While a lot of the care we provide at Dietrich & Kelso 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. 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. If this sounds like you, keep reading to learn more about your treatment options!
What Is Cosmetic Orthodontics?
Cosmetic orthodontics refers to patients who do not have or are not at risk of health concerns because of their teeth or jaw alignment. This treatment is explicitly to make improvements to a person’s appearance.
Why Do People Want It?
Your smile affects more than you might realize! When you don’t like what you see in the mirror, it can lead to low self-esteem and isolation, which could turn into anxiety and depression. It’s also been proven that those with straight teeth have an easier time making friends, getting dates, and receiving job offers after face-to-face interviews. People seeking cosmetic treatment plans want to improve their smile for a better quality of life and higher self-esteem. They might also aim to change how people perceive them.
What Cosmetic Options Do Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics Offer?
Technically, all our treatment options (including metal braces) can be used to administer cosmetic treatment. However, most of our cosmetic orthodontics patients gravitate toward our discreet, aesthetically appealing options, like the ones below.
Clear Braces
Clear braces, also known as ceramic braces, are very similar to their metal predecessor but are not the same. Where metal braces use metal brackets, clear braces use tooth-colored brackets made of a ceramic mix to blend in with the teeth. When paired with matching ligatures (the elastics that hold the wires to the brackets), they can give the illusion of clear braces!
These are perfect for patients with more complex cosmetic needs who don’t qualify for clear aligners but don’t like the appearance of metal braces. Clear braces are also great for patients with less challenging treatment plans but don’t want the responsibility of clear aligners.
Invisalign
If even clear braces are far too noticeable for you or heavy-duty for your needs, we might recommend Invisalign clear aligners!
Invisalign clear aligners are transparent trays that straighten the teeth by applying pressure, similar to braces. Unlike braces, Invisalign trays are removable and custom-made. Their personalized fit maximizes comfort and makes treatment as efficient as possible!
Their removability offers you flexibility in your treatment. Braces are bonded to the teeth, so wearers have to change their oral hygiene and diet while in treatment. Invisalign patients must remove the trays for eating and drinking and to perform oral hygiene and tray cleaning. Without an orthodontic appliance in the way, you can stick to your regular oral hygiene routine and diet as if you weren’t in treatment!
Laser Gum Contouring
We use a diode laser for oral health, orthodontic, and cosmetic treatments, but right now, we’ll focus on its cosmetic benefits!
If you’re thinking, “I just wanted to fix my smile; I didn’t want lasers used on me!” don’t panic! The diode laser is a quick procedure that only requires a topical anesthetic (you can even return to your daily activities the same day!), so don’t count it out before you know what it can do for you!
In cosmetic treatments, the laser is used to reduce the appearance of gums in the smile, improve teeth proportions, and level the gum line evenly across your smile. It can also remove overgrown or unhealthy gums for a more attractive smile.
The diode laser is a testament to how even the smallest changes can make the biggest difference!
Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics Can Create The Smile Of Your Dreams!
You don’t have to wait for your cosmetic issues to become health issues or to create frustrating roadblocks in your lifestyle goals. You can begin improving your smile today, and Dietrich & Kelso Orthodontics is the best orthodontic team for the job!
Cosmetic treatment could be completed in as little as six months, so don’t delay! Contact us to speak to an incredible team member who can answer any initial questions you have and schedule you for a free consultation.
Our team is so excited to watch your smile and confidence improve throughout treatment. We can’t wait to get to know you and your family, so we hope to see you soon!