How do Lingual Braces Differ From Traditional Braces?

/0 Comments/in /by

When you visit your dentist to get orthodontics in Houston, TX, you’ll have a choice as to what kind of braces you want. Your choice will depend on the orthodontist’s recommendation, the severity of your alignment issues, and your lifestyle. Even when your orthodontist recommends traditional braces to best treat your circumstances, you still have a choice between traditional braces and lingual braces.

What Are Lingual Braces?
Lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth, closest to the tongue. Traditional braces have brackets facing outward, closest to the lips. In many ways, lingual braces are identical to traditional braces, including in the level of severity of alignment issues that they can treat. But there are important differences between them.

Comfort
When you speak, your teeth rub up against the insides of your lips to a certain degree. Traditional metal braces can be uncomfortable and even abrasive, especially when you first get them and aren’t yet familiar with them. On the other hand, Lingual braces don’t irritate the soft tissue of the inner lips since they’re installed on the backs of the teeth. For this reason, they’re considered the more comfortable option.

Treatment Complexity
Both types of braces can address a wide range of orthodontic issues, but the complexity and duration of treatment might differ. Lingual braces may require more specialized skills and technology for placement and adjustment, potentially making them suitable for certain cases. However, adjustments might take longer, and overall treatment duration can vary based on your needs. Your dentist will be able to discuss all the details with you during your orthodontic consultation.

Do you still have questions about braces? Contact your Houston, TX, dentist at Chloe Dental to get all the answers you need to make an informed choice!

When Should My Child Get Braces?

/0 Comments/in /by

If your child has misaligned teeth or a misaligned jaw, getting braces early can prevent orthodontic problems from worsening. Knowing when to get braces for your child is important.

Your child’s dentist in Katy and Houston, TX, can help you determine the ideal time for getting braces. At Chloe Dental, we evaluate children to determine the severity of their jaw misalignment and what age is best for their braces’ installation.

What Do Braces Do?
Braces can help move your child’s teeth into position to ensure that the jaw aligns properly when closed. Once braces are installed, the dentist will tighten the wires, pulling the teeth into the right position. Braces are used in a variety of circumstances to make the teeth straight.

How Early Is Too Early for Braces?
Most children don’t get braces until they’re at least 9 or 10 years old. However, every child is different. Your child’s dentist will help you determine when is the right time. If it’s too early, the dentist will let you know. It’s important to work with a dentist who has experience with braces and pediatric patients, helping them align their teeth and jaw.

What Is the Ideal Time to Get Braces?
For many children, the ideal time to get braces is between 10 and 14 years old. However, you can get your child evaluated for needing braces earlier than this age. Getting an early evaluation helps the dentist pick the perfect time to install braces for your child.

Have you questions about getting your child braces in Katy and Houston, TX? Call the dentist at Chloe Dental to learn more. We’re happy to answer your questions – call today!

Options for Teeth Straightening

/0 Comments/in , , /by

It’s the condition and placement of your teeth that makes your smile beautiful. That’s why, if you have misaligned teeth or teeth that show gaps in between, it’s time to see yourdentist in Katy, TX. At Chloe Dental, we have easy teeth straightening solutions that will revolutionize how you feel about your smile. Schedule a consultation today.

How Your Dentist Can Straighten Your Teeth
Most people’s thoughts turn to braces when someone mentions straighter teeth. But braces are not the only solution. And even braces may look far different from what you’re picturing. While traditional metal braces are usually affordable, your dentist will be happy to tell you about ceramic braces, clear aligners, and braces that affix to the reverse side of teeth to make them less noticeable.

Which Option Is Best for You?
You and your orthodontist will work together to decide which option is best for straightening your teeth. Regardless of which solution you choose, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your smile is getting straighter every day. And teeth that are perfectly aligned make it much easier to bite and chew. Some of the options your dentist may discuss include:

Metal Braces
Traditional and usually more affordable, metal braces use metal brackets that attach to the front of teeth and are connected by wires.

Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work the same as metal braces, but the brackets are tooth-colored, and the wires are clear, making them less noticeable.

Lingual Braces
Lingual braces use brackets placed on the reverse side of your teeth. They’re still connected by wires, but they’re much less visible.

Clear Aligners
Clear aligners use a series of clear plastic trays to straighten teeth incrementally.

Get Straighter Teeth in Katy, TX
For more information onteeth straightening in Katy, TX, call Chloe Dental today.

Think You Need Braces? Here’s How to Tell

/0 Comments/in /by

Do you struggle with crooked teeth? Have you long wondered if you could benefit from braces? Orthodontists estimate that nearly half of people need orthodontic care to fix functional problems with their teeth. This means that if you suspect you need braces, there’s a good chance that you do. Your dentist in Katy and Houston, TX can help you decide whether braces make sense for you.

Signs You Need Braces

Braces are an excellent tool for people whose teeth don’t line up properly. Braces can fix problems with jaw alignment, tooth alignment, incorrect tooth spacing and more.

Below are some of the signs you may notice if you need braces.

  • Crooked teeth
  • Teeth don’t connect normally when the mouth is closed
  • Large gaps between the teeth
  • Crowded teeth
  • Jaw shifts and clicks when chewing
  • Frequently accidentally bite the inside of your mouth

Are Clear Aligners Better Than Braces?

A question that many patients ask when they’re considering braces is whether braces are better than clear aligners. For the most part, braces and clear aligners achieve the same goals. Both are designed to shift your teeth slowly over time to help them achieve proper alignment.

However, there are some benefits to using clear aligners over braces.

  • Clear aligners are removable for meals and cleaning, so you can eat whatever you want when using aligners.
  • Clear aligners are almost impossible to see from a distance and are difficult to see up close.

Your dentist can help you decide if braces or clear aligners are right for you. If your teeth need to be realigned and you’re interested in braces or clear aligners in Katy and Houston, TX, the first step is getting an examination from a qualified dentist. Make an appointment with your dentist at Chloe Dental.

Sources

https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/kids/does-your-child-need-braces.htm

Braces without Braces: Patient FAQs

/0 Comments/in /by

Do you have smile alignment issues but don’t want the burden or appearance of metal braces? If so, braces without braces in Houston, TX may be right for you. Braces without braces involve using aligners that are practically invisible to alter the position of your teeth. Take a look at a few of the most common questions about braces without metal braces.

Who is the best candidate for smile alignment without traditional braces?

Smile alignment without traditional braces is most effective for individuals who have mild-to-moderate spacing problems. A few examples of issues that could potentially be corrected with clear aligners include:

  • Wider spaces between teeth than normal
  • Mild crowding issues
  • Slight over or underbite
  • Mild-to-moderate issues with crossbite

How long will treatment last with clear aligners?

The exact duration of your treatment with clear aligners may be anywhere from six months to a year or more. The dentist will monitor the progress of the changes in your smile, make adjustments with new aligners, and offer insight when your smile’s alignment seems to be near completion. The full duration of treatment depends heavily on you wearing the aligners for the recommended number of hours per day.

How are clear aligners made?

Clear aligners are an invisible type of plastic known as polyurethane. Depending on where you receive treatment, the aligners may be made in the office or in an offsite lab. The three-dimensional scans of your teeth are input into a computer system that then fabricates each set of aligners according to certain specifications. At Chloe Dental, we actually create your aligners in the office, which means your treatment can start quickly after your first appointment.

Are You Ready for Smile Alignment in Houston, TX?

If you’re not happy with the alignment of your teeth, you don’t have to deal with it. Clear aligner mile alignment treatment with a skilled Houston dentist may be just the solution. Reach out to Chloe Dental to schedule your initial consultation today.

4 Signs Your Child Needs (or Will Need) Braces

/0 Comments/in /by

Crooked, crowded teeth can cause all kinds of problems for children and adults, and that’s why many people get their teeth straightened as children. Braces are an effective tool for straightening your child’s teeth if it’s needed. As a parent, you may be able to anticipate whether your child will need their teeth straightened. Below are some signs that your child does (or will) need their teeth straightened with braces.

1. Finger Sucking

Sucking on a finger, whether that’s a pointer finger or thumb, can cause your child’s teeth to become misaligned. This kind of behavior is especially problematic if your child is sucking their fingers as their permanent teeth are coming in. If you can break your child of this habit before it creates tooth misalignment, then your child may not need braces later. If they can’t, they will likely need braces in the future.

2. Difficulty Chewing

Tooth misalignment can cause problems chewing – either by making it painful, or by making it hard to do. If your child complains about challenges while chewing food, this could be a sign that your child needs braces. Ask the dentist about it when you take your child in for their next appointment.

3. Crowded, Crooked or Misplaced Teeth

Sometimes parents can tell when their child needs braces in Katy and Houston, TX, because their child’s teeth are observably crooked. If your child has crooked teeth, take them to the dentist to get a professional opinion.

4. Jaw Clicking

If your child complains that their jaw clicks, this could be a sign of tooth misalignment. Take your child to the dentist in Katy and Houston, TX. Call Chloe Dental today to learn more.

Does Your Child Need to See An Orthodontist? 4 Signs

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Does your child need to see an orthodontist? Would you know if they did? Many parents are unaware of the signs that their child needs orthodontic treatment. Knowing what to look for can help you decide when it’s time to bring your child to the dentist in Katy and Houston.

By getting your child treatment early, you can avoid some of the long-term problems that can occur when your child has crooked teeth and other orthodontic problems. Here’s what to watch for.

1. Misalignment of the Jaw

Misalignment of the jaw is a problem that isn’t always noticeable to parents, but other times this problem is very obvious. For example, if your child’s lower jaw sticks out beyond the upper row of teeth, this is a sign that the jaw is misaligned. Orthodontic treatment may be able to help.

2. Crowded Teeth

Crowded teeth occur when there are too many teeth in too small of a space. Crowded teeth are a problem in a variety of ways, because they’re hard to clean and can make chewing difficult. You’ll be able to tell your child’s teeth are crowded by the way they bunch up together, instead of lining the jaw in a straight row.

3. Lisp

Sometimes orthodontic problems can cause a lisp, making speaking difficult. If your child has trouble pronouncing certain letters, this could be because of the shape of their mouth and alignment of their teeth.

4. Jaw Pain

Poorly aligned teeth can lead to jaw pain. If your child complains about jaw pain, pay attention!

Think your child may need orthodontic treatment like braces in Katy and Houston? Contact Chloe Dental today to make an appointment and have your child seen by a professional.

Braces without Braces: FAQs About Smile Straightening with Clear Aligners

/0 Comments/in , /by

Whether it is an overbite or underbite, gaps between your teeth, or otherwise, smile alignment can change everything about your confidence level, bite efficiency, and even oral health. If you are considering talking to a dentist about clear aligner smile straightening, also known as braces without braces in Katy, TX, you may have a few questions.

Who is a good candidate for smile straightening with clear aligners?

Clear aligners to straighten teeth can be a good option for patients of any age. However, the aligners tend to be most preferred among patients that would prefer to straighten their smiles without this being such an obvious process. The aligners can work well to straighten most mild to moderate smile alignment problems.

How long do you have to wait to start treatment?

If you visit us for a consultation about braces without braces, we can usually have your signers ready to wear within a few days. We use 3D printing technology and smile mapping software, which means we have the skill and equipment to create the aligners right here in our office.

How long will the total treatment take?

The total treatment duration with clear aligners can be similar to what would be necessary with standard braces. Usually, the full treatment course will take somewhere around 18 months, but this can vary depending on the patient, the severity of alignment issues, and various other factors.

Find Out About Braces without Braces in Katy, TX

Braces without braces can be a better option for some patients looking for smile alignment. To make sure you have the best experience, be sure to work with a Katy, TX dentist that utilizes the latest technology for treatment. Reach out to us at Chloe Dental to schedule your consultation for braces without braces today.

Introduction to Orthodontics, Katy TX

/0 Comments/in /by

Orthodontics addresses different dental issues. But what is Orthodontics exactly? Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that is in charge of correcting teeth abnormalities and irregularities such as malocclusions. Malocclusions can be developed by thumb sucking, dental trauma, and more. Here at Chloe Dental, we provide orthodontic services to help our patients enhance and restore their teeth’ function.

Reasons To Undergo Orthodontic Treatment

  • Improper chewing and speaking
  • Misaligned Teeth
  • Inappropriate contact of upper and lower teeth

Why is Orthodontic Treatment Important?

It is essential to correct teeth malocclusions to have good dental health. Undergoing Orthodontic treatment does not only improve the teeth’ appearance, but it also fixes series of teeth abnormalities that can cause other dental issues leading to tooth disease and gum disease.

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

  • It fixes difficulty in speaking and provides comfort when eating
  • Reduces the risk of damage to the jaw joints
  • Decreases the chance of having bad bites causing chipped and broken tooth
  • Creates more space for the permanent teeth to erupt
  • By undergoing Orthodontic Treatment, teeth can be gradually positioned in the proper place
  • Restores facial structure
  • Enhances lip closure

Types of Orthodontic Treatment

Clear Orthodontic Aligners

It is an alternative way to fix teeth malocclusions without the use of metal brackets. Clear Orthodontic Aligners are custom-made transparent, plastic material. It is modeled from the patient’s teeth to ensure proper fit and stability.

ClearCorrect

Just like Clear Orthodontic Aligners, ClearCorrect is used to treat teeth imperfections. Clear Correct can be referred to as Invisible braces since it is made of a transparent plastic material. By wearing ClearCorrect Braces, the patient will gradually fix teeth malocclusion comfortably.

Post-Orthodontic Treatment

Post Orthodontic Treatment refers to the retainers. It is used for the final positioning of the teeth.

Orthodontic treatment can help people of all ages. It is an ideal procedure for people to fix dental malocclusions to attain good oral and dental health.

Bring out your best smile with our Orthodontic Services in Katy, book your appointments with Chloe Dental! Call us at (281) 816-9006 so that you will experience outstanding results to make your teeth beautiful and healthy.