Types of Braces
At Hulme Orthodontics, we believe that everyone deserves a smile they’re proud to share. That’s why we offer a variety of braces options to fit your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and treatment needs. Whether you’re looking for the durability of traditional metal braces, the subtle appearance of clear ceramic braces, or the stylish sophistication of gold braces, we have the perfect solution for you.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most popular and widely used orthodontic option—and for good reason. Made from high-quality stainless steel, today’s metal braces are smaller, sleeker, and more comfortable than ever before.
Why Choose Metal Braces?
- Durable and Reliable: Metal braces are strong and effective for treating even the most complex orthodontic cases, including severe misalignments and bite issues.
- Customizable: Add a pop of personality to your smile by choosing colored bands for your brackets. With a wide variety of colors to choose from, you can update your look at each appointment.
- Efficient: Metal braces are a tried-and-true solution that delivers excellent results in a predictable timeframe.
If you’re looking for a time-tested orthodontic option that’s effective and affordable, metal braces are a fantastic choice.
Clear Ceramic Braces
For patients who want a more discreet option, clear ceramic braces are an excellent alternative to traditional metal braces. These braces work the same way as metal braces but feature brackets made from tooth-colored ceramic material, making them much less noticeable.
Why Choose Ceramic Braces?
- Subtle Appearance: The brackets blend in with your teeth, making them a great choice for patients who want a more natural look.
- Versatile: Ceramic braces are ideal for teens and adults who want a low-profile option without sacrificing the effectiveness of traditional braces.
- Effective: Like metal braces, ceramic braces are highly effective for treating a wide range of orthodontic issues.
Clear ceramic braces are a popular choice for patients who want the power of braces with a more aesthetic, understated design.
Gold Braces
For patients who want a stylish and unique orthodontic experience, gold braces are the perfect option. These braces feature stainless steel brackets coated in 24-karat gold, offering the same durability as traditional braces with a bit more style.
Why Choose Gold Braces?
- Bold and Unique: Gold braces make a statement and add an eye-catching, elegant touch to your smile.
- Durable and Reliable: Like metal braces, gold braces are strong, effective, and capable of addressing even complex orthodontic cases.
Gold braces combine functionality with flair, making them a great choice for anyone looking for a unique option while achieving a beautiful smile.
Which Braces Are Right for You?
Choosing the right type of braces is an important decision, and we’re here to help you make the best choice for your needs and lifestyle. During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your smile, discuss your goals, and recommend the option that’s right for you.
No matter which type of braces you choose, you can count on our team at Hulme Orthodontics to provide expert care and guidance every step of the way.
Braces For Kids
A confident smile starts early, and at Hulme Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to helping children achieve healthy, beautiful smiles that last a lifetime. Orthodontic care for kids isn’t just about straightening teeth—it’s about creating the best foundation for long-term oral health. With our focus on early evaluations and personalized treatment plans, we guide families through every step of their child’s orthodontic journey.
Why Early Evaluations Matter
At Hulme Orthodontics, we believe in the saying, “Eight is Great.” Around age eight is the ideal time for your child’s first orthodontic evaluation. Why? Because this is when their adult teeth are starting to come in, and their jaw is still developing. By assessing their smile at this critical stage, we can identify potential issues early and determine whether they may benefit from early treatment.
What Happens During an Early Evaluation?
- We’ll examine your child’s teeth, jaw alignment, and overall oral development.
- We’ll determine if any immediate treatment is needed or if we should monitor their growth as they mature.
- For approximately 75% of kids, no early treatment is necessary, and we’ll simply recommend periodic check-ins.
- For the 25% who do need early treatment, acting now can make all the difference. Early intervention can guide jaw growth, correct bite problems, and create space for adult teeth, potentially avoiding more complex treatments later.
By catching problems early, we ensure your child has the best opportunity for an ideal outcome.
The Next Step: Twelve is Swell
If your child hasn’t needed orthodontic care by age eight, we encourage a final orthodontic evaluation by around age twelve. At this age, most (if not all) of their permanent teeth have erupted, and their facial growth is still ongoing.
Why Age Twelve?
- Tooth Development: We can assess how their adult teeth are coming in and address any crowding, spacing, or alignment issues.
- Growth: By taking advantage of their natural growth patterns, we can guide the teeth and jaw into their proper positions.
- Social Timing: Many kids feel more confident undergoing orthodontic treatment at this stage, as braces are common among their peers.
If all their adult teeth aren’t in by age twelve, it’s still important to have an evaluation. Some cases require extra attention to address more complicated orthodontic concerns. Acting sooner rather than later ensures we maximize the effectiveness of their treatment.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment for Kids
Whether your child needs early intervention or braces during their teenage years, orthodontic treatment offers numerous benefits:
- Improved Oral Health: Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Better Function: Correcting bite issues improves chewing, speech, and overall jaw function.
- Boosted Confidence: A straight, healthy smile can enhance your child’s self-esteem and social interactions.
Our team works closely with you and your child to make the process as comfortable and positive as possible.
At Hulme Orthodontics, we offer a variety of treatment options tailored to your child’s needs, including traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Invisalign Teen. We understand that every child is unique, and we take the time to develop a treatment plan that fits their goals, schedule, and lifestyle.
With our family-friendly atmosphere, advanced technology, and compassionate care, we make every visit fun, informative, and stress-free—for kids and parents alike.
Request Your Child’s Orthodontic Evaluation
Whether your child is eight or twelve, it’s never too early—or too late—to start planning for a healthy smile. Contact us today to request their orthodontic evaluation and take the first step toward setting them up for a lifetime of confident, beautiful smiles. At Hulme Orthodontics, we’re here to make the journey simple, effective, and enjoyable for your family.
Braces For Teens
The teenage years are an ideal time for orthodontic treatment. By this stage, most permanent teeth are in place, and growth spurts provide the perfect opportunity to guide teeth and jaws into proper alignment. At Hulme Orthodontics, we understand that teens have busy lives, unique preferences, and a desire to feel confident throughout their treatment. That’s why we offer personalized care and flexible treatment options to fit every teen’s needs.
Why Orthodontic Treatment Is Important for Teens
Orthodontic treatment during the teen years isn’t just about creating a straight smile—it’s about setting the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health and confidence. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reduce the risk of future dental issues, and improve bite function for speaking and chewing.
Some signs your teen might need braces may include:
- Crowding or spacing between teeth
- Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Jaw pain or clicking
- Permanent teeth growing in crooked
If your teen shows any of these signs, orthodontic treatment can help correct these issues and create a healthy, functional smile.
What to Expect During Treatment
Orthodontic treatment for teens is designed to be as efficient and comfortable as possible. We use advanced technology, such as 3D imaging and the iTero Scanner, to create precise treatment plans and minimize treatment time. Our team is here to guide your teen through every step of the process, from regular adjustments to progress checks, ensuring they stay on track for a fantastic outcome.
We also understand that teens lead busy lives filled with school, extracurriculars, and social events. That’s why we offer flexible scheduling, quick appointments, and minimal wait times to accommodate their packed schedules.
The Confidence Factor
Braces do more than straighten teeth—they give teens the confidence to smile boldly. We know that self-esteem is especially important during the teenage years, and we’re here to ensure your teen feels supported and empowered throughout their treatment. With Hulme Orthodontics, they’ll leave with not only a perfect smile but also the confidence to face the future.
Braces For Adults
At Hulme Orthodontics, we firmly believe that you’re never too old and it’s never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Whether you didn’t have the opportunity for orthodontic treatment in your younger years or you’ve experienced a relapse after previous treatment, adult braces can help you reclaim your confidence and improve your oral health.
Orthodontic care isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about enhancing function, preventing future dental problems, and setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles. If you’re considering braces as an adult, there’s no better time to take action than now.
Why Adults Choose Braces
Many adults seek orthodontic treatment to address dental or orthodontic issues that were never corrected during adolescence. Others may have experienced shifting teeth or bite problems due to age, tooth loss, or even relapse from earlier orthodontic work.
Common reasons adults choose braces include:
- Crowding or spacing between teeth
- Misaligned bite (overbite, underbite, or crossbite)
- Relapse after previous orthodontic treatment
- Difficulty chewing, speaking, or maintaining proper oral hygiene
- A desire for a more confident, radiant smile
Acting quickly can prevent larger, more complex dental issues down the road and allow you to enjoy the long-term benefits of a properly aligned smile.
Why It’s Never Too Late
Braces aren’t just for teens—adults of all ages can experience incredible benefits from orthodontic treatment:
- Improved Oral Health: Straight teeth are easier to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
- Enhanced Function: Properly aligned teeth improve chewing, speech, and overall bite function.
- Boosted Confidence: A straighter smile can have a significant impact on your self-esteem, helping you feel more confident in both personal and professional settings.
- Preventing Future Issues: Correcting alignment or bite problems now can help prevent more serious issues later, such as jaw pain, excessive wear on teeth, or the need for more invasive dental procedures.
It’s natural to feel like you’ve missed your chance for orthodontic treatment, but that’s simply not true. Orthodontics is just as effective for adults as it is for younger patients, and the results can be life-changing. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can enjoy the benefits of a healthier, more confident smile that will last a lifetime.
