When Are Braces Needed? A Comprehensive Guide by Bee Cave Orthodontics

At Bee Cave Orthodontics in Austin, Texas, we understand that the decision to get braces is a significant one for both children and adults. Braces not only improve the appearance of your smile but also enhance oral health by correcting various dental issues. We’ll explore when braces are needed and how to recognize the signs that orthodontic treatment might be right for you or your child.

Bee Cave Orthodontics Invisalign for adults and kids in Austin

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Bee Cave Orthodontics Invisalign for adults and kids in Austin

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Signs That Braces Might Be Necessary

Bee Cave Orthodontics Invisalign for adults and kids in Austin

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Bee Cave Orthodontics Invisalign for adults and kids in Austin

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  1. Crowded or Crooked Teeth Crowding occurs when there isn’t enough space in the mouth for all the teeth to fit normally. Crooked teeth can result from genetics, early loss of baby teeth, or habits like thumb sucking. If teeth overlap, twist, or appear misaligned, braces can help straighten them.
  2. Gaps Between Teeth Gaps, or spacing issues, can occur naturally or due to missing teeth. These gaps can lead to food getting stuck, making it harder to maintain oral hygiene and increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
  3. Overbite An overbite, where the upper front teeth excessively overlap the lower front teeth, can cause jaw pain and excessive wear on the lower teeth. This condition often requires braces to correct.
  4. Underbite An underbite, where the lower teeth extend past the upper teeth, can lead to difficulty in biting, chewing, and speaking. Braces can help align the teeth and improve functionality.
  5. Crossbite A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when biting down. This can cause tooth wear, gum disease, and bone loss. Orthodontic treatment is often necessary to correct this misalignment.
  6. Open Bite An open bite happens when the upper and lower teeth do not touch when the mouth is closed, often due to habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting. Braces can help bring the teeth into proper alignment.
  7. Difficulty Chewing or Biting If you or your child experience pain or difficulty while chewing or biting, it might be due to misaligned teeth or jaw problems that braces can address.
  8. Jaw Pain or Clicking Jaw pain, popping, or clicking sounds when moving the jaw can indicate a misalignment that braces can help correct, ensuring a healthier bite and reducing discomfort.
  9. Protruding Teeth Teeth that stick out, often referred to as buck teeth, are more prone to injury and can affect self-esteem. Braces can reposition these teeth for a more balanced appearance.
Bee Cave Orthodontics Invisalign for adults and kids in Austin

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Bee Cave Orthodontics Invisalign for adults and kids in Austin

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The Benefits of Braces

Braces offer numerous benefits beyond a beautiful smile. Here are some key advantages:

  • Improved Oral Health: Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
  • Better Bite: Correcting bite issues can alleviate jaw pain and prevent tooth wear.
  • Enhanced Confidence: A straight smile can boost self-esteem and confidence.
  • Speech Improvement: Addressing dental issues can improve speech clarity.

Choosing the Right Time for Braces

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. This allows the orthodontist to detect any potential issues early and plan appropriate treatment. However, braces are not just for kids; adults can also benefit from orthodontic treatment to correct long-standing dental problems and improve their smiles.

Why Choose Bee Cave Orthodontics?

At Bee Cave Orthodontics, we are committed to providing personalized care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. Our experienced team uses the latest technology and techniques to ensure effective and efficient treatment. We offer a range of orthodontic options, including clear braces, and Invisalign, to suit your individual needs and preferences. Choosing the right orthodontist is a significant decision. Dr. Adriana Da Silveira’s unparalleled 25-year expertise, innovative approach, comprehensive care, patient-centered philosophy, stellar results, and community trust make her the #1 choice in Austin, Texas. At Bee Cave Orthodontics, we are proud to have Dr. Da Silveira leading our team and transforming young smiles every day.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you or your child are experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, it might be time to consider braces. Contact Bee Cave Orthodontics in Austin, Texas, to schedule a free consultation at beecaveortho.com. Our friendly team is here to guide you through every step of the orthodontic journey, ensuring you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.

4 Reasons Getting Invisalign in College Is A Good Idea

Written by Dr. Charles Gemmi

Bee Cave Orthodontics Invisalign for adults and kids in Austin

While middle school and the teen age years are usually the most common time for orthodontic treatment, luckily there is no set time limit for when it will work. So if your parents couldn’t afford braces or Invisalign for you when you were younger, don’t worry. Your window of opportunity has not shut down for good.

Invisalign is a particularly good option if you are a college student because they are clear and most people won’t even know you are wearing them. Here are some reasons why getting Invisalign in college is not too late.

Never too late to improve your health

Crooked or misaligned teeth can affect your oral hygiene. Food can more easily become stuck between crooked teeth and it can be harder to get the toothbrush into those tight spaces in your mouth. Invisalign clear braces can be an effective solution for a myriad of teeth alignment problems, everything from a few crooked or protruding teeth to more serious problems like malocclusion, overbite or underbite. Now elastics can also be used with Invisalign aligners making it even easier to solve more serious dental problems.

The most common problems Invisalign braces are used to treat include gapped teeth, an overbite which occurs when the upper teeth protrude out over the lower teeth, underbite which is when the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth and an open bite where the teeth are not aligned properly for a proper bite. Other treatable issues are overcrowding of teeth and a crossbite which can happen if both the upper and lower jaws are not aligned properly.

Poor oral hygiene can also lead to gum disease and tooth loss and to a host of other illnesses. Did you know that gum disease has been linked to heart disease?

Bee Cave Orthodontics Invisalign for adults and kids in Austin

More confidence equals more success

When you don’t feel good about yourself, unfortunately it shows. When you are self-conscious about crooked, stained teeth or gaps in your mouth, you tend to only give tight-lipped smiles and hide your mouth behind your hands when you are talking. Plenty of studies have been done on the benefits of smiling and we know that smiling more makes us feel better about ourselves and influences how other people see you. College is all about meeting new people and exploring the world around you. Don’t let embarrassment about your mouth hold you back from getting the most out of your college experience. Smiling also helps relieve stress. With all the benefits of smiling, why let poor oral health hold you back any longer?

Invisalign is more comfortable and convenient

You have survived middle school and high school without the dreaded metal braces, do you really want to subject yourself to the embarrassment and discomfort in college? The great thing about Invisalign treatment is that they are more comfortable and convenient than traditional metal braces and they are clear. Most people won’t even know you are wearing braces.

With the metal braces, once the orthodontist places them on your teeth, they are permanently attached until he or she removes them when treatment is finished. Invisalign braces however were designed with the wearer’s comfort in mind. With these braces, you can remove them on your own for short periods of time, like for instance, if it makes it easier to eat or drink something or when you are cleaning and flossing your teeth. With Invisalign there are no barriers to getting a proper clean. Remember though that the longer you go without wearing them, the longer the teeth straightening process will take so only remove them when absolutely necessary. It is recommended that you wear them at least 20 to 22 hours a day.

Also because, Invisalign braces don’t include any metal or wires that could cause damage to the inside your mouth. The clear braces are designed with a smooth finish so that they are no sharp edges that can cause you discomfort. Also metal braces have been known to accelerate teeth decay because of the enormous amount of pressure put on the teeth. With Invisalign, you still get the desired results but in a way that is gentler on your teeth. There are also no restrictions on what food you can eat like with metal braces.

Bee Cave Orthodontics Invisalign for adults and kids in Austin

You will know what to expect every step of the way

Braces are a big commitment of time and money so it can be a nerve-wracking decision. What if something goes wrong? What if I don’t get the results I wanted? With Invisalign, you won’t have those worries. When you choose Invisalign braces, there is less trial and error involved because everything is planned out ahead of time using special software. This means you will know what to expect ahead of time and there will be little room for guesswork. You will be able to feel confident throughout the whole process that the treatment is going as expected.

Typically once you start treatment, you will be given a new set of aligners to wear every 2 weeks. Each new set will move you further along in your treatment. You will also have a checkup with the orthodontist about every 6 weeks. You should be able to see progress at every stage of the treatment.

Overall, Invisalign clear braces has some clear advantages. Your braces will be less visible and more comfortable to wear and you will see results a lot quicker. The care of your Invisalign clear braces is also a lot easier. All you have to do is brush them and rinse them with warm water to clean them. Invisalign cleaning kits are also available.

Invisalign’s advanced technology means that your braces will cause less interference in your daily life, but at the same time be powerful enough to give you that beautiful smile. This is especially important in your college years when you just want to devote time to your studies and enjoying life. Get Invisalign Philadelphia treatment now so that by the time you graduate college, you will be feeling confident and prepared to take on the world.

Bee Cave Orthodontics Invisalign for adults and kids in Austin

Join Our Family!

With over 25 years of experience as an orthodontist and 17 in Austin as Chief of Orthodontics at Dell Medical Center, Dr. Adriana Da Silveira is a trusted expert in the field of orthodontics, renowned for her Invisalign expertise in treating even the most challenging cases. Her advocacy for Invisalign has taken her to numerous national and international platforms, including the AAO annual meeting and the Invisalign Ortho Summit. Her dedication to ongoing education and research ensures that Bee Cave Orthodontics remains at the forefront of advancements in treatment, technology, and care approaches.
Whether you’re a long-time patient or just starting your orthodontic journey, we thank you for being part of our family practice. Let’s celebrate many more years of smiles together! Contact us at beecaveorthodontics.com.  

Understanding Bruxism: Effects on Bite and How Orthodontic Treatment Can Help Introduction

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common condition that affects people of all ages. It can have a significant impact on oral health, including the alignment of the teeth and the overall bite. In this blog post, we will explore the effects of bruxism on the bite and discuss how orthodontic treatment can help alleviate these issues.

What is Bruxism?
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding, gnashing, or clenching your teeth. It can occur during the day, but it is more common at night during sleep, known as sleep bruxism. This condition affects both children and adults and can lead to various complications if left untreated.

Bee Cave Orthodontics Invisalign for adults and kids in Austin

Causes of Bruxism
While the exact causes of bruxism are not fully understood, several factors may contribute to the development of this condition:

  1. Stress and Anxiety: Stress and anxiety are considered primary triggers for bruxism, especially during sleep. Grinding or clenching the teeth may be a subconscious response to stress, leading to bruxism episodes.
  2. Malocclusion: Malocclusion, or the misalignment of the teeth, can be a contributing factor to bruxism. The irregular positioning of the teeth can lead to improper alignment of the jaw, resulting in grinding or clenching.
  3. Sleep Disorders: Bruxism is often associated with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. People with sleep apnea may grind their teeth as a way to open their airway during sleep, leading to bruxism episodes.
  4. Lifestyle Factors: Certain lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and the use of recreational drugs can increase the likelihood of bruxism.
  5. Medications: Some medications, such as certain antidepressants, can cause bruxism as a side effect. It is essential to discuss any potential side effects of medications with your healthcare provider.
  6. Genetics: There may be a genetic component to bruxism, as it tends to run in families. If a close family member has bruxism, you may be more likely to develop the condition.
  7. Other Medical Conditions: Bruxism can also be associated with other medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD).

Effects of Bruxism on Bite

Bee Cave Orthodontics Invisalign for adults and kids in Austin

  1. Misalignment of Teeth: Bruxism can cause the teeth to wear down unevenly, leading to changes in the alignment of the teeth. This misalignment can affect the bite, causing discomfort and difficulty in chewing.
  2. Overbite or Underbite: In some cases, bruxism can contribute to the development of an overbite or underbite. An overbite occurs when the upper front teeth overlap significantly with the lower front teeth, while an underbite occurs when the lower front teeth protrude past the upper front teeth.
  3. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: The excessive pressure exerted on the jaw joints during bruxism can lead to TMJ disorders. These disorders can cause pain and discomfort in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles, affecting the overall bite and jaw movement.

Orthodontic Treatment for Bruxism

Bee Cave Orthodontics Invisalign for adults and kids in Austin
Orthodontic treatment can help address the effects of bruxism on the bite and overall oral health. Here are some common orthodontic interventions for bruxism:

  1. Braces or Invisalign can be used to correct misalignment of the teeth caused by bruxism. By gradually moving the teeth into their proper positions, braces or Invisalign can improve the bite and alleviate discomfort caused by uneven wear.
  2. Retainers: Retainers are often used after braces to maintain the alignment of the teeth. They can also help protect the teeth from further damage due to bruxism by providing a barrier between the upper and lower teeth.
  3. Occlusal Splints: An occlusal splint is a custom-made mouthguard that is worn at night to protect the teeth from the effects of bruxism. It can help reduce grinding and clenching, leading to improved bite and less strain on the jaw joints. It can be worn during the day or the night, which they are often refer as night guards.
  4. Bite Adjustment: In some cases, orthodontists may recommend bite adjustment to correct bite problems caused by bruxism. This may involve reshaping the teeth or using orthodontic appliances to improve the alignment of the bite.

Bruxism can have a significant impact on the bite and overall oral health if left untreated. Orthodontic treatment can help address the effects of bruxism by correcting misalignment, improving the bite, and reducing the risk of TMJ disorders. If you suspect that you or your child may be grinding their teeth, it is important to consult with an orthodontist for a proper evaluation and treatment plan.

How to treat bruxism with Invisalign:

With over 25 years of experience as an orthodontist and 17 in Austin as Chief of Orthodontics at Dell Children’s Hospital, Dr. Adriana Da Silveira is a trusted expert in the field of orthodontics, renowned for her Invisalign expertise in treating even the most challenging cases. Dr. Da Silveira, in addition to her role at Bee Cave Ortho, has served as the Chief of Orthodontics at the Dell Medical Center for 15 years. Her advocacy for Invisalign has taken her to numerous national and international platforms, including the AAO annual meeting and the Invisalign Ortho Summit. Her dedication to ongoing education and research ensures that Bee Cave Orthodontics remains at the forefront of advancements in treatment, technology, and care approaches.

Bruxism and orthodontic treatment options: I
nvisalign treatment can make a difference in mitigating the effects of teeth grinding and Bruxism. Our night guards also make a excellent orthodontic solutions for bruxism and bite alignment. Book a free consultation at beecaveortho.com