New Years Resolution 2016: Hit the gym and fix that smile.

New Years Resolution 2016: Hit the gym and fix that smile.

By Richard J. Moses, III, D.M.D.

 It's that special time of year again. Time to make some New Years resolutions and promise not to break them! Aside from the annual decision to truly become a regular at the local gym, I am planning on sitting in my own chair this year. Braces is what we are talking about. That famed adolescent arsenal of torture devises known as orthodontic treatment. As it has been said before; braces, they're not just for kids anymore.

Straight teeth, a better bite, and a sweet smile might improve your oral health. That glowing smile might just make you feel better as well. What better resolution to go hand and hand with that new physique than a beautiful smile to sport.

The truth is, there are large numbers of adults undergoing orthodontic treatment and for good reason. Why would any self respecting adult subject themselves to an adolescent right of passage? Simply put, things have changed. Just as we don't have to use those "corded" phones anymore, orthodontic technology has improved as well. Orthodontists now have many options available for the adult seeking an enhanced smile. Along with the traditional silver metal braces, we also have self-lighting braces which may decrease how often you have to visit the orthodontist. That may mean less missed work or more time at the gym. On second thought, maybe missing a little more work and spending a little more quality time with your super cool orthodontist seems like a better idea. I'll leave that choice up to you. If sliver metal is not your cup of tea, we also have esthetic options such as tooth colored braces and clear aligners which are removable. Some orthodontists even offer braces that are placed on the tongue side of your teeth to hide them from prying eyes. To match these high tech braces, we also have high tech wires. Newer materials may allow a more gentle tooth movement and some wires will even move your teeth based on the temperature inside your mouth!

Better materials can't account for the entire reason that adults are seeking the care of an orthodontist. Some just couldn't afford treatment as a child while others had treatment but didn't wear their retainers and have had some relapse. Whatever the reason, orthodontic treatment is relatively affordable now. Consider that this is an investment that can and should last for the rest of your life with good care and retainer wear. Second, most orthodontists offer a wide range of payment options to fit your needs. This can range from zero down with no interest payments to discounts and courtesies with lump sum payments. We want you to have that smile you have always wanted and for it to be affordable.

This all sounds good, but you don't want braces for "five years" again! Once again, orthodontists have an option for you. Most treatments take less than two years and some can be completed in a matter of months! Want the complete make over? We have a comprehensive option that could include everything from jaw surgery to just full braces or clear aligners. Want only the upper or lower teeth straightened, limited treatment may be for you. Just need a "touch-up", a removable appliance or set of removable clear aligners may suit you well. Maybe you have a missing tooth and need something limited to make that implant fit. Whatever your needs and desires may be, there's a great chance that your local orthodontist has something just for you!

Richard J. Moses, III, D.M.D. is a dual trained orthodontist and pediatric dentist at Gettysburg Dental Associates & Just Kids. He specializes in child and adult orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Gettysburg Dental Associates
Eric Seidel, DMD  |  Cleveland Null, DDS
www.GettysburgDentalAssociates.com 
Just Kids at Gettysburg Dental Associates
Stephanie DeFilippo, DDS  |  Kristin Russo, DMD
www.JustKidsGettysburg.com
353 York Street Front
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: (717) 334-8193
Fax: (717) 334-0884
www.gettysburgfamilysmiles.com