| In today's modern society orthodontic treatment has become very acceptable for people of all age groups. The health benefits of a good bite are widely recognized, as are the benefits of feeling good about yourself and your smile. New technology has allowed orthodontists to produce better results with fewer visits and shortened treatment times. One example of recent improvements is nickel-titanium-alloy archwires. These wires are temperature sensitive and allow for continuous movement of the teeth over longer periods of time. This means enhanced comfort for our patients, decreased treatment times, and fewer trips to the orthodontist. Cosmetic improvements are also on the forefront of advances in orthodontics. Brackets are much smaller, more comfortable and more durable than older-style braces. The smaller brackets bond directly to the teeth, requiring less wrap-around bands, and therefore do not have nearly the "metal mouth" appearance of years ago. In some cases clear ceramic brackets can also be used to further disguise the orthodontic appliances. With so many children, adolescents, and adults choosing to pursue orthodontic treatment there really is no stigma associated with wearing braces. |