Are you looking for a a Greater Houston Orthodontist? Nelson Mandela had a lot of wisdom, but this quote is the simplest and most profound: “Remember to smile.” That upturn of the corners of your mouth is sometimes spontaneous, sometimes planned. Either way, the best smiles are when eyes are gleaming and — importantly — teeth are flashing. They lighten moods, instill confidence and bring cheer into lives. Yet many are embarrassed to sport a winning grin because of crooked or malformed teeth. The good news is that such problems are entirely correctable by orthodontists practicing in the greater Houston area, leaving the patient with a smile to be proud of — and better chewing function too.
A greater Houston orthodontist can successfully address the problem of misalignment, but discerning patients seek more than a dental degree and orthodontics certification. In fact, they want a doctor who can explain the problem clearly and walk a patient through the treatment with competence and empathy. Of all the orthodontists practicing in the greater Houston area, Elara Orthodontics represents this sort of professionalism. Open for business in Richmond and Houston Heights, the Elara staff combines education, experience and humanity to earn patients’ trust and restore the mouth to optimal appearance and use. The flexible payment plans are also agreeable for an orthodontist in greater Houston.
What Sets a Greater Houston Orthodontist Apart?
Houston is a large metro area with many reputable specialists practicing orthodontics. Selecting the right one might seem challenging, but there are some distinctions worth looking for.
State-of-the-Art Technology for Greater Houston Orthodontics
Having a greater Houston orthodontist who employs, and is up to speed on, cutting-edge technology makes significant difference in patient comfort and time spent in the chair. From x-rays and diagnostic imaging to the instruments used in every procedure, Elara Orthodontics uses the most updated equipment and scientific innovations approved for practice. While the traditional braces made from metal are still in use, Elara also offers more recent treatments: clear ceramic braces and the stealthy lingual braces that do their work out of sight.
Greater Houston Orthodontics for All Ages
Another favorable feature of the best orthodontists practicing in the greater Houston area is the capacity to serve the whole family. Because adult teeth are already fully developed, orthodontic procedures for them are more recent than the well-known braces for children whose dental structures are still a work in progress. Malocclusion, or overbite, might be longstanding and more challenging to fix. In addition, adults often have other work done in their mouths that a greater Houston orthodontist must work around. The good news is that the dentists at Elara are well-versed in both pediatric and adult orthodontic problems and solutions. From bite issues to dento-facial orthopedics to temporomandibular joint disorders, this practice has seen and treated them all. Each patient, from young to old, receives expert and empathetic care.
Orthodontic Services Offered by Greater Houston Specialists
Orthodontists practicing in the greater Houston area offer the broad range of services addressing a variety of disorders.
Braces
Misaligned teeth comprise a large portion of patients seeking treatment, and braces are often the best option for straightening. In addition to improving appearance, braces help children and adults with the basic functions of their teeth — talking, chewing and eating, e.g. Employing pressure and tension, braces re-train bone tissue and re-position teeth for better look and stronger performance. Metal braces are a staple of greater Houston orthodontics but have come a long way from the “railroad tracks” of ages past, appearing much less obtrusive. Moreover, braces have evolved into other types, like clear braces made from ceramic material; lingual braces that remain unseen behind the teeth; and esthetic Iconix colored braces that are stylish and colorful.
Invisalign for Kids, Teens and Adults
Clear aligners like Invisalign are fitted to each, individual mouth. They are also removable at will. Computer-aided design and manufacturing allow the greater Houston orthodontist to fit the aligners to a specific individual. This means that patient x-rays and pictures serve to form a three-dimensional model that is adjusted for a perfect fit. Through this process, Invisalign in greater Houston is useful for both kids orthodontics and adult orthodontics.
Jaw Alignment and Bite Correction Treatments
There are times when jaw position is extremely irregular, affecting the capacity to eat, speak and even breathe. In such cases, a greater Houston orthodontist collaborates with oral surgeons to remedy an array of problems, including sleep apnea. The Elara practice works with a jaw alignment specialist Houston in these necessary surgical procedures. In cases less extreme and more common, orthodontic care in greater Houston addresses several complications. Open bite — when upper and lower teeth fail to touch when the mouth is closed — is a frequent predicament that Elara Orthodontics Richmond TX treats. In other instances, adjacent teeth are noticeably far from one another, displaying visible gaps. A greater Houston orthodontist has more than one option when such conditions present themselves. A family orthodontist greater Houston will discern which solution is the most effective and the safest.
Retainers and Post-Treatment Care
An experienced braces specialist Houston understands that the removal of braces after a prescribed period is not the end of the journey toward a radiant, functional mouth. When braces are finally taken off, teeth are particularly susceptible to movement, a condition sometimes called “relapse.” Guarding against this possibility is a retainer. An orthodontist near Richmond TX has the help of technology to create retainers, each tailored for an individual mouth. Intra-oral scanners at Elara Orthodontics Houston Heights and at other locations produce three-dimensional images that are made into actual retainers by means of 3-D printers. Orthodontists practicing in the greater Houston area Provide for patients one of two types of retainer: fixed and removable. Distinguishing the best orthodontist in greater Houston is the knowledge of which kind works best for each patient.
- A fixed retainer is a wire/mesh device that is fastened to the back of the teeth by a greater Houston orthodontist. Also known as a permanent retainer, this appliance often applies when pre-braces teeth are very crowded or oddly spaced. It is only removed by an advanced orthodontics Richmond TX practitioner.
- A removable retainer is detachable by the wearer when eating, brushing or flossing. In some cases, this type of retainer is only in place overnight during slumber. Removable retainers are made from acrylic or translucent plastic, the latter are available as clear aligners Houston Heights and elsewhere.
Greater Houston braces and Invisalign providers determine the appropriate retainers after close consultation with patients.
Benefits of Choosing Elara Orthodontics
When looking for a greater Houston orthodontist, a prospective patient will find that greater Houston orthodontics is represented well by Elara. With accessible locations in Richmond and Houston Heights, this practice makes each patient a priority and recognizes that no single treatment works for everyone. Whether pediatric orthodontics Houston or dental care aimed at adults, our practitioners thrive on the variations in bone and tooth structure among individuals. Additionally, we stay current on all of the newest proven treatments, so our patients have the broadest range of treatment options by a greater Houston orthodontist.
Common Orthodontic Issues Treated
Orthodontists practicing in the greater Houston area encounter all sorts of irregularities beyond the problem of crooked teeth. So, orthodontic treatment Houston heights and Richmond is best when the professionals are well-trained and experienced in each of them. As noted above, sometimes crowded teeth, or malocclusions, prevent each other from developing correctly. Meanwhile, overbites — noticeable or not — can lead to erosion of enamel, jaw pain and inflammation of the gums if left unattended. Likewise, leaving underbites without remedy often results in TMJ, sleep apnea and speech dysfunctions.
These matters resolve best with early intervention for children. However, age should not stop one from seeking relief, and adult orthodontics in greater Houston is available for long-lived malocclusions. Orthodontists practicing in the greater Houston area recognize that many factors can prevent seeking treatment earlier. Fortunately, patients can enjoy years of better life quality even when they receive treatment as adults.
Why Location Matters: Greater Houston Access
Houston is the fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States. Getting from one end to the other is a long haul, so orthodontists practicing in the greater Houston area do well to locate their offices strategically. Richmond, with easy access to the Southwest Freeway, and Interstate 10-proximate Houston Heights are both convenient for Houstonians. Elara Orthodontics serves as a gold standard for orthodontists practicing in the greater Houston area.
Reach Out for More Information
Greater Houston orthodontics embraces many able specialists. Elara stands out among the orthodontists practicing in the greater Houston area for its outstanding record of success and an abundance of treatment options. Call today to talk with an affordable orthodontist in Houston.
See also Best Pediatric Dentist near Houston.