Straighten Your Teeth and Align Your Bite with Orthodontic Services
The desire to straighten your teeth goes beyond getting the coveted likes and comments on social media—it improves your oral health. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, as there are fewer tricky spots to navigate with your toothbrush and dental floss. Besides, aligning your jaw eliminates TMJ-related pain that can affect your overall health.
At Aqua Dental in Austin, Texas, we offer orthodontic services to patients of all ages. Whether a child or an adult, there is no better place to straighten your smile than our dental clinic. We offer personalized and unrushed dental care for your comfort and convenience.
Our Orthodontic Services in Austin, Texas
Our orthodontic service options are discreet and practical enough to enable you to get on with life with minimal disruptions. Dr. Chitra Pradeep and the team use the options below to align your smile:
- Metal braces: While traditional braces are an effective teeth straightening method for children and teens, they are also ideal for adults with tight budgets or severe orthodontic issues. This treatment uses brackets mounted on teeth connected with wires frequently adjusted to align your teeth and bite. Modern metal braces are less bulky and comfortable than ever. Younger patients are even more jazzed up about the prospect of colorful braces that infuse fun and fashion into orthodontic treatment.
- Invisalign: We offer clear, removable aligners (clear braces) to align your smile with comfort and speed. This treatment is ideal for teens and adults with fully developed jaws. The treatment involves a series of aligners worn in a pattern to move your teeth as per your simulated treatment plan.
Once through with your treatment, we offer retainers to hold your teeth in place as the tissues catch up. We advise you to wear retainers full-time for the first 3-6 months until your teeth settle in their new position. Afterward, you can use your retainers only at night to maintain the smile your dentist worked so hard to align.
Orthodontic Services In and Around Austin, Texas
Don’t live your life in a self-conscious state because of a crooked smile. We can help you get your dream smile to conquer life with confidence. If you want to straighten your smile in Austin, Texas, please dial (512) 643-6571 to book an appointment with Aqua Dental.
FAQs
What are the differences between metal braces and Invisalign?
ToMetal braces are a conventional orthodontic treatment that includes metal brackets and wires to address misaligned teeth and jaw problems. They are very successful in treating many orthodontic issues. Conversely, Invisalign is a contemporary, transparent aligner system that gradually moves teeth into their proper locations using several specially designed, detachable templates. Because Invisalign is removable, it allows for easier oral hygiene maintenance and the freedom to eat as you like, unlike metal braces, which are fixed and cannot be removed.
How long will I need to wear braces or Invisalign?
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies based on individual needs, the severity of the dental issues, and compliance with treatment guidelines. Generally, metal braces are worn for 18 to 36 months, while Invisalign treatment usually takes a similar timeframe, often between 12 to 24 months. Your orthodontist will develop a personalized treatment plan that outlines the expected duration and provide regular progress updates throughout your treatment.
Are there any dietary restrictions with metal braces that I should be aware of?
Yes, certain dietary restrictions should be considered when you have metal braces. It is essential to avoid sticky foods (like caramel and gummy candies), hard foods (like nuts and hard candies), and foods that could cause damage to the braces (like popcorn or whole apples). These items can break wires or dislodge brackets, leading to longer treatment times. Soft, bite-sized foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies can be great alternatives during your treatment.
Can I play sports while wearing braces or using Invisalign?
Absolutely! However, when wearing metal braces, using a mouthguard for protection during sports activities is advisable to prevent injury to your teeth and the braces. For Invisalign users, the aligners can be removed during sports; keep them in a protective case to avoid loss or damage. Always consult your dentist or orthodontist for personalized sports and protective gear recommendations based on your specific treatment plan.
Will my speech be affected by braces or Invisalign?
While both metal braces and Invisalign can require an adjustment period, most patients adapt quickly. With metal braces, some individuals may initially experience slight changes in speech, particularly during the first weeks of wearing them. Invisalign may also cause minor changes, but most users can speak normally after getting accustomed to the aligners.
How does orthodontic treatment benefit my overall dental health?
In addition to making your smile seem better, orthodontic treatment has several positive effects on oral health. Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to maintain, which lowers the risk of gum disease and cavities. Furthermore, good alignment lessens the chance of jaw issues and excessive tooth wear by distributing bite forces evenly. Improved self-esteem is frequently experienced by patients with straight teeth, which can result in improved oral hygiene habits. Long-term comfort and oral health can be enhanced by investing in orthodontic treatment.