Clear and metal braces - Allen, TX

Braces work by gradually straightening your teeth over time. The three main components are the brackets, the wires and the ligature colors. These three elements work together to apply a gentle pressure to your teeth. The pressure of the braces allows your teeth to move into a more esthetic position.

You will need to come to our orthodontic office roughly every 6 weeks for your adjustments. At those appointments your orthodontist will either tighten the same wires or give you new wires. Your orthodontist may also prescribe rubber bands. Rubber bands help move your teeth into a proper bite. Rubber bands are easy to wear and the more properly you wear them the faster you can get your braces off. 

HOW DO METAL AND CLEAR BRACES WORK?

The american associattion of orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation at the age of 7. There are multiple treatments that you can do at a younger age that you cannot do on adults. Some things your orthodontist will look for are:
1. Thumb sucking or other habits
2. Crossbites or underbites
3. Missing permanent or baby teeth.
4. Minor or major growth deformities

Many of these issues can be easily fixed in children but not in adults. That is why your child may need a Phase I treatment before they receive a full treatment in their teens. 

BRACES FOR CHILDREN

Once your teen reaches the age where they have most of their adult teeth (minus their wisdom teeth), they will be ready for full treatment. We tell our patients all the time that the best time for braces is in their early teens. At this stage of life you can perform most orthodontic treatment as you are still growing and your bones are not fully fused. Treatment at this time is the easiest and you can achieve the best results. Rubber bands, appliances etc. function very well when patients choose braces in their early teens. 

ORTHODONTICS FOR TEENS

We believe you are never too old to get the smile you deserve. At Thrive Dental and Orthodontics we have treated patients as mature as 75 years old with metal braces. It is a common misconception that you can't get braces as an adult or that your teeth won't move past 50. If you want proof ask an adult if their teeth have shifted through their adult life and they will tell you they have. 
In our orthodontic office most adults still choose braces over Invisalign as they do not want the headache of changing trays every week or forgeting their clear aligners somewhere. 

ORTHODONTICS FOR ADULTS IN ALLEN