Valentine’s Day is here and love is in the air! Florists are placing orders for hundreds of red roses, supermarkets are stocking up on shelves full of chocolates, and rows of pink and red stuffed animals are everywhere. While these holiday staples have stood the test of time for a reason, why not think outside the heart-shaped box this year and give the gift of a smile for Valentine’s Day instead? Here at Grubaugh Orthodontics, we specialize in beautiful, straight smiles, and believe the benefits of a healthy and happy mouth are immeasurable. What better way to say “I love you” than orthodontic treatment that has the potential to positively change the life of someone you love? If you’re looking for something that will last longer than flowers, keep reading for all the reasons why Valentine’s Day and braces are a perfect pair!
Orthodontics can achieve the kind of smile to last a lifetime
When it comes to overall oral health, a straight smile and a healthy bite go a long way, and orthodontics can help achieve all three. Orthodontic treatment focuses on correcting teeth and jaws that are improperly positioned by diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. With good patient care and an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Grubaugh, orthodontics can be an important part of a comprehensive dental health care plan.
In recent years, many new orthodontic treatments and options have become available as dental technology is constantly advancing. Grubaugh Orthodontics is able to use state-of-the-art technology along with a thorough understanding of the movement and growth of the teeth and jaws, to successfully treat many dental issues, including:
- crowded teeth
- gaps between teeth
- protruding teeth
- overbite
- underbite
- crossbite
- impacted teeth
Although there are several options for orthodontic treatment to choose from, fixed orthodontic appliances tend to be the most common. Here at Grubaugh Orthodontics, we offer:
Traditional metal braces
These are the most widely used type of fixed orthodontic appliance, and are typically made of a mix of high-grade stainless steel, nickel, and other metals. These braces consist of bands that wrap around the back molars, with smaller metal brackets cemented to the front surfaces of the other teeth. There is a thin, springy metal wire, called an archwire, that runs through the brackets, and is fixed to the brackets by flexible elastics, metal ties, or another type of clasp. These components apply gentle pressure that moves the teeth into more optimal positions over time.
Metal braces are reliable, effective, and economical. Not only that, but braces today are smaller, lighter, and more comfortable to wear than ever before. They can even be personalized by choosing from differently colored elastics!
Insignia digitally designed custom braces
Each smile is unique, and Insignia custom braces combine digital treatment with custom brackets and wires that are tailored to each patient’s specific dental anatomy. This allows for precise, predictable, and optimal results. With Insignia’s 3D software, Dr. Grubaugh can even see the end result before treatment begins! It also allows him to view with pinpoint accuracy the curvature and width of the best smile for each individual patient’s facial features and proportions. Unlike off-the-shelf braces and wires, a treatment plan that has been developed with Insignia involves the kind of meticulous detail that provides fast, accurate, and predictable results.
Damon self-ligating braces
The Damon System is a scientifically proven approach to orthodontic treatment where each bracket is self-ligating. This means it has a built-in door that holds the wire passively to the bracket, eliminating the need for additional attachments like ligature or elastic rubber o-ties, and decreasing the amount of force required to move the teeth. This can minimize the need for extractions of permanent teeth, headgear, or high force palatal expanders.
Damon braces are very precise and effective, and because they work more efficiently, fewer adjustments are required. As a result, appointments tend to be faster and fewer in number. The unique design also moves teeth into their correct positions with less discomfort than traditional braces. Damon smiles are fuller, more natural, and achievable with lighter forces specifically designed to improve the overall result for each patient.
Damon also has a specifically designed bracket for patients who want Damon results but with less noticeable brackets. Damon Clear brackets are manufactured from a crystalline material, and they are clear, durable, and comfortable, as well as stain-resistant!
Invisalign
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign does not rely on a system of metal or ceramic brackets and wires. The Invisalign system is made up of a series of fully customized, clear trays called aligners that are nearly invisible and completely removable. Their soft plastic also means no friction or abrasions inside the mouth, so they provide a more comfortable orthodontic experience. When worn the recommended 20-22 hours per day, and changed out weekly with the next in the set, these aligners will gradually move your teeth into the desired positions.
Your smile ranks #1 in how you are initially judged
Why are smiles so attractive to us? A smile is a “social cue”. It can signal apology, welcome, gratitude, or celebration. A smile means “you’re clear to approach” and we all react to it subconsciously.
Sometimes it’s unwise to judge a book by its cover, but the importance of a first impression is undeniable. A recent survey of over 5,000 singles, published in USA Today, found that both men (58%) and women (71%) judge the opposite sex MOST on their teeth.
Studies have proven that a straight and healthy smile can truly impact a person’s personal and professional life, but the benefits extend beyond just appearance. A bite that has been corrected and teeth that are straight lead to better oral health, which in turn can improve health overall. Teeth that look better will also tend to work better, and there is a reduced risk for decay and gum disease when there are no crowded or crooked teeth. A functional mouth is a happy mouth!
Spread the love and share a Smile by Grubaugh Orthodontics
At Grubaugh Orthodontics, we help patients of all ages achieve the smile of their dreams by combining state-of-the-art orthodontic treatment with individualized service and care. Dr. Grubaugh and our skilled staff are dedicated to enhancing each patient’s quality of life by helping them become the best possible version of themselves they can be, beautiful smile included.
If there’s someone in your life you believe could benefit from orthodontic treatment, why not call one of our conveniently located offices in Lansing or DeWitt and schedule a complimentary consultation for them? This consultation includes a tour of our office, and a discussion with Dr. Grubaugh about what kind of treatment plan is indicated, if any. We want every patient to leave feeling confident in their goals, treatment plan, cost, and estimated results. And we offer same-day treatment, so if we find an issue we think will respond to treatment, we can get started that very same day!
Everyone loves flowers and candy, but roses wilt and chocolates are gone in no time. Imagine receiving the extraordinary gift of a beautiful smile instead! Valentine’s Day is only days away, so you still have time to make this one a day to remember by taking the first step towards the kind of smile your loved one will want to show the world. Get in touch with Grubaugh Orthodontics today and leave someone you love with the lasting gift of a straight, healthy smile!