13945 Panther Dr.Dewitt, MI 48820
(517) 669-5833
5238 W St. Joseph Hwy., #1Lansing, MI 48917
(517) 321-4375
Many patients come to Grubaugh Orthodontics for cosmetic reasons. What is cosmetic orthodontics? Our neighbors in Lansing and Dewitt want to know. Let’s examine it.
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. Grubaugh’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 Lansing and Dewitt neighbors for similar reasons.
In all the world, there’s only one of you. In Dr. Grubaugh’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. Grubaugh 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. Grubaugh might recommend the following:
Some of these appliances are removable, while others are fixed. Each treatment plan varies in length according to your needs and goals.
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. Grubaugh might explore with you.
Stainless steel and nickel are two kinds of metals that comprise braces. These brackets have small “slots” in them, and when Dr. Grubaugh 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.
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.
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. Grubaugh will work with you to determine your particular treatment and time frame.
Damon braces are equipped with state-of-the-art wires that straighten teeth more quickly. For you, the patient, this means decreased pressure and fewer trips to the office for adjustments. Damon braces are self-ligating. That is, they work without metal or elastic ties. Instead, the braces are affixed to a wire called a “shape memory wire.” It’s a very light contraption that connects slide brackets without the typical tension found in traditional elastics.
We know your schedule is chock full. You’ve got responsibilities and stuff to do! That’s one of the reasons we offer Smile Express. First, you’ll come to our office for an exam. Then, Dr. Grubaugh will process digital scans of your bite. Next, he’ll craft customized Invisalign clear aligners just for you. They will arrive conveniently at your doorstep. Over the next few months, you’ll receive new sets of aligners to further adjust your bite. Most patients finish this treatment in six months or less.
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.
Ready to begin your cosmetic orthodontic journey? Book a free consultation now.