Orthodontics and Braces Richmond Tx
If your life has been affected by the frustrations of misaligned teeth or an offset jaw, or you have had difficulty with an off-center bite pattern, then you’ll know only too well the frustration these issues can cause. As a leading orthodontics practice in Richmond, TX., we are also more than familiar with the effect that misalignment can have. That’s why we’re keen to help you out and to deal with some of the most important questions you are sure to have about your options. The good news is that if you have any difficulties with the above issues, there are solutions that can make a huge difference to your everyday life. Better yet, there is a range of options, so you don’t have to settle for a choice you’re not happy with. Some of the most common choices are listed below, with useful information on how they work and who they might help.
How much do traditional braces cost?
The typical cost for traditional braces is $4425.00. Grand Parkway Smiles offers a Free Consultation for patients interested in braces. We accept most PPO dental insurance, cash, and major credit cards; in addition, we have several financing options available for patients.
Braces
Most of us probably already know a little about braces, or at least know someone who has had them in their life. The standard set of braces has changed a little with time, but the principle remains the same. Made of either metal or ceramic, braces use a series of orthodontic bands to wrap around each tooth. With the application of pressure over time, their goal is to move teeth back into alignment. At the point when the teeth are back in the desired alignment, the braces can then be removed. How quickly braces can achieve their intended purpose depends on the type of braces, the extent of the initial misalignment, and the desired result. What we can say with certainty is that the first signs that they are moving the teeth will usually be seen within 3-4 weeks. Perceptible changes that are noticed by others might take longer, with most people seeing a pronounced difference in up to 2 or 3 months. After that, it becomes a matter of how much more movement is needed or desired. Braces can be kept on teeth for up to two years, but orthodontia is a science that changes with the facts, so it should be made clear that two years will usually not be necessary, and that if the patient does not find the treatment to be comfortable, they can request a different approach whenever they wish. When people think about braces, they may well picture a wire mesh that is visible from a distance, and which dominates a person’s mouth when they smile or talk. This is an old-fashioned attitude. For one thing, not all braces prescribed for patients will be made of metal – ceramic braces are an increasingly possible, and barely visible option. In addition, the orthodontic bands even on metal braces are now customizable, so you can choose colored braces that fix your bite while adding a little something to your personal style. It is recommended that braces be used if misalignment is present at the ages of 12 or 13. At this time, a patient’s mouth and jaws are still growing and have not taken their final form, which makes the adjustment easier and more timely, and gives confidence that teeth will grow straight throughout adulthood. All that being said, a misaligned bite can present problems at any age, and can also be corrected at any age. Braces can be offered to adult patients, and can have a pronounced beneficial effect. As we learn more about corrective dentistry, the stigma that used to come with braces has reduced to near irrelevance.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners, more commonly known by the proprietary brand name Invisalign, are an alternative treatment offered to patients with misaligned bites. Their popularity has grown in recent years due to the fact that, as the name suggests, they are clear – or “invisible”. While even modern braces can cause the wearer to feel self-conscious, Invisalign and other clear braces can’t be seen when they are fitted to the teeth. Clear aligners are made to specification for each user. A mold is taken of their bite, and computer technology is then used to design and create an aligner that will deliver the intended results in response to specific alignment issues. A wearer will be expected to keep their clear aligners in for 22.5 hours of each day, and remove them for the purposes of eating and drinking. After meals, the teeth should be brushed before the aligner is placed back over the teeth. It is typically not recommended that Invisalign should be prescribed to younger patients whose teeth and jaws are still growing into place; they have better and more lasting results for older teenagers and adults. They cause less pain compared to braces, but will usually need to be replaced every few weeks as the shape of the bite changes. It should, additionally, be noted that clear aligners are not recommended for teeth that have particularly pronounced alignment issues. They are advised more specifically for fixing milder flaws. Invisalign treatment is expected to take up to a year or just over to deliver a lasting result. Unlike braces, clear aligners can be removed by the user, and while they are out of the mouth you may choose to wash the aligners to remove any signs of scuff or staining. It is recommended that you use a toothbrush and within one minute of scrubbing you are likely to see any scuffing removed. For obvious reasons, the aligners should be rinsed thoroughly and dried before being placed back in the mouth, and maintenance should be done using a toothbrush other than the one you use for your teeth.
Fast Braces
As the name may suggest, fast braces are a similar treatment to the usual type of braces, but with an added element of speed. Like ordinary braces, they attach to the teeth with wire and brackets, and are adjusted over time to help the teeth grow in the intended direction. They can be made from metal or ceramic material, and are more or less identical in appearance to their near namesake. Where they differ is in how they affect the teeth. Fast braces are exposed to subsonic wave technology and phototherapy methods which are designed to significantly accelerate the effectiveness of the treatment. They are known widely as “six-month braces” or “Six Month Smiles”, because they can achieve in six months. Another advantage of fast braces is that, because they are on the teeth for a shorter period of time, they reduce the level of ongoing pressure on the teeth, which lessens the chance and severity of tooth decay. Furthermore, they will mean fewer visits to the dentist, which equates to less time taken out of your schedule and less expense all around. Like traditional braces, fast braces can be worn by anyone at any age. It is worth consulting with your dentist before asking for the treatment, as they may be aware of complications in your specific case that may make them a less beneficial option, but having been developed over the course of more than twenty years, there is no doubt that fast braces can be used effectively and very safely. If there is a disadvantage to be found with fast braces it because they are for mostly cosmetic treatment that focuses on the smile rather than the bite. This means that primarily, the front four teeth on each row will be the focus of the treatment. As a result, fast braces are not considered to be a particularly viable treatment for a clearly misaligned bite, and traditional braces are recommended as a more complete treatment for any issues you may be experiencing.
FAQs
Is a retainer required after I have orthodontics near me?
Wherever you go for orthodontic treatment, it is likely that you will be advised by your dentist to wear a retainer on the affected row or rows of teeth. Indeed, it is almost certain to be the case. After braces – either kind – or Invisalign treatment is completed, your teeth will be straighter than before. However, to prevent them from reverting back in the direction they went in before treatment, a retainer will be advised. Your dentist will advise you on how long you need to wear it for, and whether it needs to be used overnight or for longer periods.
Do orthodontic treatments hurt?
While you may hear it referred to as “pressure”, the truth is that any orthodontic corrective treatment is likely to cause some pain. After all, you are trying to correct a bodily process that has gone in the wrong direction, and it will not happen without some resistance. It is relatively minor pain, and will usually be greatly minimized with the use of simple over-the-counter painkillers. With all of that said, your teeth and gums will become used to the process in a short time and the pain will recede by itself.
Can orthodontics fix a misaligned jaw?
The misalignment of teeth can have a direct impact on the alignment of your jaw, and it is well known that treatment such as teeth extraction can impact the shape of the face. In regard to whether orthodontic treatment can fix your misaligned jaw, the truth of the matter is that it depends on the type and duration of the treatment. Invisalign treatment, for example, is likely to have little to no impact on your jawline. Fast braces, which mostly move the front teeth, are also unlikely to make a considerable difference. However, long-term treatment with traditional or standard braces is liable to realign your bite pattern and as a result is highly likely to have a beneficial impact on a misaligned jaw. Of course, specific cases have their own particularities – so it is not to be assumed that braces will entirely amend such a problem. It is always advisable to ask your dentist about the chances of the treatment completely correcting an issue.
Can orthodontics fix an overbite?
An overbite is one example of a misalignment of teeth, and for anyone wishing to fix this kind of problem the first part of call is likely to be orthodontics near you. A minor overbite may be fixed by clear aligners such as an Invisalign, but the more severe the issue is, the more likely it is that you will need more extensive treatment. In intermediate or more serious cases, it would be advised that you have more traditional braces fitted, as they will have more pronounced results.
Can orthodontics fix an open bite?
An open bite occurs when a person’s front teeth are not aligned, so that when the mouth is shut the front teeth on the top and bottom do not meet. It is an example of a malocclusion, and the good news is that it can be fixed by orthodontic treatment. Indeed, it is relatively simple to correct compared to an overbite, and usually can be repaired with any of the above forms of orthodontic treatment.
Will I need to have teeth removed to fit braces/Invisalign?
The need, or otherwise, for teeth to be extracted is entirely dependent upon how serious the misalignment is and on the dentists advice. If a tooth, or teeth, need to be removed, they will be – but dentist will always seek to avoid it if at all possible.
If you are suffering from misaligned teeth and you are concerned you need braces or Invisalign Call Grand Parkway Smiles at 832-222-0016!