t’s hard to believe the year 2019 is upon us!  As a new year begins, we tend to think about what we’d like to accomplish in the coming year. For many people, this often means setting weight loss or personal achievement goals, while for others it means establishing business or family goals.  While considering your new year’s resolutions for this year, be sure to include improving your smile to your list! And what better way to improve your smile than with orthodontic treatment?!

1 - Improved overall oral health.

Believe it or not, orthodontic treatments such as braces or Invisalign® do not just make your teeth look pretty. If your teeth are misaligned you may in fact have issues with brushing or flossing properly, which can mean that you’re more likely to develop cavities or gum problems. You may also have problems with your bite, which could lead to issues with chewing and eating.

While orthodontic treatment will give you a straight, beautiful smile, it will also ultimately help you take better care of your teeth and your oral health for the rest of your life

2 - Increased self-confidence

A beautiful smile naturally equates to elevated self-assurance.   There are a lot of patients who find themselves smiling and laughing more openly after completing orthodontic treatment, simply because they are proud of their beautiful straight teeth.

I have personally witnessed countless cases of patients who would not even smile for photos prior to having braces and then were beaming from ear to ear after their orthodontic treatment. 

3 - New technology and shorter treatment times.

If you grew up hearing horror stories about braces, you may be hesitant to jump into orthodontic treatment. Fortunately, the days of uncomfortable adjustments and needing to wear braces for four years or more are over. Today’s braces are smaller, smoother and more esthetic.  

Additionally, orthodontic wires are now more forgiving, leading to lighter forces on teeth (hence less discomfort) with higher efficiency. This allows for shorter treatment times, often less than two years, as well as less frequent adjustment visits.

4 - Numerous options.

New advancements in technology have led to more treatment options for straightening teeth.  In addition to traditional metal braces, there is the option of clear (esthetic) braces. This is more cosmetic alternative to metal braces and equally as effective, hence commonly the treatment option of choice for adult patients.  

Another popular cosmetic option amongst adults today is Invisalign®, which involves tooth movement through a series of clear, virtually invisible, removable “aligners.” While braces have been around a lot longer than Invisalign®, advances in technology have made Invisalign® a very effective and highly esthetic means to straighten teeth in many cases.  

And now, younger patients can even improve their smiles with the option of Invisalign Teen®.