How do I know if I need braces?

Crooked teeth require orthodontic treatment, but did you know braces can also treat many other conditions? Here are a few examples:

Overbite

This is when the upper teeth sit in front of the lower teeth. When a person bites down, the upper teeth come over the lower teeth, and there isn’t a proper bite. Overbite is normally caused by genetics, poor oral care, or overdevelopment of the jawbone that holds the teeth. Beyond cosmetic concerns, it can cause painful jaw and joint problems, gum problems, and wear on the lower teeth.

Underbite

An underbite is the reverse of an overbite. When a person with an underbite closes their teeth together, the lower teeth slip over the upper teeth. As with an overbite, this can cause jaw and jaw-joint issues and tooth wear.

Open Bite

An open bite occurs when teeth that should come together do not, leaving an open space between them. This can cause chewing problems and even speech impairment, and it can lead to jaw joint (TMJ) issues.

Crossbite 

This can occur when the upper and lower jaws are misaligned, causing one or more upper teeth to bite on the inside of the lower teeth. It can happen at the front or the sides of the mouth and can cause tooth wear, gum disease, and bone loss.

Gaps in Teeth

Gaps can result from missing teeth or abnormal jawbone growth. Beyond cosmetic reasons, unprotected gum areas can lead to periodontal disease.

Overly Crowded Teeth

When there isn’t enough room in your jaw for all your teeth, they get pushed around, and the way they jam together can make it hard to brush and floss properly, leading to more tooth decay and plaque.

Beyond straightening your smile, correcting these issues means easier brushing and flossing, a lower risk of decay and gum disease, a bite that works the way it should, and — for many patients — a real boost in confidence.

Getting Started: Your Free Consultation

We’ll begin your journey with a FREE, no-obligation examination — including X-rays, photos, and a complete exam by our Board Certified Orthodontist. We’ll answer your questions, walk through your treatment and payment options, and make sure you’re comfortable and confident with your plan.

Choose Your Braces

• Traditional Braces — A combination of wire, elastic bands, and plastic brackets fitted onto your teeth. Modern metal brackets are smaller and flatter than they used to be, making them less noticeable and more comfortable. Typically made of stainless steel or titanium.
• Gold Braces — A fun option for colored braces, especially popular with patients who want a fashion statement. The brackets and wires are gold, giving your smile some extra flair, but they function exactly like traditional braces.
• Clear Braces — Much less noticeable than metal braces, offering the same discipline without the self-consciousness some patients feel with traditional brackets — a good option if your work involves a lot of public speaking or face-to-face interaction.
• Invisalign — read more here…

What to Expect: The Treatment Process

1. Consultation — We evaluate your teeth and bite to determine the best treatment plan.
2. Bonding — We attach brackets to your teeth with dental adhesive, then place wires into them.
3. Adjustments — You’ll visit us regularly so we can tighten or change your wires, gradually guiding your teeth into place.
4. Monitoring Progress — We track your progress and make adjustments as needed to keep you on track.
5. Retention — Once your braces come off, you’ll wear a retainer to keep your teeth from shifting back.

Treatment length varies depending on the severity of what we’re correcting and the type of braces you choose — anywhere from several months to a couple of years.

Caring for Your Braces

Good oral hygiene matters more than ever with braces — brush and floss regularly to keep plaque from building up around your brackets and wires. We’ll also let you know which foods to avoid or limit (hard, sticky, or chewy foods can damage your braces) so nothing gets in the way of your progress.

Our Commitment to You

Choosing braces doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable, dull process. Dr. Taylor and our team are committed to making your treatment educational and enjoyable.

We know your time is valuable — we offer weekend and evening hours to fit your schedule and send appointment reminders by phone, email, and text. We also run contests and rewards to make orthodontic treatment more fun, and we send progress records straight to your dentist so everyone stays in the loop.

Every patient gets an individualized treatment plan built around state-of-the-art technology, including low-radiation, email-capable digital X-rays — our office is fully paperless, and we like keeping it that way. Our 25-seat HD movie theater and flat-screen TVs throughout the practice make every visit relaxing for kids and adults alike.

We also offer in-house, interest-free financing with low monthly payments, because financial considerations shouldn’t stand between you and a healthy, beautiful smile. We’ll walk through your options together at your consultation.

Call us at 956-621-7907, or complete the form below now!