Skip to main content

Tag: tomball orthodontist

portrait of african american woman with braces

7 Signs That You Might Benefit From Braces

Written by Identiwrite on . Posted in Metal Braces.

If you’re wondering whether you might need braces, there are several signs to look out for. In this blog, we’ll explore some common signs that indicate you might benefit from orthodontic treatment, including traditional and clear braces.

Want to learn more about braces and other orthodontia? Contact Dr. Wint Tun at Harmony Orthodontics in Tomball, TX, at (832) 699-3683 today!

1. Crooked, Crowded, or Misaligned Teeth

One of the most obvious signs that you might need braces is if your teeth are visibly crooked, crowded, or misaligned. Overlapping or crowded teeth can create hiding spots for food particles and plaque, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Creating a more uniform smile with orthodontia leads to better long-term oral health. 

2. Gaps Between Teeth

Gaps can occur due to various reasons, including genetics, thumb-sucking habits, or missing teeth. If you have noticeable gaps between your teeth (also known as diastemas) it might be a sign that you could benefit from braces. 

3. Overbites or Underbites

Problems with your bite, such as overbites (upper teeth protruding over lower teeth) or underbites (lower teeth extending beyond upper teeth), can affect your oral health and facial appearance. These issues can lead to jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and speech problems. Braces, along with other orthodontic treatments, can help correct these bite abnormalities.

4. Difficulty Chewing or Speaking

If you frequently experience difficulty chewing your food or notice speech problems (such as lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds), it could be due to misaligned teeth or bite issues. Braces can help improve your bite, making it easier to chew and speak without discomfort.

5. Jaw Pain or Discomfort

Jaw pain, headaches, and facial discomfort can be signs of a misaligned bite or other orthodontic issues. Orthodontic treatment can alleviate this pain by correcting the alignment of your teeth and bite.

6. Self-Esteem and Confidence Issues

While not a physical sign, low self-esteem and confidence issues related to your smile are essential factors to consider. If you find yourself hiding your smile or feeling self-conscious about your teeth, braces can be a valuable investment in your self-esteem. A straighter, more attractive smile can boost your confidence and overall well-being.

7. Early Intervention for Children

Some orthodontic problems are best treated at a young age while the jaw is still growing. Early intervention can prevent more severe issues from developing later in life. So, if your child has any of the signs mentioned above, consult with our orthodontist in Tomball, TX, to determine the best course of action.

Affordable Braces in Tomball, TX

Braces aren’t just about achieving a picture-perfect smile. They also play a vital role in maintaining your oral health and overall well-being. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above in yourself or your child, then it might be time to discuss orthodontic treatment with Dr. Wint Tun at Harmony Orthodontics. 

Getting started is simple. Just schedule a braces consultation online here, or give our friendly crew a call at (832) 699-3683 for more information!

young woman smiling in a field wearing a white dress

Orthodontist in Tomball, TX, Answers Your Frequently Asked Questions

Written by Identiwrite on . Posted in Tomball Orthodontist.

Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting irregularities in the teeth and jaws, ultimately enhancing your smile and overall oral health. If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, then you probably have some questions. That’s why our orthodontist in Tomball, TX, is here to answer your queries about orthodontia (read more about our Tomball orthodontist here). 

Are you looking for an experienced yet affordable orthodontist in Tomball, TX? Look no further than Dr. Wint Tun at Harmony Orthodontics. With Dr. Tun, you can feel confident that you’ll receive treatments that fit your needs and budget. Give our team a call at (832) 699-3683 to schedule your consultation now!

In today’s blog, our orthodontist in Tomball, TX, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about orthodontia. Stick around to learn more about the process, benefits, and considerations of orthodontic treatment.

1. What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a dental specialty that involves diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Through various treatments, orthodontists work to improve both the aesthetics and functionality of your smile.

2. When is the right time for orthodontic treatment?

Children as young as 7 may benefit from early intervention, but most orthodontic treatments are typically done during the teenage years. However, adults can also pursue orthodontic treatment to achieve a healthier and more aligned smile.

3. What are the different types of orthodontic treatments?

There are several types of orthodontic treatments available, including;

  • Traditional braces
  • Clear aligners, such as Invisalign®
  • Lingual braces 
  • Retainers
  • Expanders
  • Space maintainers
  • Headgear

4. How long does orthodontic treatment take?

On average, treatment can last anywhere from one to three years. However, case complexity and patient compliance can affect overall treatment times.

5. Are orthodontic treatments painful?

Some discomfort is normal after adjustments, especially during the initial days of wearing braces or changing aligners. However, the discomfort is usually mild and temporary. 

6. How do I care for my teeth during orthodontic treatment?

Brushing and flossing may require some adjustments, but your orthodontist will provide specific instructions to ensure you keep your teeth and orthodontia clean. Regular dental check-ups are also essential.

7. Are there dietary restrictions with braces or aligners?

It is wise to avoid certain sticky or hard foods with metal braces, like popcorn, hard candy, and chewing gum. With aligners, however, you can remove them while eating, so there are no dietary restrictions.

8. Will I need to wear a retainer after treatment?

Yes, wearing a retainer is crucial after completing orthodontic treatment. Retainers preserve teeth’s new position in the mouth, which prevents them from shifting back over time. 

9. How much does orthodontic treatment cost?

The cost of orthodontic treatment varies based on factors such as:

  • The type of treatment
  • The severity of your case
  • Your geographic location
  • Your insurance coverage

Ask our orthodontist in Tomball, TX, for a breakdown of costs before proceeding with treatment.

10. Can orthodontic treatment improve my oral health?

Absolutely. Straight teeth are easier to clean, which can significantly reduce the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.

Contact an Orthodontist in Tomball, TX, Today

Orthodontic treatment offers numerous benefits beyond just aesthetic improvements. Whether you’re considering treatment for yourself or a family member, the first step toward a healthier smile begins at Harmony Orthodontics. If you’re ready to schedule a consultation with our orthodontist in Tomball, TX, then schedule your appointment online or call (832) 699-3683 now!

multi-colored braces bracket bands on teen girl

Show Your Spirit with Colored Braces

Written by Identiwrite on . Posted in Metal Braces.

Kids and teens may not be excited about wearing metal orthodontic braces, but colored braces? That’s another story!

To show school spirit or their own free spirit, colored braces come with unlimited options for mixing and matching. And in addition to standard color-wheel options, like black, reds, blues, greens, purples, pinks, and oranges, we often have metallic and glitter bands, which can add a bit of sparkle to your color scheme. (Did someone say “GO TEAM?”) In October, our glow-in-the-dark bands are quite popular, though they’re cool any time of year. For the winter holidays, popular colors are red, green, silver, gold, and blue. With colored bands, you’re the artist.

In today’s blog, we’ll answer common questions about colored braces. If you have additional questions, give us a call at 832-699-3683. As your Tomball orthodontist, Dr. Wint is always happy to answer questions, so you and your kids can make informed decisions about orthodontic treatment.

FAQs for Colored Braces

What are colored braces?

Metal braces brackets help hold an archwire in place by way of ligatures, also called rubber bands, elastics, or just bands. At every appointment, the bands are changed out. Normally, we use clear bands. But who likes normal? 

Colored braces are really metal braces with colored ligatures.

How are bands attached?

The bands are woven into brackets, and they are not the same types of rubber bands that span from top to bottom arches. Those are called interarch bands.

Ligatures (colored braces bands) are literally woven in and around each bracket.

Why do brackets have bands?

Colored braces feature ligatures to help move teeth in specific directions. The archwire itself doesn’t do all of the work.

What colors should I choose?

This is an excellent question. First of all, note that if you use our palette to choose colors, the shade of your bands will be a bit darker than what’s represented in the palette. 

And BONUS, here are some more great tips:

  • DO NOT choose colors that could be mistaken for food stuck on your brackets (brown, green).
  • DO NOT choose yellow; it makes teeth look yellowed.

And…

  • DO choose dark-colored bands to make your teeth look whiter.
  • DO celebrate holidays with the shades of the season.
  • DO support your favorite teams by sporting team colors.
  • DO match bands to your eyes or hair. (This is especially fun if your hair is pink or blue!)
  • DO choose bands in the most prevalent colors of your wardrobe.
  • DO match your bands to your manicure.
  • DO be creative and let your personality shine through!
  • DO plan ahead. Your bands won’t be changed again until your next adjustment appointment. What will happen between now and then? Will baseball end and football begin? Is the 4th of July coming up? What about class pictures? It’s good to plan ahead!

How often are bands changed out?

At every adjustment visit, which occurs every 6 to 8 weeks, we change out colored braces bands. This means, you can select a new color scheme at every visit (though you don’t have to change the color scheme). For a faster visit, plan ahead of time which colors you want.

Why are elastics changed?

Have you ever noticed how elastic-waisted pants become stretched out over time? Braces elastics are no different. To maintain the pressure required to move your teeth, elastics must be swapped out at every adjustment appointment.

Schedule Your Colored Braces Consultation 

Do you want colored braces? If you now wear or will soon wear traditional orthodontic braces, we’ll be happy to help you show your school spirit or your inner pazazz! Call Harmony Orthodontics now at 832-699-3683 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Wint W. Tun. Located in Tomball, TX, Harmony Orthodontics serves children, teens, and adults. We are accepting new patients now, so give us a call!

woman smile with clear or ceramic braces brackets

Inconspicuous Braces for Teens and Adults

Written by Identiwrite on . 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.

Tomball, TX map

I Need to Find a Great Orthodontist Near Me

Written by Identiwrite on . Posted in Tomball Orthodontist.

Has your general dentist referred you for an orthodontic consultation? Does your child or teen need braces? Are you interested in Invisalign for cosmetic improvements to your smile? You may be asking yourself, “How do I find a great orthodontist near me?”

Today’s blog will help you find an “orthodontist near me” by providing you with 5 important considerations for your search. We’ll cover these topics:

  • Best Location
  • Convenient Appointments
  • Extensive Dentist Training
  • Friendly, Welcoming Office Atmosphere
  • Diverse Treatment Options
  • Excellent Patient Comfort & Care

Let’s dive in!

Best Location

You’re searching for a “dentist near me,” but take a moment to consider just how often you’ll see your orthodontist. Whether you or your child need traditional braces or Invisalign clear aligners, you’ll visit the orthodontist every six weeks for a check-in appointment. What would be most convenient? Do you need an ortho office that is:

  • Near work?
  • Near home?
  • Near school?

Convenient Appointments

What time of day is best for your regular orthodontic visits? With Invisalign, check-in visits take only a few minutes. For patients who wear braces, visits can take an hour or so, depending on what needs to be adjusted to keep teeth moving toward their ideal position. 

Orthodontists may offer before-work appointments, at 8 am, or after-work visits, after 5 pm, for your convenience. However, if you choose an orthodontist near your work, you could opt for lunchtime visits. 

Dentist Training

Orthodontists first earn a doctorate in dentistry, either a DMD or DDS. These degrees involve the same training. Afterward, a specialist (like an orthodontist, prosthodontist, oral surgeon, etc.) must train for an additional two or three years. This advanced training includes a hands-on residency under the supervision of experienced specialists.

The most highly trained and vetted orthodontists are board certified. This means, after earning their specialist designation, they applied to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) for board certification. The process involves hundreds of hours of work and is completely voluntary. Orthodontists can practice without board certification.

To acquire board certification, an orthodontist undergoes testing and submits cases for peer review. Selection for board certification has to do with experience and demonstrating knowledge, as well as good judgment, in practice. The entire process must be repeated every 10 years to maintain board certification.

Office Atmosphere

In addition to being clean and having a friendly, professional staff, an orthodontist’s office should make you feel welcome. The decor, seating, sites, and sounds should be upbeat and positive. If for any reason you feel uncomfortable with the physical attributes of the office or the attitudes of the team members or dentist, consider finding a new orthodontist.

Diverse Treatment Options

A trained and forward-thinking orthodontist will offer diverse treatment options for children and adults. For instance, the orthodontist may offer:

  • Traditional Braces
  • Phase 1 Orthodontics
  • Retreatment
  • Clear Braces
  • Lingual Braces
  • Invisalign
  • Invisalign First
  • Invisalign Teen
  • Other Appliances

Patient Comfort & Care

Perhaps most importantly, you need to feel emotionally and physically safe and well cared for by your orthodontist and his or her team. This means, in addition to being served well at appointments, when you call the office, you should feel respected and appreciated.

Patient comfort may also shine through in how the orthodontist and clinical team members provide care. Gentle, compassionate clinicians will ask how you feel, help you feel optimally comfortable during treatment, and offer advice for easing post-treatment discomfort.

Your “Orthodontist Near Me” Is Right Here!

Patients who live or work near Tomball, TX, should explore Harmony Orthodontics, where Dr. Wint Tun provides expert orthodontic care for patients of all ages. In our bright, welcoming office, you’ll feel respected, appreciated, and well cared for. Give us a call today at 832-699-3683 to reserve a convenient initial consultation with Dr. Tun.