While a lot of the care we provide at Hunter Family Orthodontics is to help patients with medical concerns like TMJ pain, neck pain, migraines, headaches, tooth decay, gum disease, or digestive issues, that’s not the only reason to get orthodontic care.
We also treat patients who are unhappy with their smiles but don’t have any related health conditions or problems. You might wonder why someone would seek medical treatment if they don’t have any health issues, but it’s actually quite common in orthodontic work. Cosmetic orthodontics is an orthodontic treatment provided to a patient who desires better teeth and jaw alignment but has no related health concerns.
Why do people seek cosmetic treatment?
Feeling like you are less liked based on your appearance is never a good feeling.
Unfortunately, the appearance of your teeth can affect your life in ways beyond physical health. People with straighter teeth are proven to have an easier time making friends, getting dates, and getting job offers after an interview. This isolation or lack of one’s desired lifestyle can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems.
People who desire cosmetic treatment are usually trying to improve their quality of life and people’s perception of them. It can also help lift their self-esteem and how they think about themselves.
What cosmetic treatments do we offer?
If any of the above sounds like you, you might be glad to learn that we offer cosmetic treatment at Hunter Family Orthodontics. Many cosmetic patients want their treatment options to be subtle and stylish with little to no impact on their daily routines. Luckily, we have a couple of options for this.
Clear Braces
Also known as ceramic braces, these work almost identically to metal braces. The difference? Their materials!
The brackets of clear braces are made of tooth-colored polycrystalline material, and when paired with matching ligatures (the elastics that hold the wires to the brackets), they blend in with the teeth. This design creates the illusion of clear braces!
These are perfect for adults and older teenagers with simple or complex orthodontic cases who won’t be too rough on them. That’s because even though they’re not as fragile as “ceramic” might suggest, they’re still not as durable as their metal counterpart! If you opt for these over metal braces, you will also have to have a tiny bit more patience. Clear braces can’t handle as much pressure at once as metal braces, meaning it will take longer to complete treatment.
Still, we recommend this treatment option for patients who want a low-profile option but don’t qualify for or want clear aligners. To find out about clear aligners, keep reading!
Invisalign
Invisalign is the leading in-office clear aligner program. Clear aligners are removable trays that straighten the teeth over a period of time, much like braces, only they are much harder to see when worn. Each set is custom-made for you, and this custom fit makes them a comfortable treatment option!
Patients with Invisalign have a little more freedom than those with braces due to their removability. 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 could even choose to remove the aligners for special occasions, like important pictures or big presentations! As long as the aligners are worn for twenty-two hours a day, Invisalign users can remove them occasionally at their discretion.
Invisalign treatment is available for patients of all ages, though it’s important to note that treatment is kids is strictly for medical reasons, not cosmetic purposes.
Lingual Braces
At the cutting edge of orthodontic treatment, lingual braces are installed behind the teeth. They have the advantage of being almost entirely unnoticeable, as well as less likely to result in calcification, one drawback of traditional braces involving the adhesive used to attach the brackets to the teeth.
Hunter Family Orthodontics proudly offers InBrace lingual braces. These low-profile innovations are loved by teens and adults for their ability to provide great orthodontic care while being nearly completely invisible!
Lingual braces are generally best suited to less advanced cases. In some cases, due to their position in the mouth, they may result in slight alterations in speech patterns. In the case that this does develop, generally, the symptoms are very mild and go away as the patient grows accustomed to the braces.
Zoom whitening treatment
Zoom teeth whitening treatment is a popular in-office procedure that uses a specialized light and a strong whitening gel to dramatically lighten the color of teeth. The process starts with a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums, followed by the application of the whitening gel to the teeth. The Zoom light is then used to activate the gel, which penetrates the tooth enamel and breaks down deep stains and discolorations. The procedure typically takes about an hour, and patients can see immediate results with teeth appearing several shades lighter.
Zoom whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten teeth quickly and is often chosen by people who have a special event or occasion coming up, such as a wedding or job interview. It is important to note that the results of the treatment can vary depending on the individual’s dental health and habits, and maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding foods and drinks that stain teeth can help prolong the effects of the treatment.
Additionally, we offer take-home whitening kits for those who prefer that option.
Hunter Family Orthodontics can help you with all your cosmetic orthodontic needs!
You don’t have to wait for your cosmetic concerns to become health concerns, and you don’t need an invasive, expensive, painful surgery to have a smile you’re proud of. You can start treatment today and have a smile you love tomorrow in as little as six months!
Contact us today to speak to a member of our kind and helpful team and get answers to any questions you have before your initial appointment, including ones about insurance! When you’re ready, they can also book you for a free consultation! At these appointments, Dr. Hunter can help you determine if you’re a candidate for cosmetic treatment.
We can’t wait to watch your smile and life transform as you go through treatment. We hope to see you soon at Hunter Family Orthodontics!