Braces for All Ages

Orthodontics for Every Age | Braces in College Station, Texas

Orthodontics For Children

While there is no perfect age for children to get braces, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist around age seven.
Most children have some baby and adult teeth at this age, making it easier to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner. Straightening teeth is much easier while younger and most of the time elimate the need of surgery.

What Are The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment?

  • Correct and guide the jaw growth to help permanent teeth come in straight
  • Regulate the width of the teeth and jaws
  • Create space for crowded teeth
  • Avoid the need for tooth extractions later in life
  • Correct thumb sucking to improve minor speech problems

How Do I Know If My Child Needs Braces?

Knowing the signs that your child needs braces are pretty simple. Ask yourself the following:

  • Have they lost baby teeth too early or late?
  • Do they have a hard time chewing or biting?
  • Do they mouth breath?
  • Do they suck their finger or thumb?
  • Do they have crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth?
  • Do their jaws pop or make sounds when opening and closing?
  • Do their teeth close abnormally or not at all?
  • Are their jaws and teeth proportionate to their face?
  • Are their front teeth already crowded by age seven or eight?

Please get in touch with our practice to schedule an appointment for a child's evaluation. Early orthodontic treatment will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile and avoid longer treatment later in life. To learn more, follow this link


Orthodontics For Teens

You've just heard what every teen dreads: "YOU NEED BRACES!" Relax, we have information about brackets and wires, rubber bands, wearing a retainer, and everything you want to know about orthodontics!

I Need Braces, Now What?

Please don't worry; braces aren't nearly as scary as you think. Today braces come in various styles, materials, and colors, making life with braces much more accessible, more comfortable, and stylish than ever before.

How Long Do I Need To Wear Braces?

The length of time for treatment depends on three main factors:

  • Early treatment — Dr. Gardner can monitor the growth of the jaw and recommend further treatment if necessary. Not everyone will require early orthodontic treatment; in some cases, your dentist may advise you to wait to receive treatment.
  • What needs correction — The dental issue that needs to be corrected will determine how long treatment takes. Each patient is different. While one patient may only need 12 months to complete treatment, it may take another 24 months. Treatment times depend on how fast your body responds and how much work is required.
  • It depends on YOU! — Your willingness to follow your orthodontist's directions plays a significant role in the time it takes to complete treatment. Always care for your braces and appliances; this will help shorten your treatment!

So Many Orthodontic Options!

Brazos Valley Orthodontics offers a variety of braces, types, and styles to choose from. Some common options include:

  • Traditional metal braces
  • Ceramic braces (tooth colored)
  • Invisible braces
  • Lingual braces

Orthodontics is a big part of many teens' lives. While braces may have had a bad reputation in the past, today's braces are a rite of passage and make it easy to look good! Please get in touch with us to schedule an appointment.
 

Orthodontics for Adults

Orthodontic treatment is not only for teens. Today, the American Association of Orthodontists states that one in five patients is over 21. Adults choose to receive treatment later in life because they understand the importance of oral health and want to feel good about their appearance.

Why Do Adults Consider Orthodontic Treatment?

  • Because of a bad bite or malocclusion
  • Because of crowded teeth or spaced-apart teeth
  • Because of abnormal jaw pain or pressure caused by crooked teeth
  • A simple desire for a healthier mouth and a confident smile

What are Orthodontic Treatments for Adults?

For many adults, having metal brackets and wires is enough to discourage them from straightening their teeth. However, today's orthodontic treatment options offer various types of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to you. Types of braces include:

  • Clear braces
  • Ceramic braces
  • Self-ligating braces
  • Lingual (behind the tooth) braces
  • Invisible braces
  • Traditional metal braces

What is the Difference Between Adult, Teen, and Children Orthodontics?

The difference to remember when treating adults versus children and teens, is that the jawbones are still developing in younger patients. For adults, jaw bones have stopped growing. Which may mean the possibility of needed corrective orthognathic surgery to align the jawbones. Other differences include:

  • Gum loss or bone loss — Adults are more likely than children to have gum recession or bone loss due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. Patients with straight teeth are generally less likely to get gum disease.
  • Worn out or missing teeth — As we age, teeth sometimes become worn down and shift and can only be corrected with orthodontic care. Missing teeth can cause neighboring teeth to shift and tilt into empty spaces. This issue leads to a bad bite and increases the chances of gum disease.
  • Incomplete orthodontic treatment — Many adults wore braces as a teen but never completed their treatment. As an adult, they choose to finally see out their orthodontic treatment to achieve a healthy, beautiful, straight smile.

At Brazos Valley Orthodontics, we recognize that adults and children have different needs and require different levels of care and attention. We will work to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatment for your needs.

Why Should I Consider Braces?

  • Straight teeth are healthier — Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean and may help prevent tooth decay.
  • Better confidence — Orthodontics can help boost your self-confidence, give you a better quality of life, and the freedom to flash those pearly whites without holding back!
  • Untreated mouths can worsen — Not receiving orthodontic treatment when needed can create long-term health issues costing you more later. Read this article to help you decide.

Please get in touch with our orthodontic practice in College Station, TX, to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation and to learn more about the benefits. We understand that you have a busy schedule, and will work to ensure each visit is as convenient as possible.