Tag: braces

woman smile with clear or ceramic braces brackets

Inconspicuous Braces for Teens and Adults

Written by Identiwrite on July 4, 2023. Posted in Orthodontics.

Many people want a gorgeous smile with straight, white teeth, but wearing metal braces keeps them from pursuing orthodontic treatment. Dr. Wint W. Tun at Harmony Orthodontics understands! She knows the importance of maintaining a professional, mature appearance so she offers alternatives to metal braces for adults and teenagers.

In today’s blog, we’ll review the most popular inconspicuous orthodontic therapies. To learn which is best suited for your case, schedule an appointment for a complimentary orthodontic consultation with Dr. Tun. At your visit, Dr. Tun will conduct a thorough exam, take x-rays, and present you with treatment plan options, so you can make an informed decision about braces.

Clear or Ceramic Braces

Often called clear braces because they blend with the color of tooth enamel, ceramic brackets make orthodontics much less obvious than metal braces. Like metal brackets, ceramic brackets are cemented to the front surface of teeth that need adjustment. A nickel wire threaded through the brackets applies strategic forces to reposition teeth over the course of about two years.

Ceramic braces are just like metal braces, but inconspicuous. Because they aren’t quite as intricate and strong as metal brackets, not all cases qualify for ceramic bracket braces.

Six-week adjustment visits with Dr. Tun and six-month cleanings and checkups with your general dentist are a required part of treatment. You’ll need to brush and floss after meals, as well as morning and evening. An interdental brush can help you effectively clean around brackets. Keeping your braces and teeth clean will ensure good oral health throughout treatment and reduce the potential for stains and damage when we remove the ceramic brackets.

Invisalign and Invisalign Teen

Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners are completely removable. Shaped like a mouthguard, the clear, acrylic aligners fit over the top and/or bottom arches of teeth. Strategically placed pressure pushes or pulls teeth toward their ideal alignment over the course of six to 18 months. Every two weeks, you’ll discard your current aligner and use the next one in your series.

Wear your Invisalign aligners 22 hours a day, but remove them when eating meals and cleaning your teeth. You may also remove your aligners for short periods if you have a speaking engagement, a photo shoot, or another event where you’ll feel more comfortable without your aligner.

Invisalign Teen is a special version of Invisalign that features two unique benefits. First, since teenagers often misplace or lose their aligners, up to six replacement aligners are included with treatment. Second, Blue Dot technology reveals the level of compliance with wear. A blue dot on the aligner will disappear with use, so parents and Dr. Tun will know if the teen patient is wearing the aligners as instructed.

Since Invisalign is removable, non-compliance with 22 hours of wear a day can result in orthodontic relapse. Teeth may shift when the aligner isn’t worn, interrupting treatment. This can result in needing an adjustment to the treatment plan or an all-new treatment plan.

Lingual Braces

Though we don’t recommend lingual braces, they are an option for patients who do not want to wear braces for esthetic reasons. Lingual braces are placed on the back surface of teeth and are usually applied to bottom teeth. They can be harsh on the soft tissues of the tongue, causing irritation and abrasions. Also, they’re difficult to clean and adjust.

If You Need Braces, Call Dr. Tun Today!

To learn more about braces that won’t mar your image, contact us today for your no-cost, no-obligation orthodontic consultation. At this appointment, in addition to taking x-rays and providing a treatment plan, Dr. Tun will answer all of your questions. Call 832-699-3683 to schedule your appointment.

6 Year Old Girl with Phase 1 Orthodontics Braces

Who Needs Phase 1 Orthodontics?

Written by Identiwrite on June 22, 2023. Posted in Orthodontics.

Phase 1 orthodontics is a therapy for children, and it can begin as early as age six. At Harmony Orthodontics in Tomball, TX, Dr. Wint W. Tun offers two primary options for phase 1 treatment: traditional braces or Invisalign First. Both therapies reshape the mouth to make space for 32 adult teeth to properly develop.

In today’s blog, we’ll review:

Who needs phase 1 orthodontics
What phase 1 accomplishes
Treatment options for phase 1

Does your child need phase 1 orthodontics?

According to the AAO, children should have an orthodontic consultation by age seven. At this consult, the orthodontist can determine whether a child needs braces and when the braces should be applied. In many cases, orthodontists advise parents to wait until all or their child’s permanent teeth have developed before undergoing orthodontic treatment. Other times, children as young as age six may benefit from phase 1 orthodontics.

The purpose of phase 1 treatment is to ensure the mouth has sufficient room for 32 adult teeth to come in straight, while also promoting healthy occlusion. The term occlusion refers to the relationship of upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed.

Children who need phase 1 may have a crossbite, overbite, or underbite. Children who sucked their thumb, bottle-fed, or used a pacifier past age three may have an improperly shaped palate. Those who habitually thrust their tongue against their teeth may experience improper development of the palate.

Commonly, a child’s upper palate is too narrow, which causes the need for extractions when permanent teeth develop. Phase 1 orthodontics makes space, eliminating the need for extractions. Genetics also has much to do with the shape of the jaws.

How Phase 1 Ortho Helps Kids as They Grow

Since the primary goal of phase one orthodontics is to reshape the palate to accommodate all permanent teeth, treatment usually involves wearing a palatal expander. This device is worn on the upper palate to guide bone growth and widen the palate. (Note that harmful habits like thumbsucking and tongue thrusting stop when a child wears a palatal expander.)

Bone growth occurs in the center of the palate, where the left and right maxillary bones meet.

By altering mouth shape to accommodate 32 adult teeth, phase 1 orthodontics can prevent future orthodontic problems. Ultimately, this eliminates the need for extractions and other procedures later in life. If the child needs to wear braces during the teen years, treatment time may be shorter because of the results of phase 1 therapy.

Treatment Options for Phase 1

At Harmony Orthodontics, Dr. Tun offers two options for phase 1 orthodontic treatment.

The therapy that provides the most accurate tooth movement and jaw expansion is traditional phase 1. The child wears a palatal expander and may also need spacers, in addition to wearing metal braces. A parent will need to turn a special key on the expander each night, to create appropriate pressure for jaw growth. Typically, traditional phase 1 ortho takes two years and is appropriate for children between ages six and nine.

Another option for patients with qualifying cases is Invisalign First. Like regular Invisalign, the patient wears a series of clear, removable aligners instead of affixed metal braces. Invisalign First acts as both a palatal expander and braces, expanding the width of the upper palate and repositioning teeth. Not all patients’ cases qualify for Invisalign First.

No-Cost, No-Obligation Phase 1 Orthodontic Consultation

Call Harmony Orthodontics in Tomball, TX, at 832-699-3683 to schedule your (or your child’s) complimentary orthodontic consultation with Dr. Wint Tun. After x-rays and a thorough oral exam, Dr. Tun will explain her findings and discuss treatment options, if necessary. We offer a few different options for phase 1 orthodontics and Dr. Tun will provide you with all the details during your visit.

What Are the Best Braces for Kids?

Written by Identiwrite on June 1, 2023. Posted in Invisalign, Orthodontics, Tomball Orthodontist.

Your children–you adore them and so do we. Board-certified orthodontist Dr. Wint W. Tun and the compassionate, kid-friendly team at Harmony Orthodontics want to invite you and your children to join our family of patients. We always want the best for our young patients, so Dr. Tun offers a variety of braces for kids. To determine which is best for your child, schedule a no-cost, no-obligation orthodontic consultation in our Tomball office with Dr. Tun by calling 832-699-3683.

What happens at an ortho consultation?

Children’s smiles are as diverse as their personalities! All kids should have an ortho consult by age 7, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. Your little one may not need braces, or he might be best served by Invisalign First, and another child in your household may be well suited for traditional braces. This is why Dr. Tun offers a free consultation.

At your first appointment, we will take x-rays and photos, then Dr. Tun sit down with you (and your child, if he wants) to explain her findings and treatment recommendations. Your input is important during the consultation because you can share valuable insight into the lifestyle factors and habits that will help us choose the best braces for your child.

Now, let’s explore the options. The following braces for kids are available in our Tomball orthodontist office.

Types of Children’s Braces: Ages 6 to 9

The type of braces your child needs will depend upon his specific case and age. Early orthodontics, also called phase one ortho or interceptive braces, creates additional space in the mouth for incoming permanent teeth. This allows your child to avoid future extractions, which are necessary when kids’ mouths are too small for all their permanent teeth. In addition, phase one ortho can set a child up for fewer orthodontic issues in his teens and adult years.

If a child needs phase one, Dr. Tun may suggest Invisalign First or palatal expanders prior to placing traditional braces. Both types of braces for kids have pros and cons.

Traditional Braces for Phase One Orthodontics

The braces we know from our childhood have significantly evolved in the past few decades. Today, traditional braces for kids are smaller, lighter, and less obtrusive than the train tracks you may have worn.

Dr. Tun will recommend traditional braces for kids when simpler options, like Invisalign First, won’t solve the orthodontic issues.

With braces, more precise tooth movement can be achieved. Issues like lifting teeth further out of the jaw or pressing them deeper can only be achieved with traditional braces. Twisted teeth require a straightening strategy that only traditional braces can achieve, as well. Perhaps most important, patients cannot remove traditional braces, so compliance is practically guaranteed. Invisalign First requires that the patient choose to comply every day to be effective.

Also, in phase one ortho, we use a palatal expander to guide bone growth of the upper jaw, creating room for incoming permanent teeth. While Invisalign First also expands the upper palate, it isn’t ideal for extremely narrow mouths. Once the palate is sufficiently expanded with a palatal expander, in some cases the patient can opt for Invisalign instead of traditional braces.

Invisalign First: Removable, Clear Aligners for Kids

In the past, Invisalign was made only for adults, then they created version for teenagers. Today, parents and young children can opt for Invisalign First, an effective phase one orthodontic therapy for children, ages 6 to about 9. The clear aligners are made with the same special software and materials we use for Invisalign for adults and Invisalign Teen.

Invisalign First can expand the upper palate without the use of a traditional palatal expander with a key. However, children must wear their aligners as instructed, 22 hours per day, to see projected results. Non-compliance or partial-compliance will delay results and could allow relapse, meaning teeth shift back out of alignment when the aligner isn’t worn. Relapse creates the need for a new treatment plan, so wearing the aligners as instructed is imperative for success.

Invisalign First is wonderful for oral home care! The removable aligners can be brushed and rinsed clean, and teeth are free of any obstruction. The patient should floss and brush normally, but parents, please make sure your child does a thorough job morning and evening.

Learn More About Braces for Kids

If you want to talk with board-certified orthodontist Dr. Wint W. Tun about the best braces for your kids, give us a ring at 832-699-3683. Schedule a no-cost, no-obligation orthodontist consultation today!

“How can I tell if my child needs braces?”

Written by Identiwrite on May 26, 2023. Posted in Orthodontics.

This is a great question that all parents of young children should have answered. Board-certified orthodontist Dr. Wint W. Tun at Harmony Orthodontics in Tomball, TX, will provide you with a lengthy but thorough answer in today’s blog, so read on. If you have additional questions or want to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation braces consultation with Dr. Tun after reading this blog, give us a call at 832-699-3683.

When to See the Orthodontist for a Braces Consultation

All children should have an ortho consult by the age of seven, according to the American Orthodontists Association (AAO). However, if your kiddo is over 7, bring him in any way! It’s never too late to improve dental alignment for more comfortable oral function and to create ample space for teeth to develop.

On the flip side, if your little one seems to have an orthodontic problem before age 7, Dr. Tun will be happy to evaluate his dentition. A consultation will provide you with all the info you need to make wise choices about your child’s orthodontic care.

The AAO also provides parents with excellent tips on determining whether a child needs braces. Dr. Tun will share those tips here, along with additional explanations to help you understand the symptoms of needing braces.

Losing Baby Teeth Early or Late

A child’s bottom and top center teeth, called incisors, usually fall out naturally between the ages of six and eight. On either side of these four incisors are the canines, or cuspids. The canines and first molars usually fall out between ages nine and 12. Around age 10 to 12, the last teeth left, the second molars, fall out. If your child’s teeth fall out more than a year before or after these age ranges, he might need braces.

Trouble Biting and/or Chewing Foods

At any age, if a child’s teeth hurt when he bites and chews, he may need braces. The pain referenced here is not “teething” – the expected discomfort that occurs when primary and permanent teeth erupt from the gums. Instead, this pain only happens while the child eats and may be felt in one or more existing teeth.

Breathing Through the Mouth: Mouth Breathing

Mouth breathing is the term we give to the condition that causes a person the inability breathe normally through the nose. These people breathe only through the mouth. This is different from when a child has a stuffy nose associated with a cold, flu, allergies, or sinus irritation. Mouth breathing is constant. In addition to causing sleep disorders, mouth breathing can alter the proper development of the face and jaws. Braces can help reshape the face and prevent mouth breathing.

Sounds from the Jaw

If your child’s jaw joint(s) pops, clicks, or cracks when he chews, talks, or yawns, he may need braces. When one or both jaw joints aren’t properly aligned, a person can develop TMJ disorder, which causes many issues, including pain ranging from mild to severe.

Constantly Biting His Cheeks

Some people chew on the inside of their cheeks due to stress or anxiety, which is not indicative of needing orthodontics. Others accidentally bite their cheeks repeatedly when eating and speaking. This symptom can indicate a crossbite or other orthodontic condition that requires treatment with braces.

Facial Unsymmetry or Imbalance

The appearance of our cheeks, lips, and chin has much to do with the underlying structure provided by jaws and teeth. If your child’s face seems imbalanced, his occlusion may need correction. We call this condition malocclusion, and braces can treat it. Occlusion is defined as the relationship between the upper and lower teeth when the mouth is closed. Malocclusion can cause many issues, ranging from tooth wear and breakage to TMJ disorder.

An Image Says It All

This PDF, provided by the AAO, shows parents what different types of orthodontic issues look like. Compare your child’s mouth to these images, and if you notice similarities, give us a call. Your child may need braces as early as age six or seven. At this age, we use early orthodontics to direct proper development of the jaws and teeth, to reduce the potential for more complex issues later in life.

No-Cost, No-Obligation Braces Consultation

If you notice any of the symptoms described above or your child’s smile appears to have similarities to the images in the AAO’s pdf file, call Harmony Orthodontics today to schedule a visit. Dr. Tun’s no-cost, no-obligation consultation includes X-rays and a sit-down meeting so that she can show you her findings and explain whether your child needs braces. Give us a ring at 832-699-3683.