Hemphill Orthodontics wants to know: are you pleased with your teeth? In our Celina office, we meet patients of all ages who express dissatisfaction with their smiles. Because we are a local business, our patients are our friends and neighbors. We intend to give our folks the best treatment options possible. If you’re curious about improving your smile, we encourage you to look into cosmetic orthodontics. What is cosmetic orthodontics?
Defining Cosmetic Orthodontics
What comes to mind when you hear “orthodontics?” Mechanical metal headgear? We get it. That’s a typical response. But thanks to recent advances in orthodontic technology, modern appliances are much more compact and comfortable. And often, patients need orthodontic intervention to correct bad bites. However, that’s not the only reason people come to see us. We frequently treat patients for cosmetic reasons.
When we talk about “cosmetic” orthodontics, we mean improving a patient’s appearance. You might also hear the word “aesthetics.” It refers to how we perceive the way we look. Not every patient seeks Dr. Hemphill’s help for merely medical reasons. Some want to make their teeth more appealing or attractive. If that sounds like you, remember that you are not alone. We’ve treated many of our Celina neighbors for similar reasons.
What We Do
In all the world, there’s only one of you. In Dr. Hemphill’s experience, smiles are similar to fingerprints – no two are exactly the same. That’s why we never opt for a single approach to your smile journey. We tailor your treatment plan to suit your needs, not the other way around.
If you’re interested in cosmetic orthodontics, the first thing to do is schedule a free consultation. To know more about how to help your smile, we must diagnose where you are. We will use 3D imaging techniques to establish a record of your teeth. The imaging software will take photographs of your teeth from different angles.
Next, Dr. Hemphill digitally customizes a treatment plan for you. Don’t worry, you’ll be involved every step of the way. Our team won’t make any decisions without your knowledge. Depending on your current bite, Dr. Hemphill might recommend the following:
- Metal braces
- Clear braces
- Invisalign
Some of these appliances are removable, while others are fixed. Each treatment plan varies in length according to your needs and goals.
Orthodontic Options At A Glance
We can’t determine which appliance might work best for you without examining your current bite. That said, here are some of the alternatives that Dr. Hemphill might explore with you.
Metal Braces
Stainless steel and nickel are two kinds of metals that comprise braces. These brackets have small “slots” in them, and when Dr. Hemphill threads the wire through the brackets, he uses a tailored wire to shape your mouth and teeth. Depending on your treatment plan, the doctors may also use elastic bands. Think of these bands as additional support for your teeth. Rest assured, today’s metal braces are much smaller, more flexible, and more comfortable than those of the past.
Clear Braces
Not a fan of metal braces? Consider clear braces as another choice. Just like the name suggests, these braces are transparent. That way, you can give yourself a discreet solution. You might also hear clear braces described as “ceramic,” “tooth-colored,” or “aesthetic.” By design, they pair well with your natural smile. With clear braces, you can smile wide, and no one will be the wiser.
You might opt for colored ligature ties to give your braces some personality. These colored ties add a genuine sparkle to your smile when contrasted with the clear braces. Colored bands are a great way to make braces fun during your treatment.
Invisalign
The most convenient way to straighten your smile is with Invisalign. One standout feature of Invisalign is that it functions much like a retainer rather than braces. You can’t take them off to eat or brush your teeth when you wear braces. But since Invisalign is a removable retainer, you have the added perk of being able to take it out when you have a meal or get ready to brush and floss. These activities might not be as easy with more traditional braces.
As a general principle, most patients wear Invisalign for about 9 – 15 months. During that time, you may go through 18 – 30 Invisalign retainers. Dr. Hemphill will work with you to determine your particular treatment and time frame.
Benefits of Cosmetic Orthodontics
Remember, patients seek cosmetic orthodontics to improve the aesthetic quality of their smiles. But did you know that orthodontics is good for your mind too? Recent scientific studies indicate that orthodontic intervention improves your mental health. Makes sense, doesn’t it? If you like your smile, you’ll want to show it off. Offer a stranger a smile, and they tend to smile back. Keep this up, and you’ll elevate the psychological well-being of everyone you meet.
But the benefits of cosmetic orthodontics don’t stop there. Even our patients with purely aesthetic goals see other advantages relevant to their physical health. Bad bites (malocclusions) can hurt. They can cause aches in your jaw and head. Worse still, misaligned teeth can make even simple tasks like eating and talking seem impossible. So if you come to see us for a cosmetic reason, you should also notice decreased pain.
Visit Hemphill Orthodontics
Hemphill Orthodontics in Celina can answer all of your questions about cosmetic orthodontics. Get started here with a free consult.
Dr. Hemphill