General Orthodontic Questions
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children have their first orthodontic check-up by age 7. This allows our San Antonio orthodontic specialist to identify potential issues early, when they're easier to correct. Early evaluation doesn't always mean immediate treatment, but helps establish the optimal timing for intervention.
While comprehensive orthodontic treatment typically begins between ages 9-14, some conditions benefit from early intervention starting around age 7-8. Our San Antonio orthodontist evaluates each child individually to determine if and when treatment would be most effective, considering their unique development patterns.
Absolutely not! About 25% of orthodontic patients are adults. With options like clear braces and Invisalign, more San Antonio adults are choosing to improve their smiles. Healthy teeth can be moved at any age, though treatment may take slightly longer for adults whose facial growth is complete.
Most comprehensive orthodontic treatments in San Antonio take 18-24 months, though this varies based on individual factors including case complexity, treatment type, and patient compliance. During your consultation, we'll provide a personalized estimate of treatment duration for your specific situation.
Patients typically experience temporary discomfort for a few days after braces are placed and following adjustment appointments. Today's orthodontic techniques used in our San Antonio practice create lighter, more consistent forces that significantly reduce discomfort compared to treatments from previous generations.
Types of Orthodontic Treatment
Traditional braces use brackets and wires to guide teeth continuously into their ideal positions. Clear aligners, like Invisalign®, use a series of removable, transparent trays that shift teeth gradually and can be taken out for eating and cleaning, though they do require consistent wear.
Our San Antonio orthodontic team works closely with each family to determine which option best fits your child’s needs, lifestyle, and comfort.
Invisalign uses a series of custom-made clear aligners that gradually shift your teeth. Each set is worn for 1-2 weeks before progressing to the next. The aligners are removed for eating and cleaning but should be worn 20-22 hours daily for optimal results. Our San Antonio Invisalign provider uses advanced digital planning to create predictable, beautiful results.
Ceramic braces function like traditional metal braces but blend with your natural tooth color, making them less noticeable. These braces are popular among San Antonio teens and adults who want effective treatment with a more subtle appearance, offering a middle ground between metal braces and clear aligners.
The Myobrace® system is an early intervention approach designed to address the root causes of crooked teeth and improper jaw development. Using comfortable, removable appliances worn primarily during sleep, Myobrace® gently guides proper dental and jaw growth in young children, potentially reducing or even eliminating the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment later.
During Orthodontic Treatment
Traditional braces typically require adjustments every 6–8 weeks, while Invisalign® patients usually have check-ups every 8–12 weeks to monitor progress and receive new aligner sets. Our San Antonio orthodontic team schedules these quick, convenient appointments to minimize disruption to your child’s daily routine and ensure treatment stays on track.
For traditional braces, it’s best to avoid hard foods like nuts, ice, and hard candy; sticky foods such as caramel or taffy; and foods that require biting into, like whole apples or corn on the cob. Invisalign® patients can eat normally by simply removing their aligners during meals.
Our San Antonio orthodontic team provides clear, easy-to-follow dietary guidelines to help protect braces and keep treatment progressing efficiently.
Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment. With traditional braces, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean carefully around brackets and wires, and consider tools like interdental brushes or floss threaders to reach between teeth. Invisalign® users should brush after meals before reinserting their aligners.
Our San Antonio team demonstrates these techniques to ensure every child or teen can keep their teeth clean and healthy throughout treatment.
Absolutely! Children and teens with braces should wear a properly fitted mouthguard during sports to protect both their teeth and orthodontic appliances. Most musicians adapt quickly to playing instruments with braces, though a short adjustment period may be needed.
Our San Antonio team provides custom solutions to keep active patients safe and comfortable throughout their treatment.
If a bracket loosens or wire causes discomfort, contact our San Antonio orthodontic office promptly. While waiting for your appointment, you can temporarily cover sharp areas with orthodontic wax (provided in your starter kit). We offer timely repair appointments to address these issues and keep your treatment on track.
After Orthodontic Treatment
Yes! Retainers are essential for maintaining a newly aligned smile, as teeth naturally tend to shift back without retention. Our San Antonio team provides custom retainers along with clear instructions tailored to each patient. Generally, we recommend nightly wear to ensure long-lasting, beautiful results.
Minor shifting can often be corrected with a new retainer or limited orthodontic adjustments. More significant changes may require additional treatment. The best approach is prevention—consistently wearing retainers as instructed by our doctors greatly reduces the risk of unwanted tooth movement and helps maintain a healthy, confident smile.
While we aim to preserve all natural teeth whenever possible, extractions are sometimes necessary in cases of severe crowding or specific bite concerns. Our San Antonio orthodontist carefully evaluates each child’s unique situation and often uses early intervention and expansion techniques to reduce the likelihood of extractions.
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in your child’s lifelong oral health and confidence. Costs vary depending on the complexity of treatment and the method chosen. Our San Antonio orthodontic practice offers flexible payment plans, accepts most insurance, and works closely with families to make care affordable. During your consultation, we provide a clear, complete breakdown of costs—no hidden fees.
Build a Foundation of Health That Lasts a Lifetime!
