Orthodontic Treatments in Austin
Dental technology is constantly advancing, and coupled with our greater understanding of the biology of growth and tooth movement, many new treatments and options exist for people. From barely visible appliances in adults and teens to growth modification in a young person, we are focused on getting all of our patients to a state of dental and orthodontic wellness.
We believe that everyone deserves a healthy and beautiful smile with a functioning bite. At Ortho 360 we specialize in orthodontics for both children and adults. We look forward to discussing your options with you.
Invisalign
Invisalign® is a newer type of treatments that can be used to straighten people’s teeth without the use of conventional braces. Invisalign® uses a series of clear removable aligners to straighten teeth. Each aligner is worn 22 hours per day (with the exception of eating and brushing) for a period of one to two weeks.
- Aligners are almost invisible
- Can be removed to eat, brush, floss
- Can correct problems in adults and teens
- Studies (although relative discomfort is hard to quantify) have shown Invisalign treatments can cause less discomfort than traditional braces
Ortho 360 is a top provider of Invisalign treatments in Austin and the surrounding area. Combining this exclusive experience with hours of additional training makes us one office you want to visit when considering Invisalign.
Traditional Braces
Today’s braces are generally less noticeable than treatments of the past, when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. These days the front teeth typically have only the bracket glued directly to the tooth, minimizing the “train track” look and significantly improving patient comfort. Brackets can be metal or clear, depending on the patient’s preference. Modern wires are also less noticeable than earlier ones. Some of today’s wires are made of special metals and exert a gentle but long lasting pressure on the teeth, so that the tooth moving process is less traumatic and requires fewer appointments than in the past. We also use self-ligating brackets, which means that we don’t need to “tighten” your braces as frequently as was done in the past. This allows more time between appointments and greater patient comfort.
Clear Braces
Another one of our alternative treatments to traditional metal braces are known as “clear” braces. These braces are often preferred by patients that desire a less noticeable appearance. Modern clear braces do not discolor and remain attractive throughout treatments.
Temporary Anchorage Devices
Miniature implants, or temporary anchorage devices (TADs), are titanium-alloy mini-screws that are attached temporarily to the bone. Placement of these mini-screws is minimally invasive and relatively painless. They can be used to intrude or extrude teeth, rapidly move teeth, or close spaces in areas previously thought impossible. TADs dramatically change what can be accomplished with conventional orthodontic treatment.
Early Treatments
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child see an orthodontist by the age of 7. While most 7-year olds do not require treatment, it is a good time to assess what the orthodontic problems will be in the future and to address any growth concerns that may be present. In the mixed dentition (when people have some permanent teeth and some baby teeth) you can evaluate the space for permanent teeth to see if that person will have enough room for the permanent teeth, or if they will have too much space. The mixed dentition is also a good time to evaluate the growth of the jaws, oral habits such as finger/digit sucking, missing or extra teeth and the overall health of the teeth, bones and gums. During a comprehensive clinical exam, we also evaluate the surrounding soft tissue including the tongue and the airway. Many people do not realize that breathing problems or tongue issues in a young child can alter the growth and development of the jaws and teeth. Oftentimes, simple interceptive orthodontic treatment can help a patient avoid a costly and potentially involved future treatment that may not even be able to fully correct the problem. Every child is different, which is why an in-depth clinical exam and discussion of the potential orthodontic problems is so important. At Ortho 360 our evaluation exams are completely complimentary. We even offer a fun kids’ club for our observation patients to participate in until treatment is needed.