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 for patients with moderate to severe misalignment as a proven method of straightening teeth.
Why do so many families in San Antonio, TX, choose our practice for braces?
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 San Antonio, TX, will...
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 orthodontist Richard D. Hulme focuses exclusively on orthodontics. He has several options available, including traditional braces, clear braces, and Invisalign®, and he can customize your treatment to your needs.An Advanced Approach At Hulme Orthodontics
Do you have moderate to severe dental misalignment? Are you noticing your child's teeth are starting to come in crooked? Orthodontic specialist Richard D. Hulme in San Antonio, TX, is uniquely qualified to help you. He provides both metal and clear ceramic dental braces designed for greater comfort and faster results.
Dr. Hulme and his team can recommend the best course of orthodontic treatment for you or your child. To schedule your free consultation, contact us online, or call:
(210) 479-2000
Real 5-Star Reviews "...our results have been beautiful."
Kista Stoddard Alwine
2020
Dr Hulme and his staff are the best! We researched several orthodontists offices and they are, by far, the most friendly and knowledgeable office. Couldn’t ask for a better option!
View On Facebook
Susie Barlow
2020
This is our third kiddo with Dr. Hulme and we are thrilled to start again. Not only is the staff amazing, but our results have been beautiful. We have always had awesome communication and fast responses to questions and... we just love Dr. Hulme!
View On FacebookA Closer Look at Braces
What Are Braces?
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.
Alternatives?
While Invisalign clear aligners provide the most subtle form of orthodontic treatment, they are not suitable for everybody. Patients with moderate to severe misalignment will typically receive better results from traditional braces.
See How Braces Work
Metal vs. Ceramic Braces
Traditional metal braces consist of stainless steel metal brackets that attach to each tooth using dental cement. The brackets connect with 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.
Ceramic, clear braces are alternatives that work in the same way as traditional 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 tooth's surface. Our orthodontist will give you instructions for proper care.
What Can Braces Treat?
Visit one of our San Antonio orthodontic offices if you notice issues such as:
Overbite
Upper teeth that project forward can affect your speech and leave you vulnerable to injuries.
Underbite
Lower teeth that push out past your upper teeth can cause jaw pain and an unbalanced bite.Crossbite
Jaws that do not align can make it difficult to properly chew your food and may trigger TMJ pain.Open Bite
Dental arches that do not connect can also make eating and enunciation more difficult.
Gapped Teeth
Large spaces between your teeth can make you feel self-conscious.
Overcrowding
Teeth that overlap or are too close together are difficult to brush and floss properly, increasing your risk of cavities and other oral health issues.
What Approach Is Right for You?
When deciding which method of orthodontics to prescribe, Dr. Hulme 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, or senior 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 Dr. Hulme about your concerns. We will be able to develop a more discreet treatment plan or discuss what kind of braces will be the safest for you.Achieve a Straight Smile with Braces
"We were so impressed with Dr. Hulme and his staff!"
April Ashbaugh
2020
Dr. Holme, DDS, MS, is very kind and he explains the procedures so you can understand how it works. His staff are very friendly and they are very concerned about your well being especially nowadays with this Covid-19. I am really happy that My general dentist referred me to his office.
Thank you, April
Amye Lapp Payne
2020
We were so impressed with Dr. Hulme and his staff! They were friendly, helpful, professional, knowledgeable, and patient with us. As "first timers" it was really important that we felt comfortable and understood what was happening and why. Dr. Hulme and his staff explained everything so clearly and so thoroughly. When it's time for our next step, we'ready and happy to go back to Hulme Orthodontics! (And, I must add, I think my son is also pretty excited about getting to play the video games too)!
View On FacebookComplying With Treatment
Braces require some compliance in order to be successful. To get the most out of treatment, patients 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 will need an interdental brush.
Avoid Certain Foods
To prevent damage to your braces, it is important to avoid sticky and hard foods such as:
- Gum
- Ice
- Sweets (hard candies)
- Certain bread products
- Chips
- Whole apples and carrots
Attend Regular Check-Ups
Visit our orthodontist's office regularly for check-ups and adjustments for your braces. During your consultation, we will be able to give you an idea of how frequent check-ups will be. If you notice a bracket is loose on your tooth, contact us immediately to repair any damages.
Maintaining Your Results
At the end of your braces treatment, you will have a straight, healthy, attractive smile. To ensure the results are long-lasting, you will need to wear a retainer for a prescribed amount of time to support the new positions of your teeth. Dr. Hulme will provide detailed instructions on how to maintain your results, including...
Regular Cleaning
To care for your retainer, you should brush the surface daily along with your teeth. In order to disinfect, you should soak the retainer in a denture cleanser and warm water.
Handling with Care
Retainers are typically made from plastic and metal wire, and they can be cracked or warped if you don't handle them with care. Store your retainer in a hard-shell container to reduce the risk of damage, and clean around the malleable areas carefully so you don't bend the wire.
Attending Check-Ups
Just like braces, your retainer will need occasional adjustments from our orthodontist. Dr. Hulme will want to check the fit and positioning of your retainer to ensure it is effectively supporting your teeth.
