Orthodontic treatment improves the function of teeth and jaws. Crooked teeth and an improper bite lead to tooth decay, gum disease, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and headaches, and other health issues.
Treatment for crooked teeth, overcrowded teeth, jaw growth problems, protruding front teeth caused by thumb-sucking and mouth breathing, can be addressed by a Board-Certified orthodontist.
Early Treatment
A straight smile can improve your appearance and boost self-esteem. It can also increase the health of your teeth and jaws by decreasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay, a problem caused by crowded or misplaced teeth that are hard to clean. Additionally, a straighter bite can alleviate the symptoms of jaw pain and headaches that may be caused by a poor bite or excessive pressure on one side of the face from chewing or grinding.
Orthodontic treatment can be effective at any age, but early intervention is particularly important for children. This allows our orthodontist to monitor your child’s growth and development and provide corrective care at the most appropriate time. This helps prevent the need for more extensive and invasive orthodontic procedures in the teen years, such as the use of braces or surgery on the jaw bones. This can reduce the overall cost of orthodontic treatment the woodlands tx treatment and make it more comfortable for our patients.
Metal Braces
Orthodontic treatment helps reduce the risk of developing serious oral health problems such as cavities, gum disease and bite issues later in life. Crooked teeth are more difficult to floss effectively, which increases the chance of developing tooth decay, and crowded teeth can create pockets that trap food particles. This can lead to periodontal (gum) problems and even tooth loss if left untreated.
Traditional metal braces use a combination of brackets and archwires to straighten teeth and correct misalignments. They offer orthodontists precise control over the direction and amount of force applied to each tooth, which allows for more efficient and reliable tooth movement.
However, it’s important to note that metal braces can irritate the mouth and gums. This can be caused by the rubbing of brackets against the inside of the mouth or cheek, or by foods that get stuck in braces. You can reduce discomfort and irritation with orthodontic treatment the woodlands tx wax or by visiting your orthodontist for periodic adjustments.
Clear Braces
Clear braces, also known as ceramic braces, use the same treatment mechanism as metal braces but with brackets that blend in with teeth. They are a popular option for older teenagers and adult patients who want a more discreet treatment solution.
Aside from improving the aesthetics of your smile, straight teeth can help reduce crooked or misaligned teeth, overcrowded teeth, and jaw or bite problems. These issues can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, impacted teeth, and more. By addressing these issues early, we can prevent them from becoming worse and give you a healthier, more aligned smile.
While ceramic clear braces are a great choice for most adults, they do have some drawbacks. The ligature ties that hold archwires in place can become stained from certain foods and drinks, such as berries, tomato sauce, curry, red wine, and smoking tobacco products. They can also become weaker over time due to normal wear and tear.
Retainers
After completing treatment, retainers are vital to maintaining your new smile. Without retainer wear, natural forces can cause teeth to shift back into their original positions, reversing months or even years of progress. This is known as orthodontic treatment the woodlands tx relapse and can lead to problems such as crowding, which makes it difficult to brush and floss your teeth, and gum disease.
Retainers are custom fabricated from a model of your mouth upon completion of treatment. Typically, retainers are fabricated from a combination of acrylic and wire, or clear plastic (Essix). Traditional retainers have a metal wire attached to the acrylic, while Essix retainers are made with a polyurethane free of BPA.
Retainers are easy to maintain; simply place them in at night (or as instructed by our orthodontist) and rinse with water. You may also use efferdent or other appliance cleaners to help remove plaque and eliminate odors. For best results, make sure to wear your retainer consistently until our orthodontist instructs you otherwise.