Orthodontics & Braces in Houston Tx
Orthodontics focuses on the prevention and treatment of teeth that have become misaligned. Many people experience issues with their teeth that need to be corrected with orthodontic treatment. This treatment can improve the alignment of uneven, crooked teeth, crowded teeth, underbite, and overbite. When you bite, if your teeth do not meet correctly, this can cause problems with your jaw and cause further damage to the teeth. The shape of your face and jaw may also be affected by the misalignment of teeth. The most popular orthodontic treatment to correct teeth is braces. The technology around orthodontics is improving all the time, meaning that you now have more choice than ever before about how to achieve that beautiful, straight smile.
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.
What conditions do braces correct?
There are many dental issues that need braces to correct them fully. Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth to assess the type of treatment you need. The condition of your teeth and the final result desired can help you decide which treatment is right for you.
Conditions treated include:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Overcrowding and uneven spacing
- Issues with dental midlines
- Misaligned jaw
- Issues with speech and chewing
Braces can also provide relief from a number of other problems that stem from misaligned teeth and jaws.
Headaches – misalignment of the jaw can sometimes cause chronic headaches. These will begin to subside as your teeth and bite are corrected with braces.
Self-confidence – many people develop issues with their self-esteem due to the aesthetic look of their teeth. It can cause all kinds of issues in both social and professional situations. Straightening your smile can bring your confidence levels back up.
Traditional Braces
What are they? When people think of braces, they will probably be thinking of traditional metal braces. These have been used for decades as the treatment of choice to correct teeth. They are made of metal and wire and care fixed to your teeth by your dentist. You can also choose from a range of colored braces if you don’t like the look of bare metal.
How are they fitted?
Metal brackets are attached to the front of each tooth and held in place with a specialist adhesive which is set with a blue light. A wire is then fed through each of these brackets and tightened to place tension on the teeth. Over time, they move gradually into the desired position. Your dentist can use the wire to target different teeth. You will often need to have your braces adjusted every four-eight weeks. Because sections of your teeth are covered, you have to be very careful with your dental hygiene as cavities and decay can develop if you aren’t cleaning thoroughly. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the best products and techniques to use to reduce the chances of this happening.
How long does the treatment take?
Typically, treatment lasts between 18 – 24 months depending on your particular needs.
At what age can you get traditional braces?
You can get traditional braces at any age, but the ideal time is when you are between 12-17 years of age. This is because the teeth and jaws are still developing and can be manipulated more easily. These braces still work for adults but may take longer.
Do they hurt?
The process of getting traditional braces can be uncomfortable. Many people find that they experience some pain and pressure for the first few days after initial fitting and then again after each tightening. Some people find it merely a minor discomfort while experiencing much more in the way of pain. Your dentist can adjust your braces if you find them too painful.
What are the advantages of traditional braces?
Metal braces are often the best choice in extreme cases or difficult to treat dental issues. They can also be cheaper than other types of treatments.
Invisalign (Clear Aligners)
What are they? Invisalign, or clear aligners, have surged in popularity in recent years due to a number of reasons. They are a clear, removable aligner that works to gently move your teeth into position while still allowing you to take it out to eat or brush your teeth. They are viewed as a more discrete way to straighten your teeth and are great for people who do not wish to have a visible brace.
How are they fitted? Your teeth will be assessed to make sure that you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. You’ll then have an incredibly accurate 3D computer model made of your teeth. Your dentist will look at this and decide the level of treatment required. This information will then be sent to a specialist lab, where your aligners are custom made. They’ll be checked to make sure they fit and any adjustments needed are made. You’ll wear your aligners for two weeks, at which point they should be starting to feel a little looser and swap to your next pair of aligners.
How long does the treatment take?
Again, this will depend on your initial starting point and desired results. Some people can see results in as little as three-six months. The standard treatment time is anywhere between 12-18 months.
At what age can you get Invisalign?
While there isn’t technically a problem using Invisalign on younger teenagers, it really depends on how reliable they are at keeping the aligner in place. Invisalign has started producing aligners aimed at under 16. Most Invisalign users are adults who prefer the cosmetic and discreet nature of a removable clear aligner.
Do they hurt?
Invisalign clear aligners are far more comfortable to wear than traditional braces. You will feel some pressure when you first start to wear them and again as you change to your next set of aligners.
What are the advantages of Invisalign?
Invisalign has become a popular choice for a number of reasons.
- Discreet – many adults feel self-conscious about wearing braces
- Removable – aligners can be removed to eat or brush your teeth. This is good for maintaining good dental hygiene, which is difficult to do with other braces
- Fast – treatment time is often shorter than that of traditional braces
- Fewer visits to the dentist- save time and money on multiple trips to the dentist
Six Month Smile braces
What are they? Six-month braces have been on the market for a few years now. They offer a fast and affordable way to straighten teeth in less time. Unlike Invisalign and traditional braces, they are designed only to correct cosmetic issues with the front teeth.
How are they fitted? These braces can be fitted by a dentist. A mold of your teeth will be taken and sent to a lab. They will use this mold to select the right material for your braces and they will send these back to the dentist. The braces consist of wires and brackets which can then be attached by the dentist using a special dental adhesive. Similarly to traditional metal braces, brackets are attached to the front of the teeth and then wires are threaded through them. They are then tightened carefully in order to put tension on your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, the brackets and wires used cannot be seen easily, as they are tooth-colored or clear. A six-month smile is used to correct light cosmetic problems with your front teeth, rather than as a remedy for issues with bite, jawline, or extensive overcrowding. Because of these limitations, they may not be suitable for your particular needs. Once the braces are fitted and adjusted, fewer visits to the dentist are needed with this type of treatment. Patients can expect to have between three-nine alterations over the entire course of the treatment.
How long does the treatment take?
As the name suggests, the average treatment time is six months. However, it can sometimes take longer than this depending on the level of correction needed. They are still one of the fastest ways to treat misaligned teeth.
At what age can you get Six Month Smile braces?
These braces are designed to be used by adults and those who are over 16 years old.
Do they hurt?
You can expect some soreness around your teeth and lips that lasts between 1-2 weeks. If you have also been fitted with bite guards, you will only be able to bite on these for the duration of the treatment.
Advantages of Six Month Smile braces
When choosing a treatment, there are a number of things to consider:
- Discreet – clear or tooth-colored braces that cannot be seen easily
- Value for money – they can be more cost-effective
- Comfortable – compared to traditional braces
- Fast results – minor aesthetic problems can be corrected in only six months
Will I need a retainer?
Retainers are commonly used after orthodontic treatment has been completed. It is an important step in keeping your newly straightened teeth looking great. Because braces don’t treat the underlying cause of misplaced teeth, you need to ensure they don’t move out of position again. There are two types of retainers. A fixed retainer is made by attaching a wire to the back of your teeth to keep the spacing. More commonly, removable retainers are used which must be worn at night for an indefinite period, often permanently.
Do I need to have any teeth removed first?
It used to be common practice to remove teeth before the fitting of braces. It was thought that this would create more room for the existing teeth to shift, or if teeth were considered too out of place. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the best course of action.
Can braces fix my jawline?
In some people, crowded or displaced teeth can cause the jawline to change the shape of your face. This can cause further issues with self-consciousness and self-esteem. The good news is, when your teeth have been moved into their final position, then it will restore any symmetry and appearance of your face. Your jawline should return to normal.
Can braces damage my teeth?
Whichever braces you choose to have fitted, they should not cause any damage to your teeth or the enamel. The greatest risk to your teeth is by not keeping a good oral hygiene routine when you are wearing your braces. Ask your dentist how you can keep your teeth healthy while undergoing treatment.
Will braces change how I speak?
One of the things that many people worry about is if braces will affect the way that they speak. Some people will experience minor changes to their speech in the form of slurring. This is short-lived and will disappear as you adjust to your braces.
Choosing the right treatment for you
Once you’ve decided to seek treatment, your dentist will work with you to thoroughly assess your teeth and bite, and give you a range of options. Your course of treatment will be determined by a number of factors, including:
- Level of correction needed – some types of braces aren’t able to deal with very complex dental issues.
- Price – costs differ between forms of treatment
- Age – some methods aren’t suitable for treating younger children
- Treatment time – how long you want to spend undergoing treatment
- Lifestyle – clear aligners are popular with people who don’t want a visible brace to be seen. They are removable to allow you to eat and brush your teeth
Finding the right dentist
We’re proud to have been responsible for many beautiful, straight smiles across Houston Texas. We specialize in a range of orthodontic treatments. If you are looking for an experienced dentist you can trust, then Grand Parkway Smiles can give you the guidance and care you need. Using the latest in orthodontic technology and techniques, our team can give you the smile you want.
Our team is fully qualified and all treatment is carried out in the friendly, relaxing atmosphere of our office. Contact Grand Parkway Smiles today at 8322220016!