Straighter teeth can benefit much more than just your beautiful smile – it can improve your dental health, reduce oral discomfort, and bolster your overall quality of life for years to come! That’s why our team at Rio Dental & Orthodontics is proud to be able to offer orthodontic services right here in-house for maximum comfort and convenience that’s sure to benefit your family. Instead of sending you to specialists, we bring the specialists to you – Dr. Nathan Coughlin and Dr. Michael Choy are our board certified orthodontists, and they look forward to helping children, teenagers, adults, and everyone in-between by transforming their teeth for the better.
Please contact either our convenient Farmers Branch or Irving, TX location today with any questions you may have, or if you’re ready to schedule an orthodontic consultation.
Traditional Braces
Braces have been used to correct misaligned teeth, gaps between teeth, and other common orthodontic issues for many years now, and today, they’re smaller and sleeker than ever before! They’re also a durable, cost-effective option for children and adults alike, providing significant improvements that often can’t be achieved with newer technologies and systems.
When undergoing traditional braces, patients will have silver brackets bonded to the front surfaces of their teeth. These brackets have edges that are known as “wings,” which will have elastic bands attached to them. These hold the orthodontic wires in place, which work to move the teeth while the brackets work as anchors. Over time, patients will return to either of our locations for progress appointments where their wires will be changed out and replaced.
While patients with braces are likely to experience some mild oral sensitivity and irritation at first, this should quickly subside as their mouth “toughens up” to the addition. Younger patients will also love getting to choose their favorite color for their elastic bands! We love offering every shade of the rainbow, including more neutral options for adults who’d like to maintain a neutral, professional look.
Learn More About Traditional Braces
Invisalign® Clear Braces
Of course, there are many image-conscious teenagers and adults who can’t even imagine wearing metal braces. We’ve got an option for you too! Invisalign does away with the traditional model of brackets and wires, replacing them with a set of aligners that are customized for your unique mouth and crafted from clear, comfortable plastic. When worn, these aligners are difficult to spot, and their removable nature allows you to continue eating all your favorite foods throughout treatment. At Rio Dental & Orthodontics, we’ll be happy to take a look at your orthodontic needs and determine whether or not Invisalign is the right solution for your smile.
FAQs Regarding Braces for Kids and Adults
Orthodontists are dental specialists who diagnose and treat problems with the position, alignment, or spacing of the teeth, along with related irregularities in the face and jaw. At Rio Dental, providing orthodontic solutions is one of our specialties, and here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the treatment we provide.
Is there an ideal age for orthodontic treatment?
Chronological age is not a factor in deciding whether a patient is a candidate for orthodontic treatment. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, and whatever their age, patients can look forward to teeth that not only look better but work better as well.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children get a check-up by an orthodontist at the first sign of an orthodontic problem, preferably no later than age 7. Few patients will need to begin treatment that early, but some will benefit from early intervention.
Can you be too old to get treatment?
As we said, healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Today, about one orthodontic patient in five is an adult, and many patients are in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, and beyond.
Are there age-related considerations?
Adult patients often have conditions that younger patients don’t suffer from. These include insufficient bone between the roots for adequate blood supply, mild gingivitis infections, and marginal bone loss. The bones of adults are also harder and no longer growing, and aging tissue often takes longer to adjust to the new position of your teeth. These are known as biomechanical limitations, and that can make tooth realignment a more involved process than with children. But successful treatment can be done!
How long will treatment take?
The time required is different for each person, but the active stage of treatment, involving wearing braces or other appliances, may take from 6-30 months. After that, you wear a retainer.
How often will I see an orthodontist during treatment?
Child or adult, you will see your orthodontist about every six to ten weeks during treatment. These appointments allow the orthodontist to make the changes needed to progress through the treatment while also monitoring the health of your teeth and gums.
Is orthodontic care expensive?
Weighed against the cost of living with problem teeth, orthodontic care is a wise investment in your health and well-being, and at Rio Dental we offer several flexible payment options.
