Orthodontics & Braces Sugarland Tx
Orthodontics, or orthodontia, is a specialist branch of dentistry aimed at fixing irregularities in the teeth and jaw. You might associate orthodontics with teens but it’s much more than traditional braces and can improve the way of life of many adults. Orthodontic treatments vary and are used to correct malpositioned teeth, jaw, and bite patterns. They’re essential for oral health and prevent dental issues later in life. There are several types of orthodontic treatments we offer including traditional braces, Invisalign, and six month smiles. Whether you opt for metal braces or clear braces, our certified dentist will recommend the best solution for you. We’ll also fit you with a custom-made retainer to ease along the recovery period and ensure your smile stays perfect. If you’re looking for orthodontics near me, we cover Sugar Land, TX, and the surrounding area.
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.
Traditional braces
Traditional braces have come a long way. They’re an effective treatment for various tooth and jaw abnormalities and provide permanent results. Metal braces are attached to the teeth using adhesive and wires, but newer designs mean they’re subtle and comfortable to wear. You can also choose colored braces if you’d like to add your own unique style. The length of treatment depends on the patient as they can be used to fix a number of issues from crowded teeth to more complicated jaw realignment.
Do I need braces?
Anyone can get braces as long as their adult teeth are fully developed. There’s no best age to get braces and children can begin treatment from as young as 8 if their adult teeth are present. It’s also recommended to take your child to visit a dentist if their baby teeth are misaligned. This way you’ll be able to plan ahead for orthodontic treatment in the future. Even children with visibly perfect teeth will benefit from a checkup with an dentist, as they will be able to perform an exam of their entire jawline including X-rays to identify any problem areas. Adults can get braces at any age. Adults need braces for similar reasons to children and also due to injury or other dental complications. Some of the conditions traditional braces are used to treat include an overbite, open bite, or jawline irregularities. Orthodontia is very varied and the type of treatments offered are personalized according to the unique requirements of the patient. If you’re unhappy or uncomfortable with the positioning of your teeth or bite, speak to a dentist about your options. Procedures today are straightforward and very effective.
Procedure for traditional braces
Before our dentist start the procedure you will be checked to see if you have any cavities as those need to be taken care of before braces commences. To attach traditional braces, the dentist will apply a tiny amount of glue to each tooth then place the metal brackets. They will then use a special blue light to set the glue. After the brackets are attached they add the archwire which holds them together and tiny elastic bands around each bracket to keep them in place. The entire procedure normally takes one to two hours, and most patients only need one appointment. How long you need to wear your braces depends on the recommendation of the dentist depending on the type of condition. Certain patients may need teeth extracting before the braces are fitted. This is common and often due to teeth crowding. In the case of many teenagers, extractions are performed in order to speed up the process.
Retainers after braces
The time you wear braces can vary. Some people only need them for several months and in more complex cases it could be up to two or three years. One thing most patients have in common, however, is recovery time. After you finish your treatment you will be given a custom-made retainer to wear. This will maintain the new alignment of your teeth. The time you’ll need to wear your retainer depends, but it’s usually just at night. Retainers, or traditional braces, don’t hurt and they are easy to put in and take out. You simply place them over your teeth and align them with your bite. They may feel snug but this is normal as they are designed to hold your teeth in place. Caring for your retainer is straightforward as well and your dentist will give you instructions and advice. Gently brush your retainer with warm water and if you like a little dish soap. Don’t use toothpaste or other cleaning products as these may be abrasive. Your dentist will always be available if you have any questions.
Invisalign
Invisalign treatment is the process of wearing clear braces that are also removable, similar to retainers. They are clear plastic aligners that are completely transparent, making them incredibly discreet. As opposed to traditional braces, they aren’t fitted using glue or wires and you can take them out to eat or brush your teeth. As your teeth shift gradually into the desired alignment, your dentist may provide a new set of aligners as often as every two weeks to achieve the best results. Invisalign involves the latest in orthodontia and technology to create a custom set of aligners. They are made using 3D imaging of an exact impression of your bite. This means they fit each patient perfectly and are very comfortable as a result. You’ll get personalized treatment based on accurate analysis of your teeth and jaw. Your dentist will also use 3D and mapping software to show you an image of your progress and a visualization of the final alignment. Invisalign is a true innovation in the world of orthodontics.
What is Invisalign used to treat?
Dentists use Invisalign to treat various conditions in both children and adults. These include crowding, overbite, open bite, crossbite, overjet, and gaps between the teeth. In the case of crowded teeth, other procedures may be necessary such as extractions, or interproximal reduction (IPR), with the goal of making more space for the teeth. Invisalign aligners are also effective in reducing gaps between teeth and bringing them into the desired position. Your bite can also be successfully adjusted using Invisalign as it works to align the jaw. Attachments can be added to provide extra grip if necessary.
Procedure for Invisalign
After your initial consultation, your dentist will create a treatment plan. They will base this on the impressions and x-rays taken of your teeth. Your aligners will then be made and sent back to your dentist. You will be given a selection of aligners that need to be worn in a particular order, as your teeth gradually move. Each aligner should be used for two weeks, then you can start using the next as your teeth shift to a straighter position. During the treatment, you will have a regular checkup with your dentist to review your progress. The number of Invisalign aligners needed on the treatment plan depends on the severity of the condition but it could be anywhere between ten and fifty. Typically the process takes between twelve and eighteen months on average. Either way, your dentist will arrange a complete plan for you and be there from start to finish. After Invisalign treatment, your dentist may recommend wearing a retainer to help maintain the position of your teeth. This is to ensure that your teeth remain in perfect alignment as the jaw bone adjusts. Retainers are comfortable and easy to use, and your dentist will provide you with all the advice you need.
Benefits of Invisalign
One of the main reasons many people opt for Invisalign is convenience. The clear aligners can be worn for up to twenty-two hours but are also removable. You can easily take them out to eat or drink, and if you prefer to take them out for short periods for exercise or other activity, this is also possible. They’re also extremely discreet as they fit so snugly over the teeth. They don’t use wires or brackets and are unlikely to get damaged. Invisalign is suitable for all ages. There’s an optional blue dot on aligners for younger users, which will appear when it’s time to change sets. This makes things much easier for parents. They’re easy to care for and just need brushing with warm water and a standard toothbrush. In most cases, Invisalign treatment is quick and simple, and you’ll have a perfect smile within a year.
Six month braces
Six months smiles is a full orthodontic treatment program designed for those looking for a fast solution. These fast braces are suitable for patients with crooked, spaced, or misaligned teeth. They can also be used to treat intrusions, extrusions, rotations, and tipping. Due to the short timespan, patients with more complex bite issues may be recommended traditional braces or Invisalign for a more long-term treatment. Having said that, the vast majority of patients are suitable candidates. Six month smiles uses either clear braces or invisible aligners connected by strong nickel titanium wires to achieve straighter teeth in a short time. The latest technology in orthodontics is used and quality materials to ensure a quick and easy process. The main focus of six month braces is aesthetics and convenience. The clear aligners and invisible braces used are very discreet and this ideal in order to boost the confidence of even younger users. These types of fast braces work by realigning the front teeth and tackling a variety of cosmetic issues. The goal is to allow any patient to achieve great results in only six months, and six month smiles packages are also recommended alongside other treatments. These can include teeth whitening and lingual retainers.
Procedure for six month braces
The first step in any orthodontic treatment is a consultation. Here the dentist will determine if you are a suitable candidate for fast braces. After a thorough examination of your teeth and jaw including facial photographs and x-rays your dentist will recommend the best solution for you. Dental issues that can be solved in a short period of time include crowding or overlapping, gaps, overbite or open bite, and inverse smile lines. Once you’ve been assessed and recommended for six month smiles treatment, the dentist will take an impression of your upper and lower jaw which will be used to create a 3D image of your teeth. Custom-made trays will be prepared to be perfectly fit at your next appointment. These are made using either clear braces or invisible ones which are designed according to the natural color of your teeth. Once your fast braces have been fitted you’ll have regular checkups with the dentist every four to six weeks to monitor your progress and make adjustments.
Aftercare and use of retainers
While you’re wearing your braces your dentist will recommend you brush your teeth two to three times per day and use interdental brushes to clean below the archwires. It’s best to lower your intake of sugary or sticky foods as these could have an impact on your oral hygiene overall. If you take good care of your teeth, it’s easy to keep your braces clean as well. After the six months smile procedure has been completed, it’s advisable to wear a retainer at first to keep your teeth in their new alignment. Your dentist will recommend the best option for you such as a removable night retainer or one that’s fixed to the back of your teeth, known as lingual retainers. These provide a discreet and long-term solution. All types of retainers are custom fit using an impression of your teeth and exact measurements. This will ensure it’s perfectly comfortable to wear. Retainers will keep your smile straighter and more symmetrical for longer.
We offer a range of orthodontics including traditional braces, clear braces, retainers, and six month smiles packages. Our Dentists in Sugar Land, Texas will be able to recommend the best solution for you. Get your confidence back this year. For more information about reliable orthodontics near me, get in touch today by calling Grand Parkway Smiles at 8322220016!