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Crooked teeth affect more than appearance. Misaligned teeth are harder to clean, leading to increased risk of decay and gum disease. Many patients also experience jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty chewing properly due to bite problems.
Modern orthodontic treatment addresses these functional issues while creating beautiful smiles. Today’s options, like clear aligners, offer discreet, comfortable correction for adults and teens alike. At Beechnut Dental Care, we evaluate each patient’s unique situation to recommend the most effective treatment approach. Our cosmetic dentistry services include advanced orthodontic solutions designed to improve both function and aesthetics for Houston patients.
Orthodontics focuses on correcting teeth and jaw alignment issues affecting both appearance and function. Misaligned teeth create more than cosmetic concerns; they can lead to uneven wear, jaw pain, difficulty cleaning, and increased risk of decay and gum disease. Proper alignment improves your bite, making chewing more efficient and reducing stress on jaw joints.
Modern orthodontic treatment utilizes various approaches to gradually shift teeth into optimal positions. The process involves applying controlled forces to teeth, stimulating bone remodeling, and allowing movement through the jawbone. Treatment options range from traditional braces to clear aligner therapy, with each method offering unique advantages. Your orthodontist considers factors including:
Successful orthodontic treatment requires careful planning, regular monitoring, and patient cooperation throughout the process.
During your consultation we’ll help determine which restoration option best suits your oral health needs and lifestyle preferences.
Orthodontic issues vary widely in type and severity, affecting patients differently. Overcrowding occurs when insufficient space causes teeth to overlap, twist, or erupt in incorrect positions. This condition makes proper cleaning difficult, increasing cavity and gum disease risk. Spacing problems create gaps between teeth, affecting both aesthetics and function. Food impaction in gaps can lead to gum irritation and decay.
Bite abnormalities significantly impact oral health and comfort. Overbites occur when upper teeth extend too far over lower teeth, potentially causing wear and jaw discomfort. Underbites, where lower teeth protrude beyond upper teeth, affect facial appearance and chewing efficiency. Crossbites involve upper teeth sitting inside lower teeth, leading to uneven jaw growth and tooth wear. Open bites prevent proper tooth contact when jaws close, affecting speech and eating.
Dr. Mitch Dang leads our dental team with comprehensive training in all aspects of dental care. After graduating from the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston in 2012, Dr. Dang earned the prestigious Hanau Best of the Best Award of Excellence in Prosthodontics. His understanding of dental aesthetics and function ensures patients receive thorough orthodontic evaluations and appropriate treatment recommendations. Our dedicated team supports every aspect of your orthodontic journey.
Clear aligners represent a revolutionary advancement in orthodontic treatment, offering virtually invisible teeth straightening. These custom-made, removable trays gradually shift teeth using precise, controlled movements. Each set of aligners moves teeth incrementally closer to their ideal positions, with patients progressing through multiple sets throughout treatment.
The clear aligner process begins with detailed digital imaging capturing your current tooth positions. Advanced software creates a step-by-step treatment plan showing exactly how teeth will move. Custom aligners are then fabricated for each stage of movement. Patients wear aligners 20-22 hours daily, removing them only for eating and oral hygiene. Treatment typically requires changing to new aligners every one to two weeks.
While clear aligners work well for many cases, some orthodontic issues require traditional braces for optimal results. Modern braces use smaller, more comfortable brackets than previous generations. Metal braces remain highly effective for complex movements, offering precise control over tooth positioning. Ceramic braces provide a more aesthetic option with tooth-colored brackets blending with natural teeth.
Each orthodontic method has specific advantages. Traditional braces work continuously without requiring patient compliance for wear time. They effectively address severe misalignment, significant bite issues, and complex tooth movements. Braces also allow for immediate adjustments during appointments, fine-tuning treatment progress. For patients requiring comprehensive orthodontic correction, traditional methods often provide the most predictable results.
Your orthodontic journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation examining teeth alignment, jaw relationships, and facial aesthetics. We take photographs, X-rays, and impressions or digital scans to create detailed treatment plans. This initial assessment identifies specific problems and determines appropriate treatment options. We discuss expected treatment duration, costs, and what to expect throughout the process.
During active treatment, regular appointments monitor progress and make necessary adjustments. Clear aligner patients typically visit every 6-8 weeks to receive new aligner sets and verify proper tooth movement. Traditional braces require more frequent adjustments, usually every 4-6 weeks. These appointments allow us to ensure treatment stays on track and address any concerns promptly.
During your consultation we’ll help determine which restoration option best suits your oral health needs and lifestyle preferences.
Orthodontic treatment benefits patients across all age groups, though timing affects treatment approaches.
Early intervention for children, typically around age 7, can guide jaw growth and create space for permanent teeth. Phase I treatment addresses specific issues like crossbites or severe crowding, potentially simplifying later comprehensive treatment. Not all children require early intervention, but evaluation helps identify those who would benefit.
Teen orthodontics remains the most common treatment timing, taking advantage of remaining growth and high bone turnover rates. Permanent teeth have typically erupted, allowing comprehensive correction of alignment and bite issues. Teens often achieve faster results than adults due to a more adaptable bone structure. Social considerations and self-consciousness about appearance make discreet options like clear aligners particularly appealing for this age group.
Adult orthodontics continues growing in popularity as more people recognize the benefits of properly aligned teeth. While treatment may take slightly longer than for younger patients, adults can achieve excellent results with any orthodontic method. Many adults choose clear aligners for professional and social reasons, appreciating the minimal impact on their daily appearance.
Completing active orthodontic treatment marks an important milestone, but retention ensures lasting results. Teeth naturally tend to shift back toward original positions without proper retention. Retainers prevent this relapse, maintaining your new smile alignment. Initially, retainers are worn full-time, gradually transitioning to nighttime wear as directed.
Several retainer types serve different needs. Removable retainers offer convenience for cleaning and eating, but require disciplined wear. Fixed retainers, bonded behind teeth, provide continuous retention without compliance concerns. Many patients benefit from combination approaches, using both fixed and removable retainers. Regular dental cleanings and check-ups help monitor retention and ensure long-term stability.
Beechnut Dental Care is committed to helping Houston residents achieve beautifully aligned, healthy smiles through comprehensive orthodontic care. We understand orthodontic treatment represents a significant investment in your oral health and confidence, which is why we offer flexible financing options and work with patients to find payment methods and plans fitting their budgets. Our practice accepts various insurance plans, making orthodontic treatment more accessible than ever.
Whether you’re considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, our team provides honest evaluations and personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and goals. We coordinate care with trusted orthodontic specialists when necessary, ensuring you receive the most appropriate treatment for optimal results. Schedule your orthodontic consultation today by calling (713) 839-0900 or submitting our convenient contact form to discover how orthodontic treatment can enhance your smile and oral health.
