Braces
Crooked teeth can make you feel self-conscious and can increase your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
At Hulme Orthodontics, we recommend braces as a proven method of straightening teeth for patients with moderate to severe misalignment.
Board-certified orthodontists Richard Hulme and Sandra Nairooz can provide customized braces treatment at our San Antonio-area offices.
A Closer Look at Braces What Are Braces?
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Braces rely on brackets and wires to apply force to the teeth, aligning them over time. The hardware is periodically adjusted to exert the right amount of pressure needed to straighten teeth and properly align the patient's bite.
The Benefits of Braces
You will discover that orthodontic work can improve your life (or your child's life) in several ways. Patients who choose braces at our practice in the San Antonio, TX, area can:
Increase Self-Confidence
Crooked teeth can make you feel embarrassed when you smile or talk to others. Braces can give you a straighter smile and boost your confidence in social situations and professional settings.
Create a Better, Stronger Bite
Left untreated, misalignment can lead to jaw pain, excessive wear on your teeth, and other issues. By undergoing orthodontic care, you can enjoy a more balanced bite and better oral health.Enjoy Personalized Treatment
Board-certified orthodontists Richard D. Hulme and Sandra S. Nairooz focus exclusively on orthodontics. They have several options available, including traditional braces, clear braces, and Invisalign®, and can customize your treatment to your needs.Are You Ready for a Straighter Smile? Contact Our San Antonio Dental Practice
Our board-certified orthodontists have over 20 years of combined experience. Drs. Hulme and Nairooz can expertly create a customized braces treatment plan to gradually shift your teeth into alignment. With offices in Castroville, China Grove, Boerne, and more, we can conveniently serve the entire San Antonio community. Contact us to request your free initial braces consultation.
We Strive To Create Beautiful Smiles and Amazing Experiences
"Amazing staff and a perfect smile at the end. We are so happy with our experience... They waste no time once you're in the chair. The defenitly deserve this 5 star." Brady Mann - 2022
See How Braces Can Straighten Your Teeth and Align Your Bite
Braces gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment, which can improve the overall function of your bite. We can eliminate gaps, overcrowding, underbites, and more to enhance your smile and improve your oral health through customized orthodontic care.
Visit Hulme Orthodontics For An Advanced Approach to Orthodontic Care
Do you have moderate to severe dental misalignment? Are you noticing your child's teeth are starting to come in crooked? Orthodontic specialists Richard D. Hulme and Sandra S. Nairooz in San Antonio, TX, are uniquely qualified to help you. They provide both traditional metal and clear ceramic braces designed for greater comfort and faster results.
Dr. Hulme, Dr. Nairooz, and their team can recommend the best course of orthodontic treatment for you or your child. To request your free initial consultation, contact us online or call:
(210) 479-2000
We Provide Customized Treatment To Create Stunning Smiles
"Before deciding to get braces I went to a few different orthos and ultimately decided to go with Dr. Hulme and am so glad I did! He gave me options based on my concerns and let me decide which route to take without any pressure (unlike other offices I went to before)... I just recently got my braces taken off and couldn’t be happier with the end result! Dr. Hulme is very sweet and caring him and his entire team did an amazing job!" Jessica Leon - 2021
A Closer Looks At How the Parts Come Together
Metal vs. Ceramic Braces Which Is Right for You?
Traditional metal braces consist of stainless steel metal brackets that attach to each tooth using dental cement. The brackets are connected by a thin archwire, which puts pressure on the teeth, causing them to slowly move into alignment. We typically recommend metal braces for those with the most severe alignment issues due to their durability and longevity.
Clear ceramic braces are alternatives that work in the same way as metal braces. They are more discreet than metal, and many patients find them to be more comfortable. It is important to note that clear hardware can become stained from darkly colored liquids or foods and may leave marks on the teeth. Your orthodontist will give you instructions for proper care.
Looking for a Subtle Alternative? Consider Invisalign
Invisalign uses clear aligners to gently and discreetly shift your teeth into alignment. This orthodontic option is a popular recommendation for patients with mild to moderate malocclusion. Contact our orthodontists at any of our San Antonio area practices to see if Invisalign is right for your smile.
Invisalign can be used on its own or as a supplemental treatment following braces.
Mild to Moderate Misalignment
Invisalign can be a great option for those with mild to moderate misalignment issues. Our orthodontists will develop a treatment plan with customized clear aligners to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. The aligners are switched out every two weeks to gradually shift your teeth into alignment.
Severe Misalignment
Patients with severe misalignment issues may need to start with traditional braces before moving to Invisalign. Braces can correct severe misalignment that clear aligners cannot. However, once braces have straightened your teeth enough for aligners to be effective, you may be able to switch to Invisalign for more discreet treatment.
We're Here For Every Step of Your New Smile Contact Our Practice for Years of Quality Care
Braces generally take one to three years to completely realign your teeth. This may seem like a long process, but this time spent is a small trade-off for the lifelong benefits of having a straighter smile.
For every day of your braces treatment, Hulme Orthodontics will be here to help with your oral health. You can count on us for quality care.
If you have malocclusion or crooked teeth, visit one of our San Antonio offices. You can contact us online or call:
(210) 370-3083
Personalized Care and Excellent Results To Help Improve Your Quality of Life
"The best orthodontist in San Antonio. This practice offers professional, friendly and courteous staff. Dr. Hulme is thorough, patient and a very knowledgeable provider. My daughter suffered years of bullying for her overbite but with the services Hulme Orthodontist provided she now has a confidence boosting smile!" Polly A - 2021
What Can Braces Treat?
Visit one of our San Antonio orthodontic offices if you notice issues such as:
Upper teeth that project forward can affect your speech and leave you vulnerable to dental injuries.
Lower teeth that push out past your upper teeth can cause jaw pain and an unbalanced bite.
Teeth that overlap or are too close together can be more difficult to brush and floss properly.
Dental arches that do not connect can also make eating and enunciation more difficult.
Large spaces between your teeth may make you feel self-conscious about your appearance.
Jaws that do not align can make it difficult to properly chew your food and may trigger TMJ pain.
We Care About You and Your Oral Health Our Office Treats Each Patient Like Family
Katherine Davis
2022
Dr Hulme and his staff are professional and welcoming every time I come in. Their hours are great for school or working professionals. His work is impeccable . You will love your result.
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Veronica Brooks
2022
Dr. Hulme is a Dentist who genuinely cares about his patients. Makes you feel extremely important and ensures that you are completely satisfied with the results of your dental work. Highly recommended!
View On GoogleWhich Approach Is Right for You? What Our Doctors Consider Before Treatment
When deciding which method of orthodontics to prescribe to their patients in San Antonio, our doctors will consider several factors, including:
Tooth and Jaw Alignment
The condition of your smile will determine whether braces are the best fit for you. Braces can correct an array of tooth and jaw alignment problems that Invisalign cannot adequately address.Age
Younger patients respond well to traditional braces, while teens and adults may prefer Invisalign clear aligners. However, teens may lose their Invisalign trays, and older patients may struggle with removing and replacing them throughout the day. Fixed brackets are typically recommended for patients who fall under these categories.Lifestyle
If you live an active lifestyle, play contact sports, or frequently speak in public, orthodontic treatment could be more complicated. Talk to your orthodontist about your concerns. We will be able to develop a more discreet treatment plan or discuss which kind of braces will be the safest for you.Concerned About Costs? We're Here to Help
You may be wondering whether straightening your or your child's teeth with braces is worth the cost. This treatment can lay the foundation for a lifetime of improved dental health, function, and appearance, and there are several payment methods that can make it wallet-friendly.
Many dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, which can help to cover a portion of treatment with braces. Hulme Orthodontics accepts a variety of dental insurances. Our financial staff will file your claim on your behalf and work with your insurer to maximize your coverage.
If you are uninsured or have high out-of-pocket costs, we have financing options. You can enjoy interest-free financing through our in-house plan or secure a loan through CareCredit®, which offers monthly payment plans. We also offer a Medicaid discount to make the benefits of orthodontic treatment accessible for more patients.
Have questions? Give our San Antonio, TX, offices a call or contact us online.
(210) 479-2000
The Braces Treatment Process
Our San Antonio offices are open before and after school hours to make treatment more convenient for families.
Caring for Your Braces Treatment Tips
Braces require some compliance in order to be successful. To get the most out of your treatment, you should:
Brush and Floss
Patients must follow a strict daily brushing and flossing routine. You should brush your teeth and clean your braces after every meal because food and bacteria can easily become caught between brackets and wires. To properly clean your teeth, you may need an interdental brush.
Avoid Certain Foods
To prevent damage to your braces, it is important to avoid sticky and hard foods, including:
- Gum
- Ice
- Sweets (hard candies)
- Certain bread products
- Chips
- Whole apples and carrots
Attend Regular Checkups
Visit one of our orthodontic offices in San Antonio for regular checkups and adjustments for your braces. During your consultation, we will be able to give you an idea of how frequent your checkups will be. If you notice a bracket has come loose, contact us immediately to repair any damage.
We Are Proud To Help You achieve a Smile You Love
Antonia Guevara
2022
Dr. Hulme and his staff are amazing. I would refer anyone needing orthodontist care to this office. The care they give is so good and very professional.
View on GoogleA Wells
2022
I can finally say I LOVE my smile! Dr Hulme knows his stuff!... He and his staff are amazing, everyone is kind and efficient and I would definitely recommend anyone to come here!
View on GoogleBraces FAQ
These are some of the most common questions that patients who are considering braces ask our San Antonio orthodontists:
I'm an adult. Is it too late for me to have braces?
To put it simply, not at all! We have adult patients who have greatly benefited from treatment with traditional braces. Braces are a powerful orthodontic tool that can give you a beautifully straight smile regardless of your age. As long as you follow your orthodontist's instructions and attend regular checkups, you can expect to see remarkable results from your treatment.
How long does treatment take?
Because patients come to us with different degrees of misalignment, treatment times can vary; however, it generally takes one to three years to achieve expected outcomes with braces. Your orthodontist can give you a better estimate of your treatment time during your consultation.
Can I straighten my teeth with aligners instead of braces?
While Invisalign aligners provide the most subtle form of orthodontic treatment, they are not suitable for everybody. These aligners are designed to treat milder cases of misalignment. If you're interested in orthodontic treatment with invisible aligners, but you have moderate to severe misalignment, your orthodontist will likely recommend ceramic braces as a subtle straightening option.
