What is Cosmetic Orthodontics

The patients and parents who come into our office often have one of two goals: aligned teeth to improve oral health, or aligned teeth to improve confidence. Both of these are amazing goals, and we love helping get our patients closer to the smile of their dreams that will be healthy and beautiful! 

Depending on which goal you have, we might take a different approach to your treatment and care. And depending on your unique dental, jaw, and face structure, we might tweak our approach to help give you the best possible outcome! Regardless, it’s always important for your voice and opinions to be heard, so don’t be afraid to speak up! This is your treatment, and you should be able to do it in a way that works for you!

Why Opt for Cosmetic Orthodontics?

Some people find it important to be as discreet as possible while receiving their treatment, and we completely understand and respect that. For kids and teens in school, or for professionals at work and in their personal life, you might still want to look like you without the addition of bright or flashy orthodontics getting in the way. That is what cosmetic orthodontics is all about–finding a more invisible option than traditional metal braces.

Cosmetic vs. Functional Orthodontics

One important distinction to make about orthodontic treatment is to understand where the priorities might be. Cosmetic orthodontics prioritizes discreet and nearly invisible treatment so that the patient feels confident and normal as much as possible. Functional orthodontics focuses instead on solving big dental challenges like bite and jaw problems, or severely distorted tooth alignment. 

Depending on the severity of these problems, functional orthodontics might need to be the priority, including braces and other treatments. Other times, a cosmetic approach might be the preference and can be the deciding factor for which treatment is selected. The best way to know what type of orthodontic approach you will need is to consult with an orthodontist like Dr. Ross. They will be able to evaluate your teeth and jaw and give you their best recommendation based on your unique needs. 

Cosmetic Treatment Options

If you and your orthodontist have agreed that a cosmetic approach will work well for you, then you have some treatments to choose from! Scroll on to learn the types of cosmetic orthodontic treatments we offer at Smiles of Palmetto Bay!

Invisalign Aligners

Over the past few years, Invisalign has become by far the most popular orthodontic treatment by our patients and people around the country. And for good reason! Invisalign is one of the most discreet and convenient choices since it requires no permanent devices on your teeth. The treatment works through a series of clear plastic retainers that you can take in and out for your convenience. In order to get the most efficient treatment, you should wear your retainers at all times aside from eating, drinking, and brushing. While they are being worn they are nearly invisible and are more comfortable and easy to adjust to than other orthodontic types. 

Keep in mind that Invisalign might not be a good fit for all children and teens, as it requires quite a bit of maturity and commitment to care for them and not lose them when removing and storing them for meals. Dr. Ross would be sure to sit down with parents to make the best decision for each child, ensuring that it would work well for them and their personality. If not, then there are other options to choose from that might work better and require less consistent care!

Clear Braces

Clear braces are another popular choice for many adults, teens, and kids, as they are discreet and easy to maintain. They are also effective to help more challenging orthodontic problems! Made from tooth-colored ceramic, these braces blend in well with your natural tooth color, making them less noticeable. 

Clear braces do have to be maintained well by avoiding crunchy and sticky foods that can dislodge brackets and wires, and they will need to be cleaned really well to keep them from being stained by food and drinks. For these reasons, it’s a good idea to talk to your orthodontist to see if they would be a good fit for you or your child. 

Inbrace Hidden Treatment

Out of all the treatments that we offer, Inbrace is the only one that is completely invisible! Placed on the inside of your teeth, Inbrace hidden treatment adjusts your smile while never being seen. This is a great option for those who don’t want the responsibility of removing and replacing retainer trays throughout the day, while still having a discreet treatment.

What is Cosmetic Orthodontics

Let Your Smile Shine with Smiles of Palmetto Bay! 

Are you ready for your own brilliant smile? Let Smiles of Palmetto Bay help you find the smile of your dreams in the most discreet treatments available! Our care is never one-size-fits-all, so be sure to schedule a free consultation appointment to learn the recommendations made just for your unique dental needs. We hope to see you in our Palmetto Bay office soon! Give us a call today to schedule your free appointment.