Why choose orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment helps properly function your teeth and create beautiful smiles by fixing dental issues. Orthodontists can correct dental issues to achieve a longer-lasting and more beautiful smile. Orthodontists offer quality orthodontic treatment to children with dental problems.
Orthodontic treatment may offer psychological benefits, such as increased confidence and improved self-esteem. At the time of orthodontic treatment, our treating doctor thoroughly examines your teeth and mouth to get a detailed record to develop an individual treatment plan.
Orthodontic problems may be classified as malocclusion or “bad bite.” The following problems may be helped or minimized with proper orthodontic treatment in Wichita Falls:
Misaligned, crooked, or crowded teeth
Missing teeth
Extra teeth
An overbite
An underbite
Misaligned or incorrect jaw position
A disorder of the jaw joint
At what age do braces become appropriate?
In most cases, the ideal age for braces, and other orthodontic treatments, is between 10 and 14 years of age. Moving and correcting the alignment of the teeth follows the same biological and physical process regardless of age. However, an adult mouth must overcome already-positioned facial bones and jaw structure. Thus, overcoming most malocclusions may require more than one type of orthodontic treatment for adults and can sometimes involve jaw surgery.
Orthodontists can help determine the right age to start treatment based on a child's needs. Although 10-14 is an appropriate age, as per many orthodontists but at age 7, you must visit an orthodontist for an initial evaluation, which will help with emerging problems before they become severe and costly. Older kids could also benefit from braces if they have more severe issues requiring more comprehensive orthodontic treatment. No matter your child's stage, you can talk to an orthodontist about getting kids' braces in Wichita Falls. Our orthodontists will speak with you in detail.
What are the different types of braces available?
Braces, also called fixed orthodontic appliances, generally come in three varieties:
Brackets, metal or plastic, clear or tooth-colored, that are bonded to teeth
Lingual-type brackets that attach to the back of teeth, hidden from view
Bands that cover most of the teeth with metal bands that wrap around the teeth
Dental Braces come in various types and styles. The most common type is traditional metal braces, which use brackets and wires to align the teeth. All three types use wires to move the teeth to the desired position. Ceramic braces are a more discreet option that uses clear or tooth-colored brackets instead of metal ones. Lingual braces, also known as invisible braces, are placed behind the teeth for an even more discreet look. Finally, self-ligating braces are traditional metal braces that use clips instead of elastics to hold the archwire in place. No matter your preference or dental needs, orthodontists in Wichita Falls have suitable options available to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
Oral healthcare and braces
As part of your child’s orthodontic treatment, it is important to maintain proper dental hygiene while wearing dental braces. This is essential for preventing dental problems and ensuring the health of your child’s teeth. To help make dental hygiene easier with dental braces, our orthodontists have some tips to eliminate or reduce any oral health problems while your child's teeth are in braces:
Make certain that your child is brushing his/her teeth carefully after every meal with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, as food becomes easily lodged in the braces.
Make certain that your child is flossing daily between the teeth and the braces.
Maintain every six-month cleaning by your child's dentist or orthodontist or as recommended by your orthodontist.
Limit your child's sugar and starch intake, as debris left behind from these foods may become damaging acids, harming teeth and gums and promoting plaque formation.
Avoid hard and/or sticky snacks that may be difficult to remove from the orthodontic equipment in your child's mouth. This includes foods such as popcorn, hard or chews candy, caramel, and/or nuts.
Find out more about at what age your kid requires braces with a consultation visit. We offer high-quality services for dental braces in Wichita Falls for a better future for your child.
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