Braces & Invisalign^® – Austin, TX

Who Needs Braces?

It's a common misconception that braces are only for teenagers. In reality, many adults and children can significantly benefit from orthodontic treatment. If you've ever felt self-conscious about your smile or experienced any form of dental discomfort related to your teeth, you might be a good candidate for braces.

Keep an eye out for these signs that might indicate a need for braces:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth: These can make proper brushing and flossing challenging, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Gaps between teeth: These can affect both the appearance of your smile and the alignment of your bite.
• Bite problems (overbite, underbite, or crossbite): These can lead to jaw pain, uneven wear on your teeth, and difficulties with eating.
• Speech or chewing difficulties: Sometimes, these issues can be linked to misaligned teeth.

When to Get Braces

While the ideal timing for braces varies from person to person, orthodontic treatment can provide benefits at nearly any age.

For children, it’s often best to begin between the ages of 7 and 14. During this time, the jaw is still growing, which can make it easier to guide teeth into their correct places. An early orthodontic evaluation can help determine if and when treatment would be most effective.

Teenagers frequently start wearing braces between 12 and 16 years old, once most of their permanent teeth have erupted. This is a popular time for orthodontics because the teeth and jaw are still quite adaptable, leading to efficient treatment outcomes.

It’s important to know that adults can also achieve a straighter smile! More and more adults are choosing orthodontic treatment to fix misalignments, boost their confidence, and improve their oral health. Thanks to innovations like clear aligners and ceramic braces, adults can now straighten their teeth with greater discretion and comfort.

Types of Braces

1. Traditional Braces

Traditional metal braces are made from strong stainless steel and are more comfortable than they used to be. They use small brackets and wires to move your teeth into the right position gently.

Braces work by applying steady pressure over time to straighten teeth, close gaps, and fix bite issues like overbites, underbites, and crossbites. This not only helps your teeth work better but also improves your appearance and confidence. Braces are great for kids, teens, and adults—so it’s never too late to get started!

2. Invisalign®

Invisalign is a clear and comfortable alternative to metal braces. It uses a series of custom-made plastic aligners to move your teeth little by little. You can take them out while eating, brushing, and flossing—so it’s easier to keep your mouth clean and enjoy your favorite foods. Invisalign is a good choice for teens and adults who want a more subtle way to straighten their teeth.

3. Clear Braces

Clear braces are made from tooth-colored or clear materials like ceramic or sapphire, so they blend in with your teeth. They work just like metal braces but are less noticeable, making them a great option if you want something more discreet.

These braces offer the same results as metal ones but with a more natural look. They’re especially popular with teens and adults who want to straighten their teeth without drawing too much attention to their braces.

4. Early Orthodontic Treatment

Also called Phase 1 treatment, this type of care is for kids between ages 6 and 10. It helps fix jaw and tooth problems early—before they get more serious. This can guide the jaw’s growth, make space for adult teeth, stop bad habits, and improve how the teeth come together. Starting treatment early can help avoid bigger treatments later, like teeth extraction or surgery, and can make future braces work better and faster.

5. Assisted Eruption

Sometimes, adult teeth don’t come in properly because they’re blocked by other teeth or bone. This happens most often with canine teeth, which are important for chewing and alignment. If these teeth stay stuck, it can cause pain or shift other teeth out of place.

Assisted eruption is a gentle way to help these teeth move into the right spot. It usually involves a small surgery to uncover the tooth, then attaching a bracket and a tiny chain to guide it into place using braces. This treatment helps improve both the look and function of your smile.

Which Braces Are Right for You?

Choosing the right type of braces depends on three main things: how you want them to look, your budget, and what kind of treatment your smile needs.

Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding:

• Want something less noticeable? Clear options like ceramic braces and Invisalign are great if you prefer a more subtle look.
• Looking for budget-friendly options? Metal braces are usually the most affordable, followed by ceramic braces. Invisalign tends to cost more.
• Need to fix more complicated issues? While Invisalign and ceramic braces work well for many cases, metal braces are often best for treating more complex problems.

At BLVD Dentistry & Orthodontics – Austin, our friendly orthodontic team is here to help you make the right choice. We’ll walk you through your options and find the best solution for your unique smile.

Benefits of Getting Braces

Braces do more than just improve how your smile looks—they also support your long-term dental health in important ways:

• Straighter teeth means more confidence. A well-aligned smile can make you feel more confident in everyday life.
• Healthier teeth and gums. When your teeth are in the right place, it’s easier to brush and floss, which helps prevent cavities and gum disease.
• Better bite and jaw comfort. Fixing misaligned teeth can ease jaw pain and stop your teeth from wearing down unevenly.
• Fewer future dental problems. Taking care of tooth and jaw alignment now can help you avoid bigger, more expensive dental work later.