some of these challenges.
When bite is misaligned, the teeth can come in crooked in a child. Patients may have overbite, underbite, crossbite, openbite or malocclusion. All of these types of misaligned bites will interfere with eating and speaking as well as the physical appearance of the mouth and face. This is because many of the teeth overlap one another abnormally or one jaw protrudes more than the other. Orthodontic care through braces for children and adult braces can correct these problems. Orthodontic treatment through adolescent and adult braces can help ensure that there is enough space for all the teeth to sit comfortably in the mouth.
Other Reasons to Invest in Braces
Are braces something you should invest in? The answer is yes! Whether you seek adult braces or braces for children and teens, you are making a decision that has far-reaching effects. The majority of people will experience crooked teeth at some point. What you decide to do about it is up to you.
Braces—even adult braces—are actually quite desirable today according to reports by the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and more. The amount of adults wearing braces rose 24% between 1989 and 2008 alone and that number has continued to rise. Why? Braces have become more affordable and more attractive. Insurance even covers part of the cost for many patients. Braces are also more comfortable than they were in the past and there are more options for patients seeking orthodontic treatment. The social benefits of braces alone draw people in as well.
Studies About Adult Braces
There have been many studies done about the importance of braces. Invisalign conducted one such study several years ago that recorded more than 1000 responses by pedestrians on the street. These pedestrians were asked to choose from two pictures of people placed side-by-side. Who would they trust more? Who seemed more confident? Respondents did not not beforehand that the comparison was between people with straight smiles and people with crooked smiles. From that study, it was found that those with straighter smiles were perceived as more confident, more successful, more attractive and up to 70% more trustworthy. All from a better, straighter smile!
Proper orthodontic care can also get you ahead when it comes to job interviews and new opportunities. Because a straighter, more beautiful smile has been shown to exude all of the characteristics above, those traits are also perceived in job interviews and during first impressions. Adult braces can help you land that job you’ve wanted and can help you get ahead professionally.
Your Options at Belmar Orthodontics
Traditional metal braces are just that: traditional. This is the most common option chosen by patients when selecting what type of orthodontic care they want. This choice is often popular with children and many teens and has proven through the years to provide exceptional straightening power. Adults and teenagers alike will sometimes avoid needed orthodontic treatment because they find traditional metal braces to be distracting or unattractive. Because of this, we provide you other options when it comes to straightening those pearly whites. These include:
- Incognito Lingual Braces: Metal braces attached to the inside of the teeth that stay hidden.
- Invisalign Transparent Aligners: Transparent aligners that are changed every few weeks to shape your teeth into proper alignment.
- Ceramic Clear Braces: The look of traditional metal brackets made in ceramic form. Both the brackets and wires can be made white to match your natural teeth.
At Belmar Orthodontics, we do all that we can to ensure your mouth stays healthy and your smile bright. Our success is dependent on your success. This is why we offer you so many options when it comes to straightening children’s teeth or investing in adult braces. To learn more about child and adult braces, call our office today at (303) 225-9016!
Why You Need Professional Orthodontic Care
Why is professional orthodontic care so important? The economy has fluctuated from good times to bad times over and over in the last couple of decades. Some people try to cut corners when it comes to achieving healthy smiles by straightening their teeth themselves. Do “cutting corners” and “healthy” go hand-in-hand? Not at all! Only a professional orthodontist is trained to provide you a completely healthy and straight smile that you can’t get anywhere else. Proper orthodontic care can ensure that your teeth stay healthy and free from gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss. It will also ensure that your teeth move appropriately so that your bite, alignment and function work the way they were designed to. At Belmar Orthodontics, we can provide you a smile that you will cherish the rest of your life. Find out why professional orthodontic care is worth the time, money and effort to achieve a wonderful smile.
Cutting Corners On Your Oral Health
We all know that problems will arise if proper oral hygiene habits aren’t followed. That includes brushing and flossing several times a day (after every meal if possible), seeing your dentist and orthodontist as needed, and making sure the teeth stay clean, straight and healthy in general. You would never want to save some time by cutting out brushing your teeth altogether right? How about flossing? Or maybe never seeing a dentist? There are major problems that can arise from choosing to cut corners on your oral health. Some of the main problems are gum disease and tooth decay that can literally rot your teeth out.
Gum Disease
Gum disease affects over 64.7 MILLION American adults. That means that there are many millions of Americans not taking proper care of their teeth. What does gum disease cause? It begins with gingivitis, or a buildup of sticky bacteria-filled plaque that coats the teeth and irritates the gums. Without cleaning the teeth often enough, the gums will begin to become red, inflamed and even bleed frequently. Skipping on the hygiene will make gingivitis more severe until it becomes full-blown gum disease, also known as periodontitis. At this stage, the gums will recede and the teeth can literally fall out. Yikes! Nobody wants that right?
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is a problem that’s not far behind gum disease. It also has its beginnings when a person chooses to skip on their oral hygiene practices and keeps doing it. That sticky plaque that coats your enamel is a mix of bacteria and sugar that is actually an acidic substance. The acid will erode your hard tooth enamel and eventually seep into the soft center of your tooth where it will accelerate tooth decay.
Do-It-Yourself-Orthodontics
Gum disease and tooth decay are both serious conditions that you want to avoid at all costs. You only get one set of teeth, so the goal should always be to keep them healthy, right? Cutting corners (even simply skipping cleaning the teeth) causes major damage to your oral health. Do-it-yourself-orthodontics is a new trend that has popped up on the scene. ABC news reported on this trend and how damaging it can be to your oral health. Many people wanted to cut corners with proper orthodontic care and do their own straightening at home using crude methods with rubber bands, fishing line, paper clips and any other material you could think of.
Not surprisingly, many patients (especially adolescents) who attempted to do their own orthodontic care damaged their teeth “so extensive[ly] that teeth cannot be saved.” That comes straight from the president of the American Association of Orthodontists. Do-it-yourself methods of orthodontics are bound to lead to many more oral health problems than you could have ever imagined. So far, it has proved to be disastrous for those who attempt to cut corners. Remember, cutting corners on your health is just that…cutting corners. Nobody comes out a winner.
Proper Orthodontic Care
When you only have one set of pearly whites, why take a chance on losing them? Orthodontists must extensively train for years and attend dental school. They then take an additional 2-3 EXTRA years to study orthodontic practices and how to keep your mouth the healthiest it can be. You get what you pay for and if that’s trying to straighten your own teeth with fishing line, you can bet that you’ll have a low-quality results. With professional orthodontic care, you’re going to get a professional and effective experience. Plus, you’ll actually save yourself time, money and risk of disaster by investing in orthodontic care the proper way.
The cool thing about our orthodontic office is that we offer more than just traditional metal braces. If you want to straighten your teeth more discreetly (or not have anyone know), we have Invisalign transparent aligners, lingual braces, ceramic clear braces, retainers and more. At Belmar Orthodontics, you can be sure to get a beautiful, straight smile AND keep all of your teeth healthy and strong for years to come. Simply call our office at (303) 225-9016 for your free consultation!
Straightening through Temporary Anchorage Devices
What are temporary anchorage devices and what can they do for you? Not all of our patients receive TADs for their teeth, but the ones that do greatly benefit from their straightening power. TADS are small titanium screws we use to help our our patients move their teeth. We place the screw in the gum and jaw bone and it acts as an anchor point for the teeth. We specialize in many methods of teeth straightening such as traditional braces, Invisalign, lingual braces and more, but also employ the use of TADs as needed to give our patients an exceptional smile. They can even aid in creating quicker tooth movement in our patients to achieve the desired straightening effect that is needed. Learn more about all of our straightening methods and which one is right for you. If you need TADs, you can trust in our expertise and finesse with giving you a straightening experience you will enjoy at Belmar Orthodontics.
The Advancement of Orthodontics
Orthodontics has come a long way from the crude methods of straightening practiced centuries ago. Extensive headgear and wires were used to straighten the teeth in the past. We benefit today from advanced technology that allows us many options when it comes to straightening the teeth, even discrete options. Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are one of the methods we employ at Belmar Orthodontics when it’s in the best interest of the patient. Temporary anchorage devices work with braces to get your teeth straighter, faster. How do they work though?
Tidbits About Temporary Anchorage Devices
Temporary anchorage devices help shift the teeth into a straighter position when braces can’t do the job on their own. Braces are usually sufficient for most patients, but we want all of our patients to benefit from amazing, straight smiles and because of this we use TADs to get them all the way there. TADs consist of small, titanium mini-screws called “mini-implants” or “micro-implants”. These implants are fixed objects that braces use to push, pull, lift or intrude teeth while straightening. Just think of them as anchor points that are amazing tools for braces to get your teeth straighter. Once inserted, TADs do not move, but Dr. Hardy is able to use them to move the teeth in directions and distances that were not previously possible.
How Do They Work?
Temporary anchorage devices are installed quite easy, much like other orthodontic options. You have to be a good candidate for TADs to receive them. This means free of gum disease and you need a strong jaw. Your gum tissue and jaw area will be numbed much like they are numbed at a dental office before a procedure. Then Dr. Hardy will insert the tiny metal screws in areas that will help your teeth to move the most. The insertion process will be completely painless. Adjustment to TADs might take a day or two. The adjustment process should be no different than adjusting to metal braces. Adjusting to any type of straightening device takes time. We will remove the TADs once your teeth have moved into proper place. It’s literally that easy.
Traditional Straightening Options
We have many options for straightening instead of solely relying on traditional metal braces. We’ll still include metal braces on our list though:
- Traditional Braces – These are the standard metal braces that we all know and love. The great thing about “traditional” braces is that they are traditional for a reason. They are strong and highly effective with moving the teeth. Most of our patients get to dress up their brackets with a variety of colors at each visit too. This is usually the most cost-effective option when it comes to straightening the teeth.
- Ceramic Braces – These are basically your traditional metal braces, except for the fact that they can be made white to match the color of your teeth. The wires and brackets are both made white so they are virtually unnoticeable in your mouth. Ceramic braces are made of ceramic material. Ceramic is harder to stain and easier to clean than metal.
Discreet Straightening Options
Want a straight smile without others knowing? Try lingual braces or Invisalign!
- Lingual Braces – Take a step up from traditional and ceramic braces with lingual braces. These braces are called “incognito” braces because they do just that—go incognito! We customize lingual braces to the shape of your teeth. We then attach them behind the teeth instead of in front. You’ll receive all the strength and functionality of metal braces without the visibility.
- Invisalign – Invisalign is perhaps the most discreet form of teeth straightening. These transparent, removable aligners are perfect for teens and adults who want a straighter smile and don’t have bite problems. You will receive customizable aligners that change every few weeks so that the teeth are constantly falling into a straighter position. Oral care is easier, you can remove them at your leisure, and you will come out in the end with a straight smile—which is what we all want!
If you ever need to have TADs, just know that you are going to be having a powerful straightening experience that usually takes less time than it otherwise would to receive your beautiful, straight smile. We could all benefit from a little more time, right? To learn more about all your straightening options, call our Belmar Orthodontics office today at (303) 225-9016!
Opting for Braces as an Adult
Didn’t want braces or didn’t have the opportunity to get them when you were younger? Or maybe you just want your smile to be a little bit straighter? No matter the reason, we commonly fit adults and college students for braces as they are an investment for success. With the revolutionary, technological advances in dental science in the past years, there are now more options for adults to enjoy a straighter smile as discretely as they want. At Belmar Orthodontics, we offer Invisalign, lingual and ceramic adult braces that help you go incognito with your teeth straightening. Studies show that those who have straighter teeth tend to be more confident with their smiles, more confident around others, and more successful in the workplace. So get that extra confidence in your step, and call us today to see what orthodontic plan is right for you.
First Impressions
Whether we like it or not, the world is becoming more visual at every turn. Major companies advertise solely through images and social media is run by imagery. Shouldn’t we also market ourselves to others through our appearance? In a study done by Invisalign, they interviewed more than 1,000 people and showed them photos of people side by side. The only difference? One person had crooked teeth and the other had straight teeth. Without knowing what the study was about, people were asked about their first impressions of these people. This study found that those with straighter teeth were 45% more likely to be hired for a job and 58% more likely to be perceived as successful and wealthy. A whopping 73% of people interviewed (in a group of more than 1,000) said they were more likely to trust someone with straight teeth over someone with crooked teeth. Straighter teeth literally are an investment for your future no matter your age!
When people were personally asked about their own teeth, they reported that they felt happier, more attractive and more successful with straight teeth. 70% reported a boost in just their confidence alone with straight teeth—especially in the workplace. Studies show that employers are more likely to hire someone with straighter teeth, as it’s a perception of how healthy a person is and an indication of how they took care of themselves. They perceived them as a greater asset and investment than those with crooked teeth. This can correlate into better success in home and education life as well, all because of a simple first impression!
Adults Braces
Braces were not as popular several decades ago as they are now. For many, adult braces are now seen as a luxury that cannot be passed up. Many families, even in times of recession, are going without many wants and definitely some basic needs in order to afford adult braces and the confidence that comes with a straighter smile. In an ever-increasing visual world, one of the smartest things you can do for yourself is invest in a set of straight pearly whites.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), adults are now seeking orthodontic treatment at “historic levels.” In just a two-year period that they studied, there was a 14% increase in the amount of adults seeking braces for straighter teeth. Of that study, 44% of them were male and the rest were female. Of 4.5 million Americans in orthodontic treatment, 25% of them consisted of adults. Why the rise in adult braces? Recipients reported that the orthodontic treatment was for improving their professional and personal lives. That is the main driving force in those seeking braces as adults, and it seems to be a worthy investment. Many studies have been done by various orthodontic offices, news outlets (like the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal), and product makers of orthodontic appliances. All have found that straighter teeth increase a person’s confidence as well as likelihood of landing a job over those with crooked teeth.
Your Options
One of the most common concerns we see with adult patients is that they want to have their teeth-straightening experience be as discreet as possible. With today’s technology, that has become easier than ever to achieve. Some of our most popular adult braces options for adults include:
- Ceramic Clear Braces – These adult braces are similar to traditional metal braces except that we use stain-resistant ceramic brackets to match the unique color of your teeth. Even the wire can be matched to your teeth. You’ll get the structure of traditional braces while straightening teeth discreetly.
- Lingual Braces – These also provide the structure and functionality of traditional braces, except that the brackets and wires are bonded to the INSIDE of your teeth, meaning that you can talk and smile without anyone knowing you have orthodontic appliances. Your teeth will become straighter, but only you will know the adult braces are there.
- Invisalign Transparent Aligners – Invisalign aligners can discreetly straighten your teeth while improving the functionality of your smile—and all in secret! You wear your aligners all throughout the day, but can easily remove them to eat, drink, do physical activity and brush and floss like normal. The aligners are virtually invisible on your teeth. If you love that, then this is the orthodontic investment for you.
At Belmar Orthodontics, we can treat your aesthetic concerns while also treating you to a straighter, more impressive smile. It’s never too late to invest in a better smile. Those who do tend to see a boost in confidence and many positive changes in their oral health and personal lives. Plus, to be seen as more successful, attractive and job-worthy, who wouldn’t want to pass up that investment? Call our office today at (303) 225-9016 for your free adult braces consultation!
Adults Braces — You Are Never Too Old!
Adult braces are becoming less and less uncommon as innovation and technology propels the orthodontic industry forward with aesthetic options and shorter treater times. About 1 million patients over 18 are opting for braces. Why the rise in popularity? Adults realize the benefits that braces can have on both their personal and professional lives and are taking action. Technology today allows patients to straighten their smiles much less visibly than traditional options of the past. The American Association of Orthodontists cites that seventy-five percent of adults recently surveyed reported improvements in their career or personal relationships after orthodontic treatment. These adults attribute these improvements to newfound self-confidence with 92% of those surveyed recommending orthodontic treatment to other adults.
Improve Your Oral Hygiene Efforts with Adult Braces
Remove the barriers to a healthier smile by correcting issues with adult braces. Overcrowded teeth make it more challenging to brush and floss putting you at increased risk for plaque and tartar accumulation. Lingering plaque and tartar on your teeth make you a quick and easy target for gum disease and periodontal disease. Treat your dental malocclusion and overcrowded teeth issues with orthodontic treatment. Your results will not only include a straighter smile, but a healthier mouth. Periodontal disease–the advanced form of gum disease–put your teeth at great risk and can result in tooth loss and serious health conditions associated with periodontal disease like: heart disease, stroke, premature births, diabetes, and respiratory disease.
Working Professionals Have Discreet Options
If you are an adult or working professional that understands all the benefits that orthodontic treatment can give you but struggles with implementing noticeable treatment, consider what new technology offers you! Today’s braces are all about selection and choice. For our adult patients who fear the cosmetic impact of orthodontics, Dr. Hardy offers alternative methods to traditional metal braces that are much less conspicuous and more comfortable. You don’t have to straighten your teeth with metal bracket systems! Look at all your amazing options:
- Invisalign® – Gradually move teeth into their ideal position by utilizing a series of these custom-fit, clear aligners.
- Incognito™ (Lingual braces) -The bracket bases are contoured to hug the lingual (tongue-side) surfaces of your teeth rendering them invisible to the naked eye from the front when you smile.
- Clear Braces (with customized color options for your bands) – As opposed to traditional braces, which have metal brackets, clear braces use ceramic brackets that are made to match the color of your teeth.
Advances in Technology Make Treatment Faster
Belmar Orthodontics brings to you the latest orthodontic technology and treatment methods currently available so that you receive superior level treatment. Orthodontic treatment can now be accomplished in a fraction of the time thanks to the advances made with: digital x-ray systems, digital impressions, 3D scans of your mouth and improved archwire materials. All these tools, coupled with the expertise that Dr. Hardy provides you, will get you to your goal quickly, safely, comfortably and accurately.
Renew Your Confidence and Improve Your Performance
Orthodontic innovations make straightening your smile and improving your oral health so much easier, so much quicker, and so much less noticeable. Orthodontic treatment has been proven to improve confidence and self esteem. The positive repercussions of improving your confidence impacts all that you do and touch. Our Belmar orthodontists are expertly trained to know how your teeth, jaws and facial muscles should look and function to provide you with the best functionality you can have and to produce your best appearance. The ability to bite, chew, and speak normally bolsters your confidence in the areas of your life that are affected by these noticeable acts.
Adult Braces Treat TMJ/TMD Issues and Pain
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, it is believed that over 10 million Americans are affected by Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD/TMJ) and joint pain. Temporomandibular Disorder refers to a variety of conditions that impact TM joints, jaw muscles and your facial nerves. TMD commonly occurs when the jaw twists during opening, closing or side-motion movements. Misaligned teeth or bites that are not coming together correctly can cause irregular forces on your jaw joints resulting in TMJ/TMD pain and issues. By correcting your bite and teeth alignment with orthodontic treatment, you can treat and prevent TMJ/TMD pain from occurring.
Schedule a Consultation to Learn More
The best way to find out how Belmar Orthodontics superior orthodontic technology can help you achieve your goals with adult braces is to schedule an appointment for an in-office consultation. Dr. Hardy can talk with you about your goals and come up with an effective treatment plan to help you achieve them. Contact our office today at 303.225.9016. We are excited to meet you and help you reach your smile goals!
A Surge in the Popularity of Adult Braces
According to a survey from the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO),the number of adult braces patients increased 14% in a 2-year period from 2010 to 2012, to a record high of 1,225,850 patients ages 18 and older. So what is behind this surge? Innovation. Accessibility. Knowledge. We are living in an era where there are more adult braces options available than ever before. And, with clear braces, Invisalign and Incognito lingual braces, adults can choose to straighten their smiles with barely anyone noticing. Another reason for the surge? More and more insurance companies are now covering adult braces making the treatment more financially feasible than before. The fact remains that adult braces means you will benefit from a healthier mouth, a healthier body, and a healthier self esteem. Adults get it. The benefits from adult braces are just too good to pass up, and why should you?
Innovations in Adult Braces
New advancements in the field of orthodontics translates into faster treatment times than former orthodontic techniques prompting the surge in adult braces. No longer do you have to accept flaws in your smile or teeth alignment. Today’s options for adult braces offer you treatment methods that are discrete and customized for your unique needs. Consider the latest in orthodontic treatment innovations:
- Lingual Braces. Gaining in popularity among our professional and adult crowds because of the cosmetic advantage they present. Lingual (tongue-side) braces are bonded behind the teeth rather than in front so they are hidden when you talk and smile.
- Clear Braces. Similar in function to traditional metal bracket systems, our ceramic clear brackets system are designed to match the color of your teeth. Matching the bracket system to your teeth offers a cosmetic benefit to your adult braces treatment that many of our patients appreciate. Ceramic brackets used in the treatment are also more resistant to staining, helping to protect your smile and keep it looking its best during treatment.
- Invisalign. The clear, removable design of the Invisalign aligners system renders this option for adult braces virtually invisible to others. Using a system of progressive, custom-fit aligners, teeth are gently moved into their ideal position. This treatment method allows patients to eat, drink, and clean their teeth with ease.
- Short Term. For some patients, their primary goal is to align their front six teeth–the teeth that are most visible when you smile. To accomplish this, we offer short-term braces which align the front six teeth with no adjustment to the occlusion (bite). If this is your main goal in orthodontic treatment, and you want to have treatment completed in a short amount of time, our experienced orthodontists can evaluate your smile/occlusion and determine whether short-term braces will succeed for your needs.
Advanced Tech
Dr. Hardy has adopted the latest orthodontic technology and treatment methods to help deliver to you a superior level of adult braces treatment with trusted results in a fraction of the time. Digital x-ray systems, digital impressions, 3D scans of your mouth all provide our doctors with the information they need to give you more accurate and more comfortable appliances that are better fabricated for giving you the results you desire.
Accessibility
Another reason for the popularity of adult braces today is because of the accessibility of orthodontic treatment. Advances in science, medicine, and technology have given way to new innovations, better products, reduced product cost, and more efficient treatment. More and more insurance companies are now covering orthodontic treatment making adult braces more financially feasible than before.
Knowledge
More adults today are seeking orthodontic treatment because they are more informed; they understand the difference braces can make in their oral and overall health. While obtaining a more beautiful smile and increasing your confidence is a great reason for seeking orthodontic treatment, it isn’t the most important reason. Crossbites or misaligned teeth make it easier for food to get trapped and for plaque to accumulate between your teeth making you more susceptible to the effects of decay and gum disease. Irregular wear of the tooth enamel of your teeth can also impact the strength of your teeth, weakening them overtime. Misaligned bites also lead to TMJ/TMD pain and chronic discomfort. Don’t set yourself up for problems by putting off orthodontic treatment that you need.
Schedule a Consultation to Learn More
The best way to find out how Belmar Orthodontics superior orthodontic technology can help you achieve your goals with adult braces is to schedule an appointment for an in-office consultation. Dr. Hardy can talk with you about your goals and come up with an effective treatment plan to help you achieve them. Contact our office today at 303.225.9016. We are excited to meet you and help you reach your smile goals!
