Traditional Metal Braces in The Woodlands, TX

Traditional metal braces help realign the teeth for better aesthetics and functionality. At Made Ya Smile Dental, we know that braces are now lighter and more comfortable than they have been in the past. Our clinic in The Woodlands, TX is a one-stop-shop for all your orthodontic needs, which is why we proudly offer metal braces to teens and adults of all ages. With our 30 years of experience, our team is able to guide you through all phases of care as a convenient and affordable solution, especially those who do not qualify for removable, clear aligners. 

Metal braces are a custom treatment to meet every patients' individual needs and cosmetic goals. If you are uncertain or anxious about orthodontic treatment, you should know that today's brackets and wires are smaller and lighter, making them feel more comfortable on your teeth. Not only that, you can choose the color of the elastic bands to match your favorite sports team. If you are suffering from crooked, overcrowded, or rotated teeth, schedule an appointment and consultation at our friendly practice today. 

Traditional braces use high-quality stainless steel archwires, metal brackets, and bands to guide misaligned or crooked teeth back into place. Made Ya Smile Dental uses metal braces to help individuals with their ability to bite, chew, and speak, as well as improve the aesthetics of your smile. The best candidates for braces are those who simply want straighter teeth, including teenagers and adult patients. Our team is ready to work with you and your family for those who experience the following: 

• Incorrect bites, including underbite, overbite, or crossbite
• Overcrowded teeth 
• Crooked teeth
• Protruding ("buck") teeth
• Gaps between the teeth

Made Ya Smile Dental uses a quick and efficient process to fit patients for traditional metal braces in The Woodlands, TX. We begin by taking 3D scans and digital x-rays of your teeth and jaw so we can plan a more accurate treatment for your smile, then our practitioners take impressions of your arches so we can study your overall bite. To begin the procedure, we clean the surface of your teeth so the brackets can easily attach. We then use a clear bonding material, or a material that matches your teeth, to hold them in place. Our dentists will thread a wire through the brackets and attach each one with a custom elastic band. Once everything is in place, Made Ya Smile Dental will schedule follow-up appointments so we can follow your tooth alignment. 

Patients tend to experience minor headaches and soreness in their mouth following their initial appointment and every time their wire is changed. Made Ya Smile Dental suggests mild pain relievers and eating soft foods to minimize your discomfort. Our practitioners will also point out that traditional metal braces might be difficult to clean since there is plenty of places for food particles and plaque to accumulate so regular brushing and flossing after each meal is essential to your oral health. It's also important to maintain a healthy smile through biannual cleanings and annual dental exams. 

It usually takes 1 – 3 years to complete orthodontic treatment with traditional metal braces. Made Ya Smile Dental will complete a thorough evaluation to give you a more accurate estimate. Once the treatment is finished, one of our general dentists will remove the brackets, bands, and wires and take impressions of your teeth so you can be fitted for a custom retainer. This will keep your teeth in place so you can maintain your smile.

When it comes to traditional metal braces, it's common for individuals to experience a mild dental emergency, such as wires, brackets, or elastic ties that may come undone. For this reason, Made Ya Smile Dental recommends avoiding biting down on hard or sticky foods to minimize your risk for these occurrences. If you do experience an emergency, call our practice in The Woodlands, TX immediately so we can schedule an appointment. In the meantime, there are several ways to deal with these issues when wearing metal braces: 

Soreness in the teeth or jaw: After your initial appointment and every time you have your archwires changed, you may feel discomfort or soreness in the mouth or jaw. This can easily be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Inflamed gum tissues can be relieved with warm saltwater rinses. 

Loose wire: You can use a pencil eraser, pair of tweezers, or Q-tip to push a loose wire back into place. If this can't be done, sterilized fingernail clippers can clip the wire behind the tooth. If there is a spot that feels sore or uncomfortable, try sugarless gum or orthodontic wax. 

Loose band or bracket: If it's attached to the wire, simply leave a loose band in place until you can get an appointment at our clinic. A sharp or irritating spot in your mouth can be covered with sugarless gum or orthodontic wax. 

Loose appliance: Space maintainers or palatal expanders need to be reattached immediately. Until then, stabilize any loose appliances with orthodontic wax. 

Sharp wire that pokes: A poking wire can irritate the cheeks, lips, gums, or tongue, which can cause other problems. Cover the sharp parts of the wire with sugarless gum or orthodontic wax, or use sterilized fingernail clippers to cut the wire if you can. 

Families with dental insurance plans can get their treatment covered as part of their benefits, and Made Ya Smile Dental can call your provider to review your out-of-pocket costs and will also file claims on your behalf. To help fit your orthodontic treatment within your budget, our assistants and staff can go over payment options, including third-party financing with CareCredit®. If you have any questions or concerns about paying for your metal braces, contact our friendly office. 

How long will I have to wear braces?
The majority of patients will need to wear their dental braces for 1 – 2 years. Though the exact length of time you may need to wear them will depend on your unique orthodontic needs and goals. Our orthodontists will make recommendations to ensure that your treatment is a quick and efficient process.

What foods should I avoid when wearing braces?
There are certain foods that can damage the wires and brackets that make up your traditional metal braces. Some of these foods include hard foods like hard candies, popcorn, nuts, pretzels, and carrots, as well as sticky and chewy foods like bagels, gum, and caramel. Once your braces are applied, our team will review what foods could be damaging to your braces and what foods are safe to eat.

Do traditional braces work the same as clear teeth aligners?
Like clear aligners, traditional metal braces place light pressure on the teeth to move them into their desired positions. There are times when one teeth straightening option may be recommended over the other, however, patients often have the option to choose. Our orthodontic team will explain your options at your consultation so that you can make the best decision for your oral health and your lifestyle.

Adults and teenagers can enjoy the benefits and advantages of a straighter, healthier smile with traditional metal braces. When you contact our team for a consultation in The Woodlands, TX, you will see that today's braces are lightweight and comfortable to give you the end results you're looking for. We encourage patients of all ages to visit our premier clinic at Made Ya Smile Dental for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation.