Braces in Hereford, TX
Address Crooked Teeth, Bite Problems, and More
Many children, teenagers, and adults wear braces to achieve a beautifully straight and healthy smile. Braces move teeth effectively and predictably, and you can choose from colored elastics to personalize your orthodontic treatment. Dr. Astuto is board-certified by the American Association of Orthodontists and uses the latest dental technology to achieve outstanding outcomes while providing enjoyable orthodontic experiences. To begin your braces journey, contact Full Smile Orthodontics in Hereford, TX, to schedule a consultation.
How Do Braces Work?
Dental braces are small, square brackets that are bonded to the teeth and connected with an arch wire. By applying constant pressure on the teeth, they are forced to move into proper alignment. Elastics are also often a part of braces treatment, which are rubber bands connected to specific top and bottom brackets to align the jaw.
Braces can correct a number of orthodontic issues, such as:
- Crowding
- Crooked teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Gap teeth
- Misaligned jaw
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
Proper teeth alignment will improve gum health and create a better environment for your teeth to function. Having a straight smile can also help you feel more confident and make it easier to practice good oral hygiene. Overcrowding or misalignment can make it difficult to clean around your teeth, increasing the risk of cavities, tooth decay, and other oral health issues.
Life With Braces
Your braces will not interfere with work, school, or sports. However, there are some adjustments you should make to your diet to avoid damaging your appliances.
Foods to Avoid With Braces
- Caramel, fudge, toffee, and chewy candy
- Popcorn, nuts, and hard candy
- Chewing gum
- Pizza crust, bagels, and hard bread
- Pretzels and chips
- Reduce your intake of sweets, sodas, and sugary foods
Foods to Enjoy After Getting Braces
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt and smoothies
- Soups
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal
- Seafood
- Soft fruits
- Soft cheese
- Pasta
- Cooked or soft vegetables
As a rule of thumb, food is likely safe to eat with braces if you can cut it with a fork. Your braces will also require a little extra care to keep them clean. Maintaining good oral hygiene will prevent decalcification, or permanent stains, after braces are removed. Remember that your efforts now will benefit your smile for life. Take care of your braces, and they’ll take care of your smile!
Types of Braces
During your first visit, Dr. Astuto will take 3D scans of your teeth and determine the right type of braces for your needs.
- Traditional Metal Braces. Traditional braces are made out of stainless steel and are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth.
- Ceramic Braces. Ceramic braces are bonded to the front surface of teeth, but are made of a ceramic material, which is naturally tooth-colored and provides a more discreet look than metal brackets.
- Lingual Braces. Lingual braces are bonded to the back of your teeth instead of the front. Other people won’t be able to see them, but extra care is necessary to keep them clean.
- Clear Aligners. Clear aligners like Invisalign® use plastic trays to straighten teeth without brackets or wires. They are fully removable and virtually invisible.
Should I See a Dentist or Orthodontist for Braces?
Orthodontists specialize in the alignment of the teeth and jaws and complete a residency program following dental school. This intensive training provides orthodontists with the knowledge necessary to manage a variety of conditions and understand the complexities of teeth and jaw alignment. Some dentists offer orthodontic services, but they only make up a fraction of their everyday practice. An orthodontist, on the other hand, only focuses on orthodontic services. Just as you would see a heart doctor for heart treatment, an orthodontist is the specialist to see for orthodontic treatment.
Braces in Hereford, TX
If you or your child need braces, contact Full Smile Orthodontics in Hereford, TX, to schedule a consultation. Dr. Astuto will create a custom treatment plan to help you achieve a healthier, straighter smile.
Hear From Braces Patients
These patients can tell you about their firsthand experience undergoing braces at our office.
Reviews From Our Braces Patients
"This place made me feel amazing. The people that worked here were so friendly. Dr. Astuto is a very kind, loyal person. He is a perfectionist. You will have the best results when you come to him as a patient. He makes sure that everything is perfect when you leave here with your braces off. When I got my braces off, I felt more confident to go up to people and smile more. My overall experience at Full Smile Orthodontics has been amazing. I would highly recommend Full Smile Orthodontics to anyone I meet."
" When I first walked into this practice, it felt very comforting. The staff here was very friendly. They were very welcoming. Dr. Astuto was kind of a father figure, really. It was like he was there to give you advice. It was just really easy to talk to him and it was really easy to come here and work with him. When I got my braces off, I was extremely happy with the results. I just felt like a new person and I felt more confident because I knew it looked good. I would highly recommend Full Smile Orthodontics."
"I got my braces off at the beginning of this year. Staff is—it's always comfortable, and every time I come in here, it's smiley and friendly. Dr. Astuto is a fun, outgoing personality kind of guy who just wants to enjoy life. As an orthodontist, he's very detailed. After I got my braces off, I was super ecstatic. Wow, I actually have a smile. It's put a little bit more confidence in the way I speak to others. The smile helps. I highly recommend Full Smile Orthodontics to other patients."
"When I first came in for my appointment to get my braces put on, everybody was super, super friendly and I was just immediately comfortable. The staff here is very polite and they just—they make sure that you're always okay. Dr. Astuto is—he's always been very, very nice. Sometimes, we're wearing our rubber bands or something, he was always making sure that we got them on straight. When I first saw my smile, it made me really, really a lot more confident. I have a whole new perspective when I'm talking to people, and it really boosted my confidence. My experience with Full Smile Orthodontics was really great. I would absolutely recommend Full Smile Orthodontics."
"Whenever I come into Full Smile Orthodontics, I feel comfortable and I just feel like part of the team, and I just fit in. The staff at Full Smile Orthodontics is just welcoming. Dr. Astuto is, to me, I feel like he's just an artist. He just sculpts people's teeth and just he changes their whole facial structure. I'm looking forward to having a better smile than I did before. I would 110% recommend Full Smile Orthodontics. They take you in and they change your whole smile and they boost your confidence."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of braces?
The cost of braces is different for everyone and several factors will determine the total price. During your first visit, we will provide you with a cost estimate for your braces depending on the complexity of the issues we’re looking to address, the type of braces, and your insurance. Find out how much your braces would cost by scheduling a consultation at our office in Hereford, TX.
Do braces hurt?
Having braces put on does not cause any pain. There will be mild soreness after getting your braces as your teeth adjust to the pressure being placed on them. This soreness will last for a few days and subside. You can expect some soreness each time we tighten the braces, but they will not cause severe discomfort or pain beyond mild soreness.
How do braces work for adults?
Braces work for adults the same way they work for teens. Brackets are glued to the teeth and connected with an arch wire which puts pressure on the teeth to move them. If you’re an adult struggling with crooked teeth or a bad bite, we encourage you to contact Full Smile Orthodontics to see how braces can help.
What type of braces work the fastest?
Treatment time varies depending on the issues we’re addressing and how well you take care of your appliances or how often you wear your aligners. Some patients complete their Invisalign® treatment in 6 months, while the shortest average amount of time to wear braces is 1 year. Every patient’s teeth and mouth are different, and the amount of time to wear braces will vary.
Creating Beautiful Smiles Is Our Passion
We look forward to helping you and your family achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. To begin your orthodontic journey, contact Full Smile Orthodontics today for a consultation.