Modern braces offer an effective solution for straightening your child’s teeth, especially when addressing crooked teeth as a common orthodontic concern, and creating a healthy, beautiful smile. At House of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we understand traditional braces remain the gold standard for correcting complex orthodontic issues in children and teens. Our experienced team makes the braces experience comfortable and positive, helping your child feel confident throughout their treatment journey.
House of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics provides comprehensive braces treatment designed specifically for growing smiles. Our orthodontic care uses the latest techniques and materials to ensure your child receives the most effective and comfortable treatment possible. We’re committed to creating beautiful, healthy smiles and helping maintain healthy teeth in the long term, while making the process enjoyable for both children and parents.
Today’s braces are significantly different from the bulky metal appliances of the past. Modern braces are smaller, more comfortable, and more effective than ever before. Advanced materials and improved design make treatment faster and more comfortable for children.
Our braces use high grade stainless steel brackets and wires designed specifically for pediatric patients. These materials are durable, comfortable, and effective at moving teeth into their proper positions. The brackets are smaller and smoother than older versions, and traditional braces use metal brackets that are securely attached to the teeth to help guide them into alignment. We also offer colorful elastic bands, allowing children to personalize their braces and express their personality. This customization helps many children feel more excited about their treatment and more confident wearing braces.
The wire technology used in modern braces is particularly advanced. These wires apply gentle, continuous pressure to move teeth efficiently while minimizing discomfort. The improved design means modern braces require fewer adjustments, reducing the number of office visits required throughout treatment.0
Braces can address virtually any orthodontic problem, from simple crowding to complex bite issues.
Traditional braces have decades of research supporting their effectiveness and reliability.
Braces provide orthodontists with precise control over tooth movement for optimal results.
Preparing for orthodontic treatment is a key step in setting your child—or yourself—up for a beautiful and healthy smile. Before beginning treatment, it’s helpful to understand the different types of braces available, such as traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and lingual braces. Each option is designed to address a variety of orthodontic issues, from crooked and crowded teeth to dental and facial irregularities and bite misalignment. Traditional braces realign teeth using small brackets cemented to the teeth and connected by wires, while ceramic and lingual braces offer more discreet alternatives.
A successful orthodontic journey starts with a strong foundation of oral health. Establishing a good oral hygiene routine is essential—brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush helps protect tooth enamel and keeps teeth healthy throughout treatment. It’s also important to avoid too many sugary foods and sticky foods like chewing gum, popcorn, and corn on the cob, as these can damage braces and increase the risk of oral health problems. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients supports both dental health and overall well-being.
Early orthodontic treatment can be especially beneficial for children, as it can prevent further oral health problems such as tooth loss, which may affect speech and lead to additional dental issues. Orthodontic services often include the use of dental appliances like palatal expanders, which help create space for permanent teeth and correct facial irregularities. By addressing orthodontic problems early, you can help ensure a smoother treatment process and better long-term results.
Collaboration with your orthodontist is crucial. Regular dental check-ups and adjustment appointments allow your orthodontic team to monitor progress and make any necessary changes to your treatment plan. Following your orthodontist’s recommendations for proper care of braces and dental appliances will help you achieve the best possible orthodontic treatment results.
It’s also worth noting that orthodontic treatment isn’t just for children and teens—adult braces are increasingly common, with about 20% of orthodontic patients in the United States now over the age of 18. Advances in orthodontic technology mean that adults have more options than ever, including clear aligners and tooth-colored ceramic braces, to address tooth alignment problems and achieve a healthier mouth.
In summary, preparing for orthodontic treatment involves more than just choosing the right type of braces. By committing to good oral hygiene, maintaining a healthy diet, and working closely with your orthodontic team, you can ensure a positive experience and enjoy the benefits of a straighter, healthier smile for years to come. Whether you’re considering traditional braces, ceramic braces, or other orthodontic appliances, taking these steps will help you or your child achieve a beautiful and healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
Braces work by applying gentle, continuous pressure to gradually move teeth into their correct positions, straightening teeth and improving bite alignment. The system consists of brackets bonded to each tooth, functioning as an orthodontic appliance, and connected by a wire that guides tooth movement. Regular adjustments ensure steady progress toward the desired result.
The process begins with careful treatment planning using digital imaging and models of your child’s teeth. This planning phase allows us to map out the entire treatment process and predict the final outcome. Each adjustment appointment involves replacing or adjusting the wire to continue guiding teeth into their proper positions. These appointments are typically comfortable and brief, lasting about 30 minutes. Children often look forward to these visits as an opportunity to choose new colored bands for their braces.
Throughout treatment, we monitor progress carefully and make any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal results for your child’s jaw and bite, including the alignment of the upper and lower jaws. Most children adapt quickly to wearing braces and experience minimal discomfort. Any initial soreness typically subsides within a few days of getting braces or after adjustments.
Our most popular option, featuring durable stainless steel brackets and wires for effective treatment.
These braces use special clips instead of elastic bands, reducing friction and potentially shortening treatment time.
Tooth-colored brackets provide a more aesthetic option while maintaining the effectiveness of traditional braces.
Removable aligners are a clear, custom-made alternative to traditional braces. They can be taken out for eating and cleaning, offering added convenience for some patients.
Before starting any orthodontic treatment, it is important to address existing dental conditions such as cavities or gum disease to ensure the best results and avoid complications.
Getting braces involves several steps designed to ensure your child receives the best possible care throughout their treatment journey. We take time to explain each step and answer any questions you or your child may have.
The process begins with a comprehensive consultation where we examine your child’s teeth, jaw, and bite. We’ll take X-rays and impressions to create a detailed treatment plan. This planning phase is crucial for achieving optimal results and typically takes about an hour. Once treatment begins, your child will visit our office regularly for adjustments. These appointments are typically scheduled every 4-8 weeks and involve replacing or adjusting the wire to continue guiding teeth into their proper positions. A common question is how long do braces need to be worn; the duration varies depending on the complexity of the case, age, and how well your child follows care instructions, but most treatments last between 18 months and 3 years.
We provide detailed instructions on caring for braces, including proper brushing and flossing techniques. Maintaining good oral hygiene during treatment is essential for achieving the best results and preventing complications. We also advise avoiding foods like gum, caramel, and other sticky foods, as well as drinks and snacks that can permanently stain teeth or braces. Our team is always available to answer questions and provide support throughout the treatment process.
Dr. Jeana Harmon-Taylor
Orthodontic specialist with advanced training in pediatric braces treatment.
Our skilled team brings years of experience in pediatric orthodontics and braces treatment. We understand the unique needs of children and teens, providing compassionate care in a comfortable environment.
Ready to help your child achieve a beautiful, healthy smile with braces? House of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is here to guide your family through every step of the braces process.
We understand starting orthodontic treatment can feel overwhelming, but our experienced team makes the process comfortable and positive. From your initial consultation through the completion of treatment, we’re committed to providing exceptional care and support. Contact us today to schedule your child’s braces consultation and take the first step toward a lifetime of confident smiles.
Most children wear braces for 18-24 months, though treatment time varies by individual case.
Initial placement may cause mild discomfort, but most children adapt quickly and experience minimal pain.
Yes, with proper protective gear, children can continue participating in sports and activities.
Hard, sticky, or chewy foods should be avoided to prevent damage to braces.
Most children need adjustment appointments every 4-8 weeks throughout treatment.
27220 Highway 290 Suite B
Cypress, TX 77433
Phone: 281-727-0511
Fax: 281-727-0512
Modern braces offer an effective solution for straightening your child’s teeth, especially when addressing crooked teeth as a common orthodontic concern, and creating a healthy, beautiful smile. At House of Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we understand traditional braces remain the gold standard for correcting complex orthodontic issues in children and teens. Our experienced team makes the braces experience comfortable and positive, helping your child feel confident throughout their treatment journey.