Braces

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. 

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.

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. 

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.