For our socially-conscious teenagers and adults, the prospect of wearing metal braces for two years is mind boggling. Fortunately, today’s technology has changed the length of time that is required to complete braces.
SureSmile enables the orthodontist to trim 20-24% off the time in treatment. This is a tremendous benefit for the patient. Patients come in to the office in 6-8 week intervals and the high tech SureSmile wires work continuously from the heat of the mouth. This translates to fewer appointments (less missed work or school). Recent improvements in cosmetic considerations are being addressed. The use of
Invisalign (clear series of removable trays) and lingual braces (braces glued behind the teeth) and ceramics (tooth color) braces make orthodontic treatment acceptable to adults and teens today.
When my mother took me to see the orthodontist as a 4th grader I was excited. After all, my sister had them and her teeth looked beautiful! I was happy when Dr. Spiller (known among the community as
Spiller the Killer), said I needed them. In those days, we had metal bands around every tooth, which were tapped (hammered) in place. I do remember thinking the whole time; a little pain is worth a lifetime of a beautiful smile. I was extremely curious about what they were doing in the office. Why did I need to wear elastics (rubber bands)? I remember seeing all the completed white casts of teeth displayed, before and after, on the wall. Dr. Spiller even had done braces on a dog to fix an underbite on a bulldog. (That wouldn’t fly in Georgia) That left an impression on me. I remember watching the lab technician bending wires, and soldering the retainers. I found it extremely interesting.
The best advice I have for someone who is a prospective patient and not enthralled with the idea of getting braces, is to remember your brother, sister, friend, or teacher who had them and think to yourself, if they can do it successfully then so can I. Sometimes you have to trust your parents that they know what is best for you. They have been around longer and know what is important for you to be successful in life. Studies have proven that candidates looking for a job with a radiant smile will be selected over another who doesn’t smile, or has crooked teeth. Our society places pressure to be attractive. Besides that aspect, improvement of self-esteem, displaying confidence in what you do, enables you to be comfortable in who you are, which shines through to others.
You realize that you can accomplish any goals you decide are important to you.
There has been resurgence in interest of lingual braces. This is a cosmetic alternative to ceramic (clear) braces or Invisalign. Lingual means on the tongue side. We can place smaller sized braces (metal) behind the teeth so you can not see them. We used this approach about 30 years ago. Recently, they have made advances in the design of the brackets along with the SureSmile technology of customized wires. This combination is very promising for patients who do not want to show braces, but still have the precision, accuracy and speed of treatment.
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