Why Braces?
For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. Your smile expresses who you are and how you feel. We all agree that a beautiful smile can make you look younger, healthier, more inviting, and more confident. You want to look good and feel good about yourself, and nothing inspires confidence like a beautiful smile.
The vast majority of our patients come to our San Antonio, TX office because they want their teeth straightened. They want a beautiful smile and an improved facial appearance. A beautiful smile and an improved facial appearance tends to increase self-esteem and boost self-confidence. This increase in self-confidence in turn tends to improve casual social relationships and romantic social relationships. It also tends to improve business relationships. Humans are visual beings. Many times when an employer has a choice between two equally qualified applicants, the better-looking person gets the job. Unfortunately, sometimes, if there is a choice between a qualified person, and an unqualified person, the better-looking person will get the job regardless of qualifications.
Consciously or sub-consciously, we all know that this is the reality of life.
BUT, DID YOU KNOW...
Generalized crowding of the upper and lower teeth may lead to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and bones that hold the teeth. Recent research has shown that periodontal disease is a contributing factor to the following systemic health issues:
- Heart disease
- Preterm, low birth weight babies
- Diabetes
- Elevated cholesterol
- Respiratory diseases.
Therefore, straighter teeth can lead to healthier gums and better overall health and wellness. A healthier You!
We have always said that we make people look good and feel good about themselves, but now, we also need to say that we not only promote good oral health but we also contribute to total body health.
For more information see cardiodontics.com
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position. This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can choose brackets that are clear or metallic in color. You can choose the color of the ties that hold the wire in brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be, and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.
Duration of Treatment
Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the growth of the patient's mouth and face and the severity of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion may differ from the original estimate. The patient's diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or headgear is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as little as six months.
