Braces & Invisalign in San Antonio, TX
Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics offers several excellent orthodontic options for patients who want to achieve a straighter smile. Our team is dedicated to offering our patients high-quality orthodontic services that will correct their misaligned teeth quickly and effectively. If you want to learn more about orthodontics or see how a custom orthodontic treatment plan will benefit you or your child, please get in touch with our office!
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Metal Braces
Metal braces are what most people think of when they hear the word “braces.” However, if you’re picturing the bulky, awkward metal braces of the past, we’re happy to inform you that today’s metal braces are far more comfortable to wear and less of a nuisance for the patient. Metal braces are not removable except by a dentist or orthodontist, so the patient does not have to keep track of or switch out any aligners. Metal braces are also able to treat any kind of orthodontic issue, including more advanced or rare types of malocclusion.stevehacks.com
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Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces, but they are a little more discreet. Ceramic braces use thin wires and clear ceramic brackets to straighten the smile like traditional braces, but they are easier to miss. Some patients even say they are more comfortable to wear because their sleek design reduces the chances that the brackets will rub against the inside of the mouth and cause soreness. While ceramic braces are stain-resistant to a degree, it’s still important that patients take good care of their braces to ensure that they remain clear and discreet.
Invisalign®
Invisalign is one of the most popular choices for clear aligner therapy, and their treatment plans can work well for adults and responsible kids and teenagers as well. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to gradually correct orthodontic issues and straighten teeth, and average treatment times are usually between 12 and 18 months. These comfortable clear aligners must be worn at least 20 to 22 hours a day so that they have enough time to straighten the teeth properly, but they are completely removable, so patients are free to eat whatever they like!
Not sure which option is right for you or your child? Feel free to schedule an orthodontic consultation with our team, and we would be happy to assist!
Learn More Schedule an AppointmentAre orthodontists and dentists the same?
All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. In other words, dentists and orthodontists complete undergraduate degrees and dental school, which totals eight years of higher level education. To become an orthodontist, a dentist must then attend an additional two or three years of school to learn more about straightening teeth, correcting bad bites, and other essential knowledge. This is why we recommend visiting an experienced orthodontist to receive orthodontic treatment.
Should I get braces or Invisalign®?
The orthodontic treatment that you end up receiving will depend on your child’s unique preferences and needs. During their consultation, we will evaluate their teeth and jaw and ask questions about their daily routines and activities to help determine the best choice for their smile. For example, younger patients, patients with severe orthodontic needs, and patients who are forgetful may do better with traditional braces. Older kids and teens who do not want to wear noticeable braces may find that Invisalign is a great fit for them.
What can an orthodontist fix?
When most people think about braces, they just think about their teeth being shifted into a straight, beautiful smile. Braces are excellent for improving the cosmetic appearance of smiles, but they can also correct underbites, overbites, and crossbites. Orthodontic care can be used to reduce a patient’s odds of tooth decay and gum disease, make it easier for them to speak and chew, and help treat TMJ/TMD. Our team can assess your smile and create a custom treatment plan that will help you achieve a smile that is both healthy and beautiful.
