Kids and Adult Braces Provided in Channelview, Baytown & Pasadena, Texas
A straight, beautiful smile can improve your self-confidence and enhance your personal and professional interactions. However, the benefits of having healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment go beyond just looking great and feeling confident. Crowded and crooked teeth are difficult to clean and maintain. Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and eventual tooth loss.
If you live in the Pasadena area and are considering braces, please contact Love Brushing Dentistry online or call 713-490-2088 to schedule an appointment with our experienced, compassionate dentist, Dr. Sanaz Khavari. We welcome patients from Baytown, Channelview, Pasadena and Houston, Texas.
Why Braces?
Straight teeth don’t just look good; they help you bite, chew and even speak better. Since straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, they help keep your mouth healthy and reduce your risk for a number of related health issues, even diabetes and heart disease.
The first step in determining whether or not braces are the right solution for you is to schedule an orthodontics consultation with Dr. Khavari. During your initial meeting, Dr. Khavari will assess your tooth alignment and oral structure.
Scheduling time to discuss braces may be a good idea if you notice any of the following issues:
- Crooked teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Biting the inside of your mouth
- Abnormal jaw pain
Braces for Kids and Adults
There is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment. However, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends beginning orthodontic evaluations around age 7. At this age, children often have a mix of adult teeth and baby teeth, making it easier to diagnose and treat problems before the need for surgery.
This doesn’t mean that your child will get braces right away; it just means Dr. Khavari can detect current or potential problems and determine the best time to start treatment.
If you are a parent, here are some things to look for that may mean your child should visit a dentist to talk about orthodontic solutions:
- Crowded front teeth around the age of seven or eight
- Crooked, misplaced or blocked teeth
- A hard time biting or chewing food
- Mouth breathing
- Teeth or jaw that is not proportional to the rest of the face
- Teeth that do not come together, or come together abnormally
- Finger or thumb sucking
Of course, braces aren’t just for kids. In fact, one in every five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. The main difference between adult orthodontics and orthodontics for younger patients is that adult jawbones are no longer developing, which could mean more complex treatments for jaw alignment.
Adults may have also suffered from:
- Worn or missing teeth: Teeth can become worn and shift into abnormal positions over time. Missing teeth can lead to further dental problems, including a bad bite and gum disease.
- Gum or bone loss: Adults are more likely than teens to suffer from bone loss or gum recession. Patients with straight teeth are less likely to experience gum disease.
- Incomplete orthodontic treatment as a child: Some patients began treatment as teens but never completed it.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most common form of orthodontic treatment today, and most popular among children and teens. Parents generally prefer metal braces because they are made from high-grade stainless steel, making them more durable and less of a maintenance hassle. Kids are less concerned about the appearance of metal braces and parents appreciate having a time-tested and rugged option upon which they can depend.
Clear Ceramic Braces
Many adults avoid orthodontic treatment because they are discouraged by the thought of wearing metal braces. This is why ceramic braces are such a popular option with older patients. While essentially working the same way as their metal counterparts, ceramic braces use natural-looking, tooth-colored ceramic brackets on the front teeth. While they are more visually discreet, ceramic braces do require more attention to gentle care and oral hygiene.
Clear Aligners
Also popular with adults, clear aligners involve a series of custom, removable acrylic trays that gently guide your teeth into a desired position. Not only are these comfortable aligners virtually invisible, they are removable, so you can eat, drink, brush and floss normally. Clear aligners are more esthetic and more hygienic.
Your Orthodontic Consultation
Initial orthodontic consultations are free for all patients. Unlike many orthodontic practices, Love Brushing Dentistry takes intraoral and extraoral pictures at your initial consultation appointment. Dr. Khavari will then upload the pictures and explain what the images mean and what our vision is for you or your child moving forward.
It is important to us that you fully understand the prices and treatment options available to you and your family. You are never under any obligation to proceed with any of our dental services.
Whether you are an adult ready to make a change or a parent shopping for kids’ braces, Dr. Khavari can provide the skilled, compassionate orthodontic care you deserve. Please contact Love Brushing Dentistry today by calling 713-490-2088 or contact us online to schedule an appointment. We welcome patients from Pasadena, Baytown and Channelview areas of East Houston, Texas.