Braces
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 Andrew Ray 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 Ray can expertly create a customized braces treatment plan to gradually shift your teeth into alignment. With dental offices in Shavano Park, Alamo Ranch, Northwest Side San Antonio, Castroville, China Grove, and Boerne, 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
"For almost 2 years now he has seen my daughter through a palate expander and braces. Dr Hulme is very knowledgeable, he's also very friendly, and he and his staff have been so flexible and understanding throughout this whole process. I'd definitely recommend him to others." Kimberley Powell, 5-Star Google Review, 2023
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.
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 Andrew Ray 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. Ray, 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
"I have loved having my braces treatment here so far. They are always timely, responsive, kind, and understanding - all the whole working on your teeth to give you the smile you hope for." Lauren Huemann, 5-Star Google Review, 2023
A Closer Look At How the Parts Come Together
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.
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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.
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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) 479-2000
Personalized Care and Excellent Results To Help Improve Your Quality of Life
"Dr. Hulme and his staff went above and beyond with my very nervous 8 year old. So thankful for the specialized care! Highly recommend. Great payment options/terms as well." Sarah Salinas Hickman, 5-Star Google Review, 2023
We Care About You and Your Oral Health Our Office Treats Each Patient Like Family
Scooter Ty
San Antonio, TX
2023
Excellent treatment! Amazing results! Teeth look perfect! Thankful for Dr. Hulme and his expertise!
View on GoogleStephanie Barker
San Antonio, TX
2023
Great customer service as soon as you walk-in and throughout your visit. Dr took his time to explain the care plan. It's important to have that trust when you trusting them with your smile ☺
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.
Aftercare for Braces
Achieve Lasting 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. We will provide detailed instructions on how to maintain your results, including:
Regular Cleaning
To care for your retainer, you should clean the surface with a soft-bristled toothbrush each day. In order to disinfect the retainer, you should soak it 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 Checkups
Just like braces, your retainer will need occasional adjustments from our orthodontist. Your doctor will want to check the fit and positioning of your retainer to ensure it is effectively supporting your teeth.
We Are Proud To Help You achieve a Smile You Love
Matt Mattox
San Antonio, TX
2023
The most impressive is there ability to keep their scheduled appointments. I never had to wait past my appointment time with Hulme orthodontics. They are very efficient with your time.
View on GoogleLoRss Gainzz
San Antonio, TX
2023
Thank you for allowing me to keep my braces a little longer after my accident, it truly made a difference in my life. I also want to thank you for hiring the most kind hearted individuals as a team for all your facilities.
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.
