Types of Braces
Braces have long been the go-to solution for correcting misaligned teeth and achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. These orthodontic appliances are designed to gradually shift teeth into their desired positions, addressing issues like overcrowding, gaps, and bite problems. Traditional braces consist of metal brackets and wires, but advancements in technology have led to a variety of options for patients. From ceramic braces that blend with the natural tooth color to completely custom, 3D-printed brackets, there is a wide range of choices available here at East Texas Orthodontics. No matter the type you choose, braces offer a transformative journey toward a confident and aligned smile.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.
Clarity Clear Braces
Traditionally, metal braces are what many of us consider when we think about ‘braces.’ However, the disadvantage of metal braces is that they are still very noticeable to others.
Clear braces are transparent in appearance, making them practically invisible when compared with traditional metal braces. If you want an amazing smile but worry that metal braces will be too noticeable, then clear aesthetic braces may be an excellent option for you. Clear braces differ from other types of ceramic braces in that the brackets are completely clear, minimizing their appearance.
Champagne Gold
Champagne gold braces are an aesthetic alternative to traditional metal braces. These braces feature champagne-colored brackets made of stainless steel, offering the durability of metal braces with the elegant look of gold. The champagne color closely resembles the shade of natural teeth and can be paired with gold wires and clear ligatures for a stylish and discreet appearance. They provide patients with the option to maintain an attractive smile while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
LightForce
With custom 3D-printed brackets and a fully integrated digital platform for us to fully monitor your progress, LightForce enables a faster and more streamlined treatment experience for patients. Every LightForce treatment plan is individually designed based on your unique tooth shape, jawline, and facial structure, enabling a perfect fit throughout the straightening process. Spend less time in the orthodontist’s chair, and more time living your life. LightForce offers:
- Efficient Treatment (thanks to braces that are designed to exactly match your teeth)
- Ideal Results (thanks to digital treatment planning and more effective bracket technology)
- Perfect Fit (thanks to digital scans, you get perfectly-fitting braces)
Braces For Kids
If your child needs braces, then finding the right orthodontist is key to a healthy smile. You need to work with an experienced expert who understands the unique needs of your child’s teeth and can support their facial development throughout the course of treatment.
Getting braces as a kid is a major change, and we recognize that some children may be nervous about starting treatment. Our office always takes it at its own pace and makes each patient feel safe, comfortable, and included in the treatment process.
Braces for kids help prevent oral health issues down the road. They can also increase confidence as children get to show off a beautiful, healthy smile throughout their teen years and beyond.
If you have any questions about braces for kids in East Texas, please reach out to us to request a complimentary consultation with Dr. Brown or Dr. Borth!
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Orthodontist?
Every child should see an orthodontist for a comprehensive evaluation by the time they’re seven years old. Some patients may come in earlier if they have noticeable difficulties when chewing, speaking, or breathing due to their bite alignment.
There are some other signs that your child might benefit from orthodontic treatment:
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- Crooked Teeth — Baby teeth often appear spaced when they’re coming in, but as your child grows, their teeth should move closer together. Misaligned or crooked teeth can cause complications later as they’re more difficult to clean. It’s best to reach out to an orthodontist who can determine whether your child would benefit from braces.
- Premature Or Late Loss Of Baby Teeth — A child should lose their first tooth around six years old, though some may fall out sooner. Premature loss of baby teeth can cause teeth to shift, resulting in a misaligned bite later. Late loss of baby teeth can also cause adult teeth to grow behind or in front of the childhood tooth. If your child hasn’t lost any teeth by age seven, or their teeth have fallen out before age four, reach out to us.
- TMJ Pain — Even children can be affected by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. This comes from poor jaw alignment that places strain on the joint. Early warning signs of TMJ can be difficulty opening or closing the mouth, earaches, jaw fatigue, and popping or clicking sounds.
Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Early orthodontic care, or two-phase treatment, helps children avoid complications with their oral health later in life. Getting braces when they’re still growing can reduce the treatment time and cost by correcting issues before they have a chance to become moderate to severe.
The sooner your child sees an orthodontist, the earlier we can intervene and correct any problems they may have or be at risk of developing in the future. For example, selectively removing certain baby teeth can prevent crowding and misalignment by making room for adult teeth to come in.
Another major benefit of early orthodontic care is proper jaw alignment. Because their facial bones are still developing, it’s easier to shift the position of their jaw and prevent it from causing crowding, misalignment, and pain when they’re older.
Children that receive early orthodontic care can enjoy a lifetime of happy smiles with the care of our team!
Braces For Teens
Sometimes, parents miss the warning signs that their child needs an orthodontist. Or a child only develops misalignment after their adult teeth have come in. The good news is that it’s never too late to start corrective treatment. Braces for teens can help you get your dream smile while avoiding many of the problems that can come from having misaligned teeth in adulthood.
The Braces for Teens Experience
Getting braces is a major milestone for a lot of teenagers. As a teenager, you may feel worried that braces will be embarrassing or too difficult to manage. Trust us; we understand. The good news is that modern braces are sleek and a lot more comfortable than ones in the past.
If you heard any negative stories from your parents or other adults that wore braces as a child, know that things have changed a lot over the last couple of decades.
Modern braces for teens can be a part of your style. You can choose clear ones that blend into your teeth or colored ones that show off your personality. Once you’ve gotten used to wearing them, braces just become another part of your life. And when they’re off, you get to enjoy a beautiful smile and a lower risk of oral health problems as an adult.
Your Life With Braces
Having braces isn’t as difficult as you may think, but it does add some extra steps to your day. For example, you’ll need to pay particular attention to how well you clean your braces since it’s easy for food to get caught in the brackets or bands.
You’ll also need to avoid certain types of food you like, which can be frustrating, but it’s only for the course of treatment. Pizza, bagels, gummy candy, and any food that’s sticky or hard can be a challenge to eat with braces.
Adjustments can also be uncomfortable for a few days, but they do become more tolerable with time. You’ll need to wear braces for 18 to 24 months, which can feel like a really long time, but it’s worth it for a lifetime of straight teeth!
If you would like to learn more about braces for kids or teens, please request a complimentary consultation with us at East Texas Orthodontics.
Braces For Adults
Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists states that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance. Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care, and now you can too. Some common reasons why adults are considering orthodontic treatment are:
- A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly
- Teeth that are crowded or spaced apart, possibly leading to tooth decay or gum disease
- Abnormal jaw pain or pressure that is caused by crooked teeth
- The desire for a healthier mouth and a more confident smile
The Adult Orthodontics Difference
The main difference between treating adults and children or teens is that the jawbones of younger patients are still developing. For adults, these bones have stopped growing, which may make orthognathic surgery possible to align the jawbones. Other differences include:
- Gum Or Bone Loss (Periodontal Disease) — Adults are more likely than children to experience gum recession or even bone loss due to gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease. Patients with straighter teeth are less likely to get gum disease.
- Worn Or Missing Teeth — Over time teeth can become worn down and shift into different positions that can only be corrected with orthodontic care. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift and tilt, creating a bad bite and increasing the possibility of gum disease.
- Incomplete Orthodontic Treatment As A Teen — Many adults received some orthodontic treatment as a child or teen, but never completed their treatment. As an adult, they choose to complete their orthodontic treatment to achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they always wanted.
Our practice also recognizes that adults and children have different needs, and require a different level of attention and care. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatments and that your needs are met with understanding and respect from us.
Why Consider Orthodontic Treatment
- Straight Teeth Are Healthy Teeth — Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to keep clean with flossing and brushing, and may help prevent other health problems.
- A Beautiful, Straight Smile Builds Confidence — Orthodontic treatment can help boost your self-confidence, giving you a better quality of life and the freedom to smile without holding back!
- Smiles Left Untreated Can Worsen — Not receiving orthodontic treatment when it’s needed can create long-term health issues costing you more in the end.
To learn more about the benefits of adult orthodontics, please contact our practice to request a consultation. We understand that you have a busy schedule, and we will work with you to make sure each office visit is as convenient as possible.
