Braces in Houston
Learn how braces straighten teeth, who may be a good candidate, and what to expect from orthodontic treatment at Kwin Dental in Houston.
Braces are orthodontic appliances that gradually move teeth into healthier positions. They can straighten crowded or crooked teeth, close some spaces, and improve certain bite problems. Children, teens, and adults may be candidates for braces, but healthy teeth and gums and good oral hygiene are important before and during treatment. A dental examination, and often X-rays and other records, are needed to determine whether braces are appropriate for you.
What are Braces?
Braces are a type of orthodontic treatment used to move teeth and improve the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.
Traditional braces usually include small brackets attached to the teeth and a thin archwire that connects them. Gentle, controlled pressure from the wire and other parts of the braces gradually moves the teeth toward their planned positions. Some patients may also need elastic bands or other orthodontic appliances to help correct their bite.
Dentists use the word malocclusion to describe teeth or jaws that do not fit together properly. The goal of orthodontic treatment is not simply to make teeth look straighter. A healthy bite can also make biting, chewing, speaking, and cleaning the teeth easier.
Braces can be used to treat problems such as
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Teeth that stick out
- Certain overbites or underbites
- Crossbites
- Teeth that do not meet correctly when you bite
Why Would Someone Need Braces?
People consider braces for both dental health and appearance.
To Straighten Crowded or Crooked Teeth
When teeth overlap or are crowded together, brushing and flossing can be more difficult. Straightening the teeth may make it easier to clean around them and maintain good oral hygiene.
To Improve the Bite
Your bite describes how your upper and lower teeth come together.
Some people have teeth that meet unevenly or do not meet correctly. Depending on the cause and severity, braces may be able to move the teeth into positions that allow the bite to function more normally.
To Close or Manage Spaces
Braces may be used when there are noticeable gaps between teeth. The treatment plan depends on why the spaces are present and whether there is enough room for all of the teeth.
To Improve Tooth Position
Teeth that stick out, rotate, or grow into unusual positions may sometimes benefit from orthodontic treatment.
To Improve a Patient’s Smile
Many patients also choose braces because they would like straighter teeth and feel more comfortable with their smile.
However, braces are not recommended based on appearance alone. Your dentist should also evaluate the health of your teeth, gums, bite, and supporting bone before treatment begins.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Braces?
There is no single “right age” for braces. Children, teenagers, and adults can all receive orthodontic treatment when their teeth and supporting tissues are healthy enough for treatment.
You may be a good candidate if you have:
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked or rotated teeth
- Spaces between teeth
- Certain bite problems
- Teeth that are difficult to clean because of their position
- A desire to improve tooth alignment
Good candidates should also be willing to care for their teeth carefully during treatment. Braces create extra areas where food and plaque can collect, so regular brushing, flossing, dental cleanings, and orthodontic visits are important.
An examination is needed to determine whether braces are appropriate for your teeth and bite
Who May Not Be a Good Candidate for Braces?
Braces may need to be delayed or may not be the best option for every patient. Your oral health should be evaluated before orthodontic treatment begins.
You may need other dental care first if you have:
- Untreated cavities
- Active gum disease
- Poor oral hygiene
- Certain dental or medical conditions
- A problem that requires a different type of treatment
Cavities and gum disease may need to be treated and stabilized before braces are placed. Patients also need to be able to brush and floss carefully because brackets and wires can make cleaning more difficult.
Some severe bite or jaw-position problems may require additional treatment beyond braces. A dental examination and review of your health history can help determine which treatment option is most appropriate for you.
What Problems Can Braces Correct?
Crowding
Crowding happens when there is not enough room for the teeth to line up properly. Teeth may overlap, twist, or grow in at an angle.
Spacing
Spacing means there are larger-than-normal gaps between some teeth.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth more than expected.
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth when the mouth is closed.
Crossbite
A crossbite occurs when some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth rather than outside them when biting.
Open Bite
An open bite means some upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed.
Not every bite problem requires the same treatment. Your dentist will evaluate both tooth position and how your jaws come together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best age to get braces?
There is no single best age for everyone. Children, teenagers, and adults can all receive orthodontic treatment. The right timing depends on tooth development, jaw growth, oral health, and the type of correction needed.
Can Adults Get Braces?
Yes.
Orthodontic treatment is not limited to children and teenagers. Many adults receive braces or other orthodontic treatment to correct problems that have been present for years or to address changes in tooth position over time.
Treatment for adults may differ from treatment for growing children, so an individual examination is important.
Can I get braces if I have cavities?
Untreated cavities will often need to be addressed first. A healthy mouth provides a better starting point for orthodontic treatment.
Do braces make teeth harder to clean?
Yes. Brackets and wires create additional areas where plaque and food can collect, so patients usually need to spend more time brushing and flossing.
Will my teeth stay straight forever after braces?
Teeth can continue to shift throughout life. Wearing your retainer as instructed helps maintain the positions achieved during treatment.
Are braces right for everyone?
No. The condition of your teeth and gums, the type of orthodontic problem, your overall treatment needs, and your ability to maintain good oral hygiene all affect whether braces are appropriate.
Braces in Houston at Kwin Dental
If you are concerned about crooked, crowded, or unevenly spaced teeth, an examination is the first step toward understanding your options.
Kwin Dental provides dental care in Houston and lists braces among the services available to patients. The practice is located at 9203 S Texas 6 #114, Houston, TX 77083.
During an evaluation, the dental team can examine your teeth and bite, discuss what you would like to change, and determine whether braces or another treatment option may be appropriate.
Braces are not the right solution for every patient, and treatment recommendations should be based on the health and position of your teeth rather than appearance alone.
If you are considering braces in Houston, schedule an evaluation with Kwin Dental to learn what options may fit your dental needs.
If you have crooked, crowded, or unevenly spaced teeth, call Kwin Dental at 281-564-8100 to schedule a braces evaluation. Our team can examine your teeth and bite and discuss whether braces or another orthodontic treatment may be right for you.
