Traditional metal braces are a highly effective method for straightening teeth, but they aren’t the only way to get the job done anymore!

Orthodontic technology has advanced tremendously in recent years and now there are many ways to achieve a straighter smile.

Braces aren’t just for teenagers! We also treat both adults and children, each with different needs and situations. Many of our adult patients have always wanted straighter teeth and are now in a position to improve their smile. You can count on personalized treatment at Laredo Orthodontics. We are definitely not a “one apparatus fits all” type of practice!

Early Intervention

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children receive an orthodontic evaluation when they are 7 years old. You might be surprised at what can be done to encourage a straighter smile when your child’s mouth is still growing! Often by beginning treatment early in our young patients, we can make corrections that allow later orthodontic treatments to be more effective and less extensive. By strategic placement of expanders, spacers and other apparatus, preparations are made to guide permanent teeth into their proper positions.

Advantages Of Early Intervention

  • Widening the jaw creates more room so it minimizes crowding
  • Might eliminate the need for removing teeth
  • Guides jaw growth to correct overbites or underbites
  • Minimizes the time needed for braces later on
  • Protects existing teeth from trauma
  • Enhances facial symmetry
  • Might prevent impacted teeth

Schedule a Consultation for your child!

Conventional Braces

Sometimes the old standby is still the best way to correct a crooked smile. Traditional braces that use a combination of brackets and wires are able to correct even the most difficult malocclusion. Metal braces are often recommended for adolescents because they can’t be removed and misplaced and they are very durable! They are also generally the most affordable option. Brackets are more streamlined than they used to be and now are available in both metal and ceramic. The ceramic braces are made from a translucent material that makes them more discreet than the metal variety. They are also more fragile, which is something to consider depending on the habits of the patient.

Invisalign® Clear Aligners

Laredo Orthodontics offers Invisalign clear aligner therapy for adults and teens. How do clear aligners straighten teeth? Our advanced computer technology uses an intraoral scanner to take a digital impression of your teeth. Next, an individualized plan for the perfect smile is developed based on each patient’s unique situation. Clear aligners are then created that are worn over your teeth. Every few weeks the patient will receive a new set of aligners. Each new set of aligners is calibrated to gradually move the teeth closer to alignment. The aligners must be worn at least 22 hours a day for optimal results. Invisalign is a very popular treatment option and can correct most types of malocclusion. Our doctors will review your situation to see if you qualify!

Advantages Of Invisalign

  • Clear aligners are a discreet way to straighten teeth
  • Aligners are removable for easy cleaning
  • No special changes to your oral hygiene routine are needed
  • Eating habits stay the same with removable aligners
  • Changes to diet are not usually necessary
  • Most patients find aligners to be more comfortable than traditional braces
  • Treatment requires fewer office visits

Permanent & Removable Retainers

Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, there’s one more very important step that needs to be completed so that you can keep your teeth perfectly straight. Our team will take impressions of your teeth after your braces are removed or you are done wearing clear aligners to create a custom retainer that will help retain the shape of your new smile.

A permanent retainer can be placed near the gumline behind the front teeth to keep the teeth from moving. These retainers can’t be seen by others, can’t be removed except by an orthodontist, and don’t require anything of the patient except an extra thorough oral care routine.

We also offer clear removable retainers, which are only worn at night. They are similar to Invisalign clear aligners, as they are comfortable to wear, easy to clean, and less noticeable to others. Patients must commit to wearing these aligners regularly, otherwise, the teeth will begin to shift back to their original positions.