Braces

While there are many types of braces, they all rely on a system of brackets and archwires. The brackets are the pieces bonded to the teeth, either on the front or the back, using a special glue. Then, we thread a wire through the brackets, which acts as a track to guide the teeth. The gentle pressure exerted by braces causes the teeth to move in the desired direction. Traditional braces also include ligatures (tiny elastics or thin wires) to secure the archwires to the brackets. Our self-ligating SLX or Damon braces don’t use ligatures and, instead, have a slide mechanism that holds the wire while the teeth move freely into position.

The procedure is painless and usually takes less than an hour. First, we’ll polish your teeth and prime the surface for the special braces glue. The doctor will stick the brackets on each tooth, and the adhesive will ensure they stay put throughout your treatment. We’ll finish by threading your archwire through the brackets. If you opt for self-ligating SLX or Damon braces, the archwire is held in place by a slide mechanism, or we’ll use elastics or metal ties for traditional metal or clear braces. Before you go on your merry way, a team member will give you all the information you need to care for your braces.

Every patient is unique and has different needs. In general, treatment will last between one and two years. If you want to speed things up, we offer self-ligating SLX or Damon braces, innovative braces systems that work more quickly than traditional braces. To get a specific timeframe, schedule a free consultation with our Bellaire or Houston family orthodontists. Once the doctor examines you and formulates a diagnosis, they can let you know what to expect.

No! You’re never too old to get a healthy, beautiful smile with braces. About half of our patients at Houston Orthodontic Specialists are adults, and we’ve had patients up to 80 years old. The benefits of straight teeth are more than cosmetic, and adult braces can help improve your health and confidence. If you don’t love the idea of metal braces, adults tend to be great candidates for aesthetic options, such as Invisalign® and clear braces for adults, which we offer at our practice. Schedule your free consultation, and we’ll help you choose a treatment that fits your lifestyle and needs.

Removing your braces is pain-free and easy. Your Houston or Bellaire orthodontist will use special tools to loosen and remove the brackets and wires. They’ll scrape off any leftover adhesive, polish your teeth and let you check out your new smile in the mirror.

For an estimate of how much braces cost, try out our payment calculator. We strive to make braces affordable for our patients and their families, so we offer several financing options and accept most insurances. We’re committed to helping you find a plan that fits your budget. Book a free consultation to learn more about the cost of braces near you!

Braces don’t hurt, and you shouldn’t feel severe pain. However, when your dental braces are first put on and tightened, your teeth and gums can be slightly tender. This discomfort is easily managed with an over-the-counter pain reliever like Ibuprofen and by sticking to soft foods and cold drinks until it subsides.

For most treatment plans, you’ll come in for visits every 10 to 12 weeks; this can vary depending on your needs. These regular appointments are generally about 20 to 30 minutes.

When wearing braces, you should brush your teeth in the morning, after meals and before bed for three minutes each session. If you forget your toothbrush while out and about, rinse your mouth well after eating and brush when you get home.