Braces in Houston, TX
How Does Orthodontic Treatment Work?
Braces are dental appliances that function to realign a person’s bite. Their primary purpose is to fix misalignments in the teeth that include crowded teeth, crooked teeth, and positions that interfere with a person’s normal bite.
An orthodontist attaches individual brackets onto your teeth using dental cement, to ensure they don’t come off as you chew, eat and talk. Then, they are connected to each other using metal bars, with additional rubber bands providing support.
Contact Smile Unique Dental and Orthodontics to get your braces in Houston today!
Am I Too Old Or Too Young To Get Them?
Some people may believe that you need all of your adult teeth in place to get orthodontic treatment. However, this is a myth: orthodontists recommend that children between the ages of 7 and 14 get treatment if needed, which is why you are likely to see kids in high school or middle school with braces. However, you can get them in adulthood as well; your dentist will determine whether you require an exam and perform an evaluation to determine the right treatment for your needs.
If you’re interested in getting braces in the Houston area, schedule an appointment with the expert team at Smile Unique Dental and Orthodontics.
What Kinds Of Braces Are Available?
Today, you can get braces in a variety of materials to suit your application and aesthetic preferences. However, you should discuss available options with an orthodontist, as they can affect your treatment duration.
Smile Unique Dental and Orthodontics offers a comprehensive selection of braces in Houston, TX and nearby areas.
Traditional Metal
These are the most common kind. They consist of wires and brackets that adhere to the front teeth, straightening them out over the duration of your treatment. Sometimes, they may include rubber bands to provide additional pressure to enhance the straightening effect. Depending on the severity of your misalignment, your dentist may require you to wear headgear at night, which provides orthodontic treatment while you sleep.
Lingual Braces
These are a more discreet form of dental appliance, adhering to the back of the teeth rather than the front. While they are not always a direct replacement for traditional braces, they can be used for milder cases of misalignment.
Clear Aligners
Although not popularly considered to be in the same category, clear aligners function similarly to braces. They are designed to adjust your teeth into their ideal positions, accomplishing this via steady pressure over time. They are an increasingly popular choice for people wanting a less obtrusive appearance during their orthodontic treatment.
Ceramics
Providing a less noticeable, discreet option for treatment, ceramic can be fabricated to mimic the color of the teeth. Although this comes at the expense of durability, they offer a more natural appearance and effective orthodontic treatment.
How Long Do I Have To Wear Them?
The length of time you have to wear your dental appliance depends on the severity of your bite misalignment, as your treatment will adjust the teeth gradually over time. Other factors include:
- How far your teeth need to move to be in their ideal positions
- The size of your mouth and oral cavity
- The health and strength of your teeth, gums and jaw bone
- How frequently you visit your orthodontist for follow-ups
Looking for affordable braces in Houston? Smile Unique Dental and Orthodontics provides a variety of treatment options for all patients. Contact us at (832) 391-8660 for a consultation.