What to Expect When Your Braces are Adjusted

September 24, 2019 Andy Newton

A braces adjustment is a routine appointment where your orthodontist modifies wires, bands, and brackets to apply new pressure and guide teeth toward their planned positions. Without regular adjustments, your teeth would simply stop moving and your treatment would stall.

So what should you expect when your braces are adjusted? Each visit involves more than just tightening wires. Your orthodontist evaluates your progress, swaps out components as needed, and fine-tunes your treatment plan based on how your smile is responding.

Think of each adjustment as a checkpoint. It keeps everything moving in the right direction and gives your orthodontist a chance to catch anything that needs attention early. You might hear this appointment called a “tightening,” but that term doesn’t capture the full picture. Modern adjustments are precise, personalized, and based on how your teeth have responded since your last visit.

Our team is committed to treating your family like our own. That means walking you through every wire change and answering questions before you leave the chair.

Austin Orthodontist

What Is a Braces Adjustment?

A braces adjustment is a scheduled visit where your orthodontist makes targeted changes to the hardware on your teeth. The goal is to keep steady, controlled pressure on your teeth so they continue shifting into their correct positions. Each adjustment builds on the last one, gradually moving your smile closer to its final alignment.

During these visits, your orthodontist checks that all brackets are intact, evaluates how your teeth have responded since the previous appointment, and decides what changes to make next. Sometimes that means swapping to a thicker or stiffer archwire. Other times, it means adding new elastic bands, adjusting springs, or reshaping the existing wire. The specific changes depend on your treatment stage and how your teeth are tracking against the plan.

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, most families need adjustment visits every four to eight weeks throughout active treatment. Your orthodontist sets this schedule based on your individual case, not a generic timeline. These visits are essential because the wires in your braces gradually lose their active force over time. Without fresh adjustments, tooth movement slows and eventually stops.

What to Expect During Your Braces Adjustment: Step by Step

During a braces adjustment, your orthodontist examines your progress, removes old ligatures, evaluates and replaces the archwire, places new elastic ties, and confirms everything feels right. The full process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Here’s a closer look at each step from start to finish:

  1. Progress check and examination. Your orthodontist examines your teeth and checks that all brackets are secure. This is when issues like a loose bracket or unusual wear patterns get spotted early, before they have a chance to grow into bigger problems. Families often appreciate that this step catches small concerns right away.
  2. Removing the old ligatures. Those tiny elastic ties holding your wire in place come off first. Some families enjoy picking new colors at this stage (it’s one of the highlights for children).
  3. Wire evaluation and replacement. The archwire is carefully removed and evaluated. Depending on your treatment stage, it may be reshaped, or you might get a new wire altogether. Different wire thicknesses and materials do different jobs throughout your care. Thicker, stiffer wires typically come later when teeth need more precise positioning. Your orthodontist selects the right wire based on how much movement is still needed and which teeth require the most attention at that stage.
  4. Placing new ligatures and adjusting appliances. Fresh elastic ties secure the new or adjusted wire. If you have additional appliances like rubber bands or springs, those get checked and modified too. Your orthodontist may also reposition a bracket if a tooth has moved enough to change the ideal angle.
  5. Final check and instructions. Your orthodontist confirms everything feels right and shares any updated care instructions. This is a good time to ask about anything you’ve noticed since your last visit.

Most adjustment appointments take just 15 to 30 minutes. It’s a quick visit that makes a real difference in keeping your treatment on track.

Why Regular Braces Adjustments Matter

Regular braces adjustments are what keep your teeth moving on schedule. Without them, the wires lose their active force, tooth movement slows or stops, and your overall treatment timeline stretches longer than planned. Staying consistent with your visits is one of the simplest ways to finish on time.

How Do Adjustments Keep Your Treatment on Schedule?

  • Keeps treatment on track. Consistent adjustments help you finish within the expected timeframe. Delays of even a few weeks can add months to your overall timeline, which is why keeping your scheduled visits matters so much.
  • Catches problems early. A broken bracket or loose wire is much easier to correct when spotted quickly. Regular visits give your orthodontist the chance to correct small issues before they become bigger ones.
  • Supports healthy tooth movement. Teeth need steady, gradual pressure to move properly. Adjustments maintain that pressure at the right level, protecting your tooth roots and supporting bone. Skipping visits disrupts this balance and can lead to less predictable results.

How Do Adjustments Help You Get Better Guidance?

  • Gives you personalized guidance. Each visit is a chance to ask questions, get tips on brushing around your brackets, or learn how to handle any discomfort. Your orthodontist and their team are always happy to help with that.

Showing up for your scheduled adjustments is one of the easiest ways to stay on track and get the results you’re looking for.

Braces Adjustments vs. Clear Aligner Check-Ins: How They Compare

Considering your options? Both and require regular follow-up visits, but the appointments look a bit different.

Aspect Braces Adjustments Clear Aligner Check-Ins
What happens Wire and bracket changes Tray fit verification
Typical frequency Every 4 to 8 weeks Every 6 to 10 weeks
Appointment length 15 to 30 minutes 10 to 20 minutes
Post-visit discomfort Mild soreness for 1 to 3 days Discomfort when switching trays
Hands-on adjustments Yes, every visit Minimal; most changes are tray-based

Both methods work well when you stay consistent with your appointments. The right choice depends on your lifestyle, your smile goals, and what fits your daily routine. Your orthodontist can walk you through both options at your initial evaluation and help you pick what works best. If you’re unsure which path makes sense for your family, a is a great place to start that conversation.

Does a Braces Adjustment Cost Extra?

Most treatment plans include all braces adjustment visits in the total fee at no extra cost. Adjustments are built into the price agreed upon before treatment begins, so you won’t receive a separate bill for each visit. This is standard across the industry.

That said, missed or frequently rescheduled appointments can extend your treatment time. A longer treatment means more visits overall, which can indirectly affect your costs. Staying on schedule helps you get the most out of your treatment plan. The total fee typically covers your initial records, all adjustment visits, any necessary appliances, and your retainers at the end of active treatment.

Your orthodontic office should walk you through all the payment details upfront before treatment begins. Many offices offer flexible payment options, too. If you have insurance that covers orthodontics, adjustments are typically included as part of your covered treatment. Your orthodontic office can help you understand your benefits before you start, so there are no surprises down the road.

austin invisalign

Who Needs Braces Adjustments and How Often?

Every family member with or needs regular adjustments. This applies whether you’re 8 or 48. The schedule looks similar for children, teens, and adults.

How Often Are Adjustments Scheduled?

Typical adjustment frequency: Every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your treatment plan and how your teeth are responding.

Your orthodontist may adjust this schedule based on several factors:

  • The complexity of your case
  • How quickly your teeth are moving
  • Whether you’re in an early or late stage of treatment
  • Any appliances you’re using alongside your braces

Does Age Affect Adjustment Frequency?

Children and teens sometimes respond to adjustments more quickly because their jaws are still growing, which can make tooth movement more efficient. Adults may need slightly longer intervals between visits in some cases, though every situation is different. Some families come in every four weeks during active phases, then shift to longer intervals as they approach the finish line. Your orthodontist will tailor each schedule to what your smile actually needs, not a one-size-fits-all timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions About Braces Adjustments

Does getting your braces tightened hurt?

Mild soreness is normal after an adjustment. Most families notice some tenderness for one to three days as teeth respond to the new pressure. The discomfort is manageable and typically fades within a few days. Soft foods and over-the-counter pain relief can help during that window.

How long does a braces adjustment take?

Most appointments last between 15 and 30 minutes. The exact time depends on what adjustments are needed that day. Simple wire changes are quick, while more involved modifications take a bit longer.

Can I eat right after an adjustment?

You can eat, but sticking to soft foods for the first day or two makes things more comfortable. Think yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, pasta, and soup. Skip anything hard, crunchy, or chewy until the soreness fades.

What can I do to relieve soreness after an adjustment?

A few simple strategies can help:

  • Over-the-counter relief like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, taken as directed
  • Orthodontic wax applied to any brackets rubbing against your cheeks
  • Cold foods like ice cream or frozen yogurt to soothe tender gums
  • Saltwater rinses to reduce inflammation and promote healing

If discomfort lasts more than a few days or feels severe, give your orthodontist a call.

What if I miss an adjustment appointment?

Contact your orthodontist to reschedule as soon as possible. Missing one appointment won’t ruin your treatment, but repeated delays can extend your time in braces. The sooner you get back on schedule, the better. Most orthodontic offices make rescheduling easy, so just reach out if something comes up.

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Why Adults Should Get Braces Too

September 10, 2019 Andy Newton

When you picture somebody wearing braces, the immediate image in your head is probably a pre-teen or teenager. While the majority of people who get orthodontic treatment fall into this age group, braces aren’t just reserved for the younger years. There are plenty of great reasons to consider getting braces or clear aligners as an adult.

Orthodontic Treatment Isn’t Just for Looks

Yes, getting braces will result in your smile looking straighter than ever, but that is far from being the only reason you should get treatment. In fact, your smile can look basically perfect and you could still benefit from having braces. 

Many issues of crookedness are often found in the rear teeth, causing a wide array of possible problems. Crowding, which occurs when your teeth are too close in proximity, can make it easier for food to get stuck in between your teeth and cause decay. Crowding can also cause height differences in your teeth, leading to a disproportionate amount of pressure being applied on the taller teeth. Over time, this pressure can erode the enamel or even cause cracks in your teeth, leaving them more susceptible to infection or chipping. 

Even problems with excess spacing can lead to long-term oral health concerns, along with overbites or underbites. Overall, choosing to get orthodontic treatment is well worth the investment for more than just for looks.

Gain Confidence for All Aspects of Adult Life

Lets face it, navigating your career and social life can be intimidating enough as it is. If you’re not confident with your smile, you’d be surprised how much it may be affecting your confidence in yourself overall. Your smile is a huge part of your first impression, and having a bright, straight smile you are proud of can go a long way in boosting your confidence when you meet potential new bosses, new friends, or people at networking events. Many people getting married also find it worth it to straighten their teeth by getting braces before the big day. 

If you’re worried about the appearance of braces during the course of the treatment, keep in mind that braces don’t look like they did when you were a kid. Plus, you can get invisible treatment options, like ceramic braces and Invisalign, which will help you maintain your confidence during treatment. 

Fix Issues if Your Teeth Shifted

In a perfect world, every patient would wear their retainer exactly the way they are supposed to. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for many people. Retainers either get damaged or lost and patients fail to follow up to get a new one. Or, patients simply give up on wearing their retainer. In any case, your teeth very could have shifted if you stopped wearing your retainer, causing noticeable crookedness and creating potential oral health problems. Luckily, these issues are very easy to fix and can require short treatments with partial braces or accelerated versions of Invisalign like Invisalign Lite or Invisalign Express. 

It’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted. To see if adult braces could be right for you, schedule your free consultation at Austin Orthodontics today! 

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Should You Have More than One Child in Braces at the Same Time?

August 13, 2019 Andy Newton

When you have kids, you’ll often find yourself juggling the different needs of each child while trying to meet your own at the same time. As you’ve watched your kids grow, you’ve likely been mentally preparing for when they will need to get braces to straighten their teeth. If you have more than one child, the idea of having multiple kids in braces at the same time may sound a bit intimidating, but this actually has some benefits you should consider. 

You Can Schedule Appointments at the Same Time

The thing about having more than one kid with braces at once is you will have to go through the process fewer times, perhaps just once depending on how many kids you have and how you time their treatment. If you have multiple kids in braces, you can take care of their appointments at the same time, from when they get their consultation to when they get their braces off. Since each person’s treatment will be different, one may be in treatment longer than the other, but they will mostly be on the same schedule.

It Will Be Easier to Keep Track of Food Restrictions

When a patient has braces, there are certain things they should avoid eating so they don’t damage their braces or get food stuck in them that they can’t remove. Having one child who can eat anything and one who can’t can be tricky. If both of your kids have braces, neither one of them will be able to eat crunchy or sticky foods, so you can simply eliminate them from your grocery list. Once their treatments are over, you can go back to buying all of the foods you normally would and not have to worry about food limitations again. 

Your Kids Are Less Likely to Tease Each Other

If one child has braces and the other doesn’t, it can be a headache dealing with one sibling teasing the other. It can also cause added stress on your child during their treatment. If your kids have braces at the same time, it evens the score and they have no reason to tease each other. Plus, if they encounter any teasing from their peers, they can support each other since they know what the other is going through. 

You Have to Keep Track of Treatment Fewer Times

When your kids have braces, you will need to help them stay on track with their treatment plan. This includes making sure they are eating foods that are safe for their braces, but it also entails other factors. You’ll need to make sure they are keeping their elastics in and replacing them on time, avoiding rough play without a proper mouthguard, and keeping up with good oral hygiene. 

Multiple Family Member Discounts

Orthodontists understand treatment is an added expense and the thought of paying for two or more sets of braces can be daunting. To make braces more affordable for families, many orthodontists, including Austin Orthodontics, offer discounts to those who have more than one child in treatment at the same time. This discount also lessens the need for parents to decide who is going to get treatment first, which can be a hard decision to make.

If your kids are close in age and you manage to get them in braces at the same time, you can deal with the process once and save some money. Obviously if your kids are spread out in age or not ready for treatment at the same time, this won’t work, but if you have two or more that are ready for treatment, consider doing them both at once.

If you have any questions or concerns about orthodontic treatment for your kids, feel free to contact Austin Orthodontics today! 

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Heading Back to School with Braces and Confidence

August 1, 2019 Andy Newton

While the summer fun isn’t over quite yet, it is time to start thinking about getting back into the routine of the school year. If you have pre-teens or teenagers, or if you are a college student getting ready to head back for another year, it can be a bit nerve wracking thinking about going back to school with braces. Luckily, you have plenty of reasons to feel confident about walking through your school doors while your going through orthodontic treatment. 

Getting Past the Nerves

Many people in school highly value the views of their peers, with many going to great lengths to gain approval. While many kids think having braces will be embarrassing, the fact of the matter is having braces isn’t viewed the way it used to be. In the old days, braces weren’t nearly as common and kids that had to get braces were often stuck with very bulky metal braces. Today, braces are much more common and far more subtle than they used to be, and you rarely hear kids bullying others because of their braces. 

In fact, modern options for orthodontic treatment can even make you feel excited to head back to school and show off your smile before your treatment is even over. When you visit Austin Orthodontics for your free consultation, be sure to ask about these fun options for braces. 

WildSmiles

Many tweens and teens go into their treatment with braces thinking they are simply going to have to tolerate them. However, your kids can find ways to have fun with their braces, and the options available with WildSmiles are proof of that. These fun braces work just as well as traditional braces but come in a wide variety of stylish shapes, including sports balls, diamonds, and stars. Your kids can mix and match their favorite designs when they get adjustments for different events or if they just feel like switching things up. 

Colored Bands

Each set of braces comes with elastic bands called ligatures, which connect the different parts of your braces together. Your kids can choose bright colors for their ligatures based on their favorite colors, teams, or for different seasons. There are even glow-in-the-dark bands available for a spooky addition to any Halloween costume. 

Subtle Treatment Options

There are plenty of options to choose from that make orthodontic treatment less visible. Ceramic braces work the same way as traditional metal braces, but have tooth-colored, medical-grade ceramic brackets instead of metal brackets. This makes these braces much harder to see throughout the course of the treatment. 

Invisalign is hands down the most discreet treatment option thanks to aligners that are completely clear. The additional advantage to this treatment option is the aligners are also removable for limited hours during the day, allowing for removal during meals or sporting events. 

Contact Austin Orthodontics today to learn more about treatment options that are perfect for going back to school! 

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Why You Still Might Need Braces Even if Your Teeth Look Straight

July 25, 2019 Andy Newton

For people who are unhappy with their smile, getting braces makes sense. However, if you like the way your teeth look, you may not think you need braces. While this could be the case, there may also be issues that aren’t as noticeable when you look in the mirror.

Unseen Crowding

Even if you have a good-looking smile, there could be problems you can’t see. When you get orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners, it fixes far more than cosmetic issues.

One common issue is crowding, which is caused by a shortage of space between your teeth. When your teeth are crowded, it often affects the appearance of your smile, but some people can have crowding in the back of their mouth, leaving their smile still looking straight. The problem with crowding is food can easily get stuck in between your teeth, making it difficult to thoroughly clean them. This will inevitably lead to tooth decay and possibly worse oral health problems.

Crowding can also cause one or two teeth to be positioned higher than the surrounding teeth. This will cause a disproportionate amount of force to be put on those teeth, which erodes the tooth over time unevenly or causes cracking, both of which you want to avoid.

Underlying Issues

Not all orthodontic issues occur above the gum lines. X-rays often discover problems that need to be fixed but are currently not affecting a smile’s appearance. For example, some patients have adult teeth that have never erupted, either because there wasn’t enough space or the baby teeth never fell out. These trapped teeth can even end up sideways under the gums in an attempt to move into their proper positions.

Braces are often needed to fix these types of underlying issues, either as part of the initial treatment, or after the fact to return the smile to its straight, healthy state.

This is one of the many reasons we don’t recommend mail-order orthodontic treatment. These providers rely on impressions and selfies submitted by their customers, which means any issues hiding under the gums are not addressed.

Misaligned Bite

While your smile may look straight to others, many people have to force their smile to look normal due to an overbite or underbite. Both of these conditions can complicate your oral health by leading to uneven pressure in your mouth, speech or eating problems, or jaw pain. By getting braces or clear aligners, you can get your bite to a normal position and always bite down comfortably while never having to adjust your jaw to make your smile look straight.

To schedule a free consultation and see how braces can improve your oral health, contact Austin Orthodontics today!

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Is Mail-Order Orthodontic Treatment Right for You?

July 9, 2019 Andy Newton

Throughout the history of orthodontics, there have been several key innovations that have made orthodontic treatment more effective, convenient, and comfortable. One of the most significant developments in orthodontics is the Invisalign Clear Aligner system, which allows you to get straight teeth with invisible, removable aligners. 

One fascinating and slightly disconcerting development in orthodontics more recently is the trend of companies marketing mail-order aligners similar to Invisalign. The treatment is completed entirely at home and you get your aligners delivered to your doorstep. Sounds like the next big thing, right? Unfortunately, there are several major issues with this new type of treatment that should make you seriously think twice before using it. 

No In-Person Visits

Interestingly enough, the main selling point of mail-order braces is that you never have to leave your home to get orthodontic treatment. However, with no orthodontist, there is no actual orthodontic treatment. Instead, there’s mostly a lot of guesswork while you attempt to take care of your teeth on your own. Any help you get is all done remotely through images on computer screens.

This means you can never get the precision and personalized guidance that comes with having a certified expert looking at your teeth in person and taking xrays to uncover any underlying issues in your smile. During the whole process, you have to do the work yourself, trust the images you take, and hope it ends up well. You also miss out on the personal relationship you develop with an orthodontist and the team when you are seen at an office.

Inaccurate Impressions

The aligners you receive during the whole course of your treatment are based on impressions you take yourself. Again, this is meant to add to the convenience factor; however, and no offense to you, you’re not an expert at taking dental impressions. Sure, you will get instructions, but there are nuances to getting accurate impressions that can only be learned through the years of training and practice, which all orthodontists and their teams are required to complete. 

Possible Damage to Your Teeth

Without professional, in-person guidance, the inherent risks of doing mail-order braces go beyond just getting subpar results. For one, the at-home impressions often result in aligners that don’t quite fit the way they should. This can result in severe discomfort while your teeth are adjusted in the wrong direction. And since you don’t have anyone looking at your teeth, it is very easy to miss problems under the surface. 

Even if your mail-order braces give you teeth that look straight, that’s not the only reason you should get orthodontic treatment. You can have perfectly straight teeth but still have underlying issues that need to be fixed. If you simply rely on mail-order braces, those problems will never be addressed, leading to long-term oral health problems. 

When you see an orthodontist for the first time, he or she will draw up a comprehensive plan to treat all of your issues. However, this plan may need to be modified slightly throughout your treatment if things are not progressing as planned. With no follow-up visits, mail-order treatment cannot be altered, which means you may not be getting the treatment you really need.

To learn more about how expert, personalized guidance can get you the smile you want while setting you up for long-lasting oral health, contact Austin Orthodontics today to set up a free consultation.

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4 Ways to Limit How Much Sugar You Eat with Braces

July 3, 2019 Andy Newton

The process of getting a straighter smile you’ll be proud of includes going through orthodontic treatment. Braces are still the most common method of straightening teeth and setting yourself up for good long-term oral health. This treatment method takes plenty of getting used to, but the results will be far more than worth it. One of the adjustments you’ll need to make during your treatment is cutting back on sugar.

Reasons to Avoid Sugar with Braces

Besides the fact that sugar is something you should always do your best to avoid, you have an increased chance of experiencing tooth decay when you have braces. This is because food can more easily become trapped around the brackets, making it harder to clean off with brushing. Having sugary food become stuck in your braces causes plaque to build up, which will lead to the formation of cavities.

Another problem people often experience if they don’t take good care of their teeth while they have braces is discoloration of their teeth enamel. If you aren’t keeping with cleaning and choose sugary foods, you can end up with darker spots around your braces when they are removed.

1. Cut Out Hard Candy

One type of food you should be avoiding for multiple reasons is hard candy. Not only can the tough texture of hard candy possibly damage your braces, but the sugary residue can hide underneath the archwire and brackets. You should also avoid sugary cereals for the same reasons.

2. Reserve Desserts for Special Occasions

When it comes to typical dessert foods like cookies, ice cream, and cakes, you should cut back on how often you eat these foods. The best practice is to reserve these sorts of foods for special occasions, such as if you are at a wedding or birthday celebration. If you still feel like you need to appease your sweet tooth, you can schedule a “cheat day” one day a week where you can have a dessert to satisfy your craving.

3. Avoid White Bread

One type of food many people don’t think of as being sugary is starchy white bread. While this may not exactly be a dessert food, white bread processes in your body the same way sugar does. The same goes for your teeth. White bread processes into sugar in the mouth, which quickly leads to tooth decay. In fact, the texture and contents of white bread can be even worse for your teeth than cane sugar.

4. Read Food Labels Carefully

It can be surprising just how much sugar gets packed into foods that seem like they are meant for meals rather than desserts. This is especially true in America, where sugar is a common ingredient in foods that are marketed as being “savory.” Many sauces like ketchup and barbeque sauce can have surprisingly high levels of sugar. When you go shopping at the store, be sure to read each label and look for the sugar content.

If you have any questions or concerns about life with braces, feel free to contact Austin Orthodontics.

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What the Elastics on Your Braces Do

Andy Newton

During your orthodontic treatment with braces, you’ll become familiar with the various aspects of the orthodontic products being used. One of the most important parts of your braces is rubber bands, or elastics. Elastics play a major role in the process of correcting your teeth during your treatment, so it’s worth getting to know a little bit more about what they are and how they work.

What Are Orthodontic Elastics?

It may seem strange to put elastic bands in your mouth, but these bands are specially designed to provide necessary adjustments to your teeth. Orthodontic bands are quite a bit smaller than the typical rubber bands you might think of and are stiffer than conventional rubber bands to provide the force needed for adjustment. Orthodontic elastics are also made to be durable and to last a significant amount of time attached to your teeth.

There are two types of elastic bands you may end up having as part of your orthodontic treatment: elastic ligatures and interarch bands.

Elastic Ligatures

Most likely, you’re familiar with what braces look like. One thing you’ve probably noticed when you see someone with braces or a photo of braces is the tiny bands that surround each bracket of the braces. These small elastic bands hold the archwire in place against the bracket. The level of tightness of your elastic bands also helps in creating the pressure needed to straighten your teeth.

Your elastic ligatures will stay on your braces throughout the course of your treatment, and your orthodontist will often adjust or replace them when you go for your follow-up appointments. Many orthodontists have these bands in different colors, which means you can get them in your favorite colors, be festive for the holidays, or wear the colors of your school or favorite team.

Interarch Bands

Whether you get traditional metal braces or the Invisalign Clear Aligner System, you could also have interarch elastic bands. Rather than helping straighten your teeth to fix issues of crowding, large spaces, or crookedness, interarch bands fix problems with the jaw alignment. Interarch elastic bands run from the lower jaw to the upper jaw, connecting at attachments on your brackets, or on your teeth when it comes to Invisalign.

The pressure created by the interarch wires helps fix instances of overbites or underbites. As you wear your interarch bands with your braces, the pressure pulls the jaw in a direction that corrects your bite over time. In the instance of an underbite, the elastics attach towards the front of the jaw on the bottom and attach towards the back on the upper jaw, and vice versa for instances of an overbite.

When it comes to interarch bands, you’ll most likely wear these for the full length of your treatment, but you will need to replace them frequently yourself rather than waiting until an appointment to have them changed.

To learn more about how elastics play a role in your treatment, contact Austin Orthodontics today!

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KXAN Features Dr. Briggs from Austin Orthodontics [Video]

June 26, 2019 Andy Newton

Our very own Dr. Briggs was recently featured on KXAN!

Read the story here: Beautiful Smiles for Patients of All Ages with Austin Orthodontics

Or watch the video here:

 

We love spreading the word about what makes our practice different, the many ways people can benefit from orthodontic treatment, and why we love what we do!

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Why Are My Teeth Crooked?

June 20, 2019 Andy Newton

As you think about starting orthodontic treatment to straighten your smile and improve your oral health, you might find yourself wondering, “Why are my teeth crooked in the first place?” The answer is different for everyone, which is part of the reason why everyone gets a personalized treatment plan to help with their specific issues. Still, there are some common reasons people’s teeth end up crooked.

Genetics

Just like nobody has perfectly clear skin or a totally symmetrical face, nobody has perfect teeth. Some people have pretty straight teeth naturally, but even they may have underlying issues orthodontic treatment can fix. Some people inherit genes that cause their teeth to grow in crooked. The actual ways genetics affect each person’s teeth varies. Some people have jaws that are too small for their teeth, resulting in crowding, or impacted teeth in severe cases. Other issues with the jaw can cause the person’s bite to be off, causing an overbite, crossbite, or underbite. Permanent teeth may simply grow in at awkward angles due to genetic hardwiring as well.

Bad Timing of Baby Teeth Loss

Many people don’t realize their baby teeth actually play a huge role in how the permanent teeth come in. Baby teeth guide the path of eruption, and if they fall out early or late, it can cause the permanent teeth to come in crooked. For example, if baby teeth don’t fall out when they are supposed to, the permanent teeth may erupt in front of or behind the baby teeth instead of in their proper positions.

Losing baby teeth too early can also affect where the permanent teeth come in. If your child sucks their thumb past toddlerhood, they may loosen the baby teeth early. This habit, along with extended pacifier use, also alters the shape of the jaw as the child is still growing and developing, which can lead to crooked teeth.

Other Bad Habits

Beyond thumb-sucking as a toddler, older children and even adults, can engage in bad habits that cause problems for their teeth grow. For instance, anxious habits like tongue-thrusting or teeth-grinding can alter the orientation of your teeth, causing crookedness and other oral health problems.

Injuries

Another potential source of crooked teeth is getting an injury. For one, getting a facial injury as a child can knock out a baby tooth early, which can lead to permanent teeth coming in improperly. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, it’s important to get a replacement tooth put in as soon as possible since the surrounding teeth will begin to move to fill in the gap.

To straighten crooked teeth, most people undergo orthodontic treatment with either braces or the Invisalign, which both help move the teeth and jaws to an ideal position. Early orthodontics starting at age seven can also help correct the issues that cause crooked teeth before the permanent teeth erupt.

Contact Austin Orthodontics and schedule a free consultation to see which treatment option could be right for you!

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