Traditional braces have been used for centuries. A metal bracket is bonded to the front of your teeth. A wire runs the length of your arch through the brackets to connect them together. Ceramic and tooth colored options are also available.

In many cases elastic bands are using with braces. They’re hooked onto specific brackets pulling certain teeth toward one another. The bands help guide the teeth and jaw into their appropriate position.

You may want to consider getting braces if you have crooked or misaligned teeth. Or if you have problems with your bite – like an overbite, underbite, or crossbite. Braces can also fix jaw pain caused by TMJ, which is known to cause frequent headaches.

Braces can cause some soreness when they’re first applied. If the brackets or wires are rubbing your lip or tongue, covering the problem areas with wax to relieve friction. Rinsing with warm salt water a few times a day also helps. Over time, your mouth will get more used to them.

After visiting our orthodontist in Hill Country for an adjustment, you may have some soreness for a day or two. If you’d like, you can take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) like ibuprofen until the discomfort subsides. The reason you may hurt after an office visit is that when the braces are tweaked, it causes more pressure on the mouth. This pressure is what guides your teeth into proper alignment.

Ceramic or clear braces use brackets that are tooth-colored rather than metal. It provides a more aesthetically pleasing look for the patient who’s undergoing orthodontic treatment. Essentially, our Austin ceramic braces can fix the same issues as the traditional system can, but they cost just a small amount more because of the materials used.

Invisalign is a state-of-the-art orthodontic system that uses the latest in digital technology to help straighten your smile. Rather than using metal wires and brackets, this system consists of rigid, thermoplastic trays that help move teeth. These aligners are custom made in batches. Each pair is a little different from the next, showing the progression of movement. The trays are worn for two weeks before moving on to the next set. The number of aligners that you’ll need is customized, based on your individual situation.

Most patients love Invisalign because it’s nearly invisible and treatment times are faster than with traditional braces. Also, the trays are removable, so it makes your hygiene routine and meal times as easy as ever. This option is available to teens and adults. Visit our Austin orthodontist to find out if you qualify.

In order to answer this question, you should first consider your current smile and how it makes you look and feel. Crowding can make you more likely to experience cavities, gum disease, or other costly oral health conditions. Investing in a straight smile and pain-free jaw is something that allows you to reap the benefits of for an entire lifetime. During your consultation we’ll be able to provide you with a clear estimate of all costs involved.

Our dentist in Hill Country offers extended monthly financing. Low to no down payments are available and financing is interest-free. When you come to Hill Country Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics for your free consultation, we’ll review your dental insurance coverage and help you come up with a financial arrangement that fits your needs.

Yes, of course! The doctors and friendly staff of Hill Country Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in the Austin area love seeing all patients! Braces and other treatment options are available for children with special needs who may require bite modification for improved oral health and nutritional concerns.

This is a common concern for a lot of patients and their parents. The short answer is no, braces do not cause cavities. So then why do some kids get their braces removed to discover cavities underneath? The problem here is simple. It’s oral hygiene and the lack thereof during treatment.

In order to maintain the optimal dental health during treatment with wires and brackets, the patient needs to be dedicated to a strict hygiene regimen. Proper brushing and flossing techniques are so important if cavities are to be avoided. The truth of the matter is that braces do attract more plaque, but the cavities come when the plaque isn’t properly removed.

Our dentist in Hill Country will evaluate all your teeth before and after undergoing orthodontic treatment. In an effort to prevent cavities, we may also recommend more frequent cleanings and a prescription fluoride to use at home.

For patients that don’t have the best oral hygiene care, Invisalign may be a better option. This system uses aligners, rather than fixed braces. Removable plastic trays straighten the teeth and can be taken out to eat or when brushing and flossing. With this option, we see a lot less damage to the permanent teeth since brushing and flossing is much easier.