Have you always dreamed of having beautiful, straight teeth, but it never seemed feasible? We think it’s time to turn your dreams into a reality at Westfall Orthodontics! We have been supporting our patients for many years as they find the best treatment to get a gorgeous, aligned grin. Thankfully there are so many different treatment options to choose from nowadays, we are sure to find something that will suit your unique needs, cosmetic goals, and even budget!
There really is no reason to wait around to have the teeth of your dreams! Keep reading to learn more about cosmetic orthodontics and if that is the right fit for you.
Why Opt for Cosmetic Orthodontics?
The thing about orthodontics is that it is a completely unique journey for each person. Some people have severe dental issues that need to be resolved, others have strong preferences about how they look during or after their treatment. Cosmetic orthodontics deals with–you guessed it!–how things look.
If you have been holding back from pursuing orthodontics because you are afraid you will look silly with a mouth full of metal, then cosmetic orthodontics is a great fit for you. There is so much more to orthodontia than just braces, so discuss your options with your local orthodontist to see what kind of treatments they offer.
Cosmetic vs. Functional Orthodontics
Speaking of treatment options, the type that you end up selecting will typically fall into one of two categories: function or cosmetic. Function orthodontics focuses primarily on solving tricky dental problems. People with severe bite issues, missing or crowded teeth, rotated teeth, and more, might do well when taking a more functional approach.
However, there are treatments that are less obvious and more aesthetically appealing, and we call these cosmetic treatments. The outcome of cosmetic treatment will be the same–gorgeous, healthy teeth. But the process might be different, either slightly slower or sometimes more expensive depending on the option you choose. At the end of the day, talk through all of your options with your orthodontist to determine the right kind of treatment that will suit your unique dental needs, budget, timeline, and cosmetic goals.
Treatment Options
Metal Braces
Metal braces are generally not considered a cosmetic treatment, but they are definitely a functional and effective one. Metal braces have been around for a long time and are proven to help solve a wide variety of oral health challenges. Working in tandem with other treatments like palatal expanders, rubber bands, and more, braces are an efficient and straightforward approach to orthodontics.
Dr. Westfall still recommends braces to many patients depending on the circumstances, and they always see fabulous results at the end of treatment. If you are personally very anxious at the prospect of wearing a shiny, metallic grin, then you should see if your orthodontist has other recommendations that would work for you.
Clear Braces
A common alternative to regular metal braces is clear braces. These braces are made of ceramic and are colored to be almost the exact shade of a real tooth, making them much more discreet. Many patients who require braces but prefer to avoid the look of metal, should consider clear braces as their next best option.
Ceramic braces work well for adults and teens who would prefer to not keep track of retainers throughout their treatment. But you should note that the light-colored ceramic can sometimes be prone to stains from your food and drinks, so be prepared to keep them very clean to avoid staining.
Invisalign Aligners
Out of all the cosmetic options, Invisalign might be the most popular. Not only are they almost completely invisible, helping you look more like yourself during treatment, but they are also not permanently fused to your teeth, giving you the freedom to eat, drink, brush, and floss like normal.
Invisalign retainers work through a series of clear plastic trays that will slowly shift your smile over time. With ever-advancing technology, Invisalign can solve many orthodontic problems on its own without needing braces or other interventions, and they are more comfortable and convenient than permanent options.
The biggest drawback to Invisalign for some people is that they require a lot of diligence to keep track of and keep clean. They need to be removed whenever eating or drinking anything other than water, which means there is a risk of them being lost or you forgetting to put them back in. Forgetting to wear your retainer even for a few hours can set you back on your progress, so it’s very important to be cautious and responsible when choosing Invisalign.
Are You Ready for Your Best Smile?
Now that you know more about different orthodontic treatments, it’s time for you to see what could be the best fit for you! Schedule a free assessment appointment at Westfall Orthodontics to learn more about each treatment and how they can help you and your unique needs. We serve patients in the Abingdon, Richlands, and Bristol areas and would love to have you join our list of patients who have found smiles that they love! Give us a call today!