East Albuquerque: (505) 299-4458
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Los Lunas: (505) 866-9296
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Having crooked teeth not only affects the appearance of your smile , but also increases your risk of decay and gum disease .
At Haltom Orthodontics in Albuquerque, NM , our team can use braces to straighten your teeth, creating a healthy, beautiful smile .
So why should you choose traditional braces?
If you tend to hide your smile due to crooked teeth, the results of treatment with braces can make you feel more confident and secure in your appearance.
Drs. Tucker and Darren Haltom can use braces to treat a wide range of alignment issues , from slightly crooked teeth to more serious jaw misalignment.
When your bite is properly aligned, it is easier to chew , which can aid your digestion process and protect your teeth from unnecessary wear and tear.
But could braces can really impact your life?
Over
38%
of Americans would consider refusing a second date with someone who has crooked teeth
*According to a study conducted by Kelton Research, LLC
So how do you know if you need orthodontic treatment?
An overbite occurs when the upper jaw protrudes too far forward.
An underbite refers to a condition where the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth.
When the upper and lower jaws do not meet properly, it is known as a crossbite.
With an open bite, space remains between the upper and lower teeth even when the jaw is closed.
A variety of developmental issues can result in too much space between the teeth .
When there is not enough space in the mouth, teeth can become crowded and overlap .
In some cases, issues such as headaches, excessive tooth wear, and tooth decay are actually caused by a misaligned bite. Jaw pain, sinus issues, and earaches can also relate to the positioning of your teeth. Your smile may look relatively straight but still require orthodontic intervention .
Our orthodontists at Haltom Orthodontics will assess every aspect of your smile during a consultation at our Albuquerque office. Depending on your needs and preferences, we may recommend traditional metal braces or another orthodontic treatment option .
Do you qualify for metal braces?
If you have severe alignment issues, alternatives like Invisalign® may not be sufficient.
Severe jaw or bite issues, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder , may require additional treatments to achieve a complete solution.
The archwire and brackets used in braces can worsen existing gum problems , so these issues must be resolved first.
What about Invisalign®?
At Haltom Orthodontics, we offer a wide range of orthodontics, including the Invisalign clear aligner system . While many patients can achieve their desired results with removable aligners, more complex issues typically require traditional braces . If you are concerned about the appearance of metal brackets, we can offer ceramic or clear braces for more discreet treatment.
Let's take a closer look at how braces work...