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Types of Braces
At Stewart Smiles, we’re proud to offer a variety of advanced braces options to meet the needs of our patients in College Station and Franklin, TX. Whether you’re looking for a classic approach or a more subtle alternative, our team is here to help you choose the best type of braces for your lifestyle, goals, and budget. Here’s a look at the different types of braces available at our offices.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most well-known type of braces and remain a popular choice for patients of all ages. Made from high-grade stainless steel, these braces use metal brackets and wires to gradually move teeth into alignment. Today’s metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more effective than ever before, making them a reliable option for nearly any orthodontic case.
Benefits of Traditional Metal Braces
- Effective for All Cases — Metal braces are highly effective for correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues, from mild alignment problems to complex bite correction.
- Customizable with Colored Bands — For patients who want to add a little personality to their braces, colored bands allow for fun customization.
- Durable and Cost-Effective — Metal braces are known for their durability, and depending on your insurance, they may be the most cost-effective option available.
Our skilled team at Stewart Smiles will ensure that your metal braces are precisely adjusted over the course of your orthodontic treatment to create a beautifully aligned smile.
Clear Aesthetic Braces
Clear aesthetic braces, also known as ceramic braces, offer the same reliable straightening power as metal braces but with a more subtle look. These braces use clear or tooth-colored ceramic brackets that blend in with your teeth, making them a popular choice for teens and adults who want a less noticeable treatment option.
Benefits of Clear Aesthetic Braces
- Discrete Appearance — The ceramic brackets are designed to blend in with your natural tooth color, providing a more discreet alternative to metal braces.
- Reliable Treatment Option — Like metal braces, clear braces effectively treat a wide range of orthodontic issues, including crowding, spacing, and bite misalignments.
- Comfortable and Smooth — Ceramic brackets are designed to be smooth and comfortable, reducing irritation inside the mouth.
While clear braces are slightly more delicate than metal braces, they offer an excellent balance between effectiveness and aesthetics, making them ideal for patients who want an understated look throughout treatment.
Gold Braces
Gold braces combine the proven performance of traditional metal braces with a unique twist: gold-colored stainless steel brackets and wires. These braces offer the same reliable results as standard metal braces, but with a warm, elegant appearance that appeals to patients looking for something distinctive.
Benefits of Gold Braces
- Stylish Look — Gold braces stand out with their warm, luxurious color, allowing patients to express their unique style.
- Durable and Effective — Made from stainless steel with a gold coating, these braces are just as durable and effective as traditional metal braces.
Gold braces are an excellent option for anyone who wants the durability of metal braces combined with a touch of luxury. Our Stewart Smiles team will ensure that your gold braces are as comfortable and effective as they are stylish.
Which Type of Braces is Right for You?
Each type of braces offers unique benefits, and the best choice will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and treatment goals. Our knowledgeable team at Stewart Smiles is here to help you make an informed decision and create a personalized treatment plan that brings out the best in your smile.
Ready to get started with braces? Contact Stewart Smiles in College Station or Franklin, TX, to request an exam. We’re here to answer all your questions and guide you to a treatment option that will help you achieve the healthy, confident smile you deserve!
Braces For Kids
At Stewart Smiles, we’re dedicated to helping young patients in College Station and Franklin, TX, develop healthy, beautiful smiles from the very beginning. Braces for kids are often a crucial part of this journey, and early orthodontic treatment can make a big difference in setting up children for a lifetime of good oral health. Dr. Stewart creates comfortable, customized treatment plans for children, designed to address issues early on and make future treatment simpler and more effective.
Why is Early Orthodontic Treatment Important?
Early orthodontic treatment, also known as Phase One treatment, focuses on addressing issues in growing mouths before they become more complex. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation by age eight. At this age, we can identify any developing issues such as crowding, spacing, bite misalignment, or jaw growth problems. Treating these issues early can help prevent more serious problems down the line, making it easier to achieve a healthy, well-aligned smile as your child grows.
Signs Your Child Might Need Early Orthodontic Treatment
While each child’s orthodontic needs are unique, certain signs can indicate the need for early treatment, such as:
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Thumb-sucking or other oral habits
- Crowded or misplaced teeth
- A noticeable overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Speech issues related to dental alignment
During your initial exam at Stewart Smiles, Dr. Stewart will assess your child’s teeth and jaw development to determine if early intervention could benefit their smile.
Benefits of Early Treatment with Braces for Kids
Starting orthodontic treatment early provides several important benefits for children, including:
- Guiding Proper Growth — Early intervention helps guide the growth of the jaw, creating the right amount of space for incoming permanent teeth.
- Preventing Complex Issues — By addressing misalignment, crowding, or bite issues early on, we can often prevent the need for more extensive treatment later.
- Improving Self-Esteem — A straighter smile can boost a child’s confidence, helping them feel good about their appearance.
- Making Future Treatment Easier — Early treatment can set the stage for Phase Two treatment making it less complex than if all issues are addressed in one round of braces.
At Stewart Smiles, we make every effort to ensure your child’s orthodontic experience is comfortable, positive, and effective. We’ll start with a comprehensive exam and create a personalized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs. Throughout treatment, we provide regular check-ups to monitor progress and make adjustments as needed. Our team is always available to answer questions and support your family at every step.
Braces For Teens
The teenage years are an ideal time to start orthodontic treatment, as the mouth and jaw are still growing, making it easier to guide teeth into proper alignment. At Stewart Smiles, we’re proud to offer a variety of braces options tailored to meet the unique needs of teenagers in College Station and Franklin, TX. We make every effort to create a comfortable and positive experience for teens, helping them build a healthy, confident smile that will last a lifetime.
Life with Braces: Tips for a Smooth Experience
Living with braces is a new experience, but with a few adjustments, teens can easily adapt to life with braces. Here’s what to expect and some helpful tips to make the process as smooth as possible:
Eating with Braces
Wearing braces means avoiding certain foods that can damage the brackets or wires. Hard, sticky, and chewy foods should be avoided, including hard candy, ice, popcorn, caramel, and crunchy snacks. Instead, choose softer options that are gentle on braces, like pasta, yogurt, and soft fruits. For teens with Invisalign, aligners should be removed before eating, which allows for more freedom with food choices as long as proper oral hygiene is maintained.
Keeping Braces Clean
Good oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment. Brushing after every meal and flossing daily helps prevent plaque buildup around the brackets and wires. We recommend using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, along with orthodontic flossers or a water flosser to reach between teeth and underwires. For teens with Invisalign, aligners should be cleaned daily by rinsing them with lukewarm water and gently brushing them.
Adjusting to Discomfort
It’s normal to experience some discomfort after getting braces or following an adjustment. This feeling typically fades within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers and orthodontic wax can help ease any irritation caused by brackets or wires. For teens using Invisalign, switching to a new aligner may cause mild pressure, which is a sign that the aligners are working to move the teeth.
Playing Sports & Instruments with Braces
For active teens, braces don’t have to interfere with sports or musical activities. If you’re involved in contact sports, we recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces. For musical instruments, it may take a little time to adjust, but with practice, most teens can play comfortably with braces.
Boosting Confidence with Braces
Braces are an investment in a lifelong, confident smile, and at Stewart Smiles, we’re here to make the journey as enjoyable as possible. Many teens may feel self-conscious about wearing braces at first, but our team encourages patients to see their braces as a step toward achieving their best smile. With a range of braces options, we offer choices that help teens feel comfortable and confident while they work toward their orthodontic goals.
Orthodontic treatment is a positive step toward improved dental health, and our team at Stewart Smiles is dedicated to supporting teens every step of the way. If you’re considering braces for your teen, contact us today to request an exam. We’ll help you explore the best treatment options and create a plan that fits your teen’s lifestyle, helping them enjoy a smooth and successful experience with braces.
Braces For Adults
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for teens — more adults than ever are choosing braces to improve their smiles and dental health. At Stewart Smiles, we provide adult braces options for patients in College Station and Franklin, TX, that fit into busy lifestyles and work toward lasting results. Whether you missed out on orthodontic care as a teen or are experiencing new alignment issues as an adult, our team is here to help you achieve the confident, healthy smile you deserve.
Why Choose Orthodontic Treatment as an Adult?
Life changes, and so can your smile. Many adults experience crowding, shifting teeth, or bite issues as they age, often due to natural jaw changes, tooth loss, or other dental health factors. Left untreated, misaligned teeth can lead to problems like jaw pain, uneven wear on teeth, and an increased risk of decay or gum disease. Orthodontic treatment as an adult not only enhances the appearance of your smile but also improves your long-term dental health by promoting better alignment and function.
Orthodontics for adults has advanced, offering options that are effective, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing, so you can feel confident throughout your treatment.
Embracing Braces as an Adult
Adjusting to braces as an adult takes a little time, but with a few lifestyle modifications, the process can be smooth and rewarding. Here are some tips for making the most of your treatment.
Adults with braces will need to be mindful of certain foods that could damage brackets or wires, such as sticky, hard, or chewy foods. Softer foods and cut-up fruits or vegetables are easier on braces and help reduce the risk of damage.
Good oral hygiene is essential for adults with braces to keep teeth and gums healthy. Brushing after meals and flossing daily is crucial to prevent plaque buildup around brackets and wires. For added convenience, many adults find water flossers helpful for reaching between teeth and around braces.
Wearing braces may require some small changes to your daily routine, but our team is here to support you with helpful advice and tools. Over-the-counter pain relievers and orthodontic wax can help with any initial discomfort, and periodic check-ups keep your treatment on track.
Building Confidence in Your Smile
Choosing braces as an adult is a positive step toward a healthier smile. While it may feel different at first, many of our adult patients find that braces help them feel empowered, as they know they’re investing in their long-term dental health. We’re here to ensure you feel supported and confident throughout the entire process.
At Stewart Smiles, we’re committed to helping our adult patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles that last a lifetime. If you’re interested in braces or simply want to explore your options, our experienced team is here to guide you through each step. Contact us today to request a free exam, and start your journey toward a straighter, healthier smile!
Brushing with Braces
Flossing with Braces
Caring for your Braces
