The number of people wearing braces has quadrupled over the past half-century. More than 4.5 million Americans now wear braces, although children and adolescents continue to make up the majority of orthodontic patients. Whatever your age, there are innumerable benefits to getting dental braces. Lovett Dental Cinco Ranch has answers to these and other frequently asked questions about teeth straightening.
Our Dental Services in Houston
Here at Lovett Dental Cinco Ranch in Houston, we provide everything from cleaning and dental exams to cosmetic dental procedures, such as in-office teeth whitening. As such, you can have all of your dental and orthodontic needs taken care of under one roof. A few of the dental services we offer include:
Before getting dental braces, we’ll schedule a free consultation to discuss the different types of braces and determine which kind is best for you. If you decide to go ahead with treatment, our staff will take X-rays and molds of your teeth. We may also recommend other dental procedures, if necessary. Next, we will come up with a custom treatment plan that we can discuss in greater detail as your treatment progresses, including our affordable financing options.
Do I Need Dental Braces?
The need for orthodontic treatment is not always obvious. Consequently, the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) provides some guidelines that will let you know when it is time to consider braces. In children, one sign is when kids lose their baby teeth too early or too late. This can lead to crowding issues as new teeth come in. Children who suck their thumbs are more likely to need braces from a pediatric dentistry as well.
When teens and adults need braces, they often notice unusual sounds in their jaw or frequently bite into the roof of their mouth. Misaligned teeth may also result in unusual facial features, such as cheeks or jaw appearing asymmetrical. Clenching or grinding the teeth is common as well, particularly at night. If you feel embarrassed by your smile or have difficulty eating, chewing, or talking because of misaligned teeth, it’s time to visit our dentistry for general dentistry services in West Houston.
Orthodontic Benefits of Dental Braces
Children with crooked teeth often feel self-conscious about their smiles. As a result, misaligned teeth could affect your kids socially. However, even adults can benefit from straightening their teeth. Studies have shown that individuals with crooked teeth are thought of as being less successful, and may even have a harder time landing a job than their straight-toothed counterparts. Nearly 40% of those surveyed also stated they would not go on a second date with someone who had crooked teeth.
Higher self-esteem is a significant orthodontic benefit, but it is not the only one. You or your child can experience other benefits, such as:
- Improving your overall oral health. When you have misaligned teeth, it can be challenging to brush and floss properly, making it more likely that you will experience tooth decay
- Making it easier to chew and swallow food, thereby helping with digestion
- Preventing gum and jawbone erosion
- Improving speech impediments
- Reducing damage to teeth because of grinding or clenching
Contact Lovett Dental Cinco Ranch in West Houston
Are you ready to give your child a winning smile that will last a lifetime? Do you want to stop feeling embarrassed about your own uneven teeth? If so, it’s time to visit our office for dental braces that you can feel good about. Contact Lovett Dental Cinco Ranch online or call 713-244-7799 to schedule an appointment today.