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
"As a patient here, I feel excited to be here. It's good to see the staff and have them have smiling faces. Dr. Astuto, as a person, is a very straightforward person, which I enjoy—someone who's very meticulous and well-studied in knowing his art. The day I got my braces off, walking out of here, I was so excited to take some new pictures. Having a new smile that things fit together correctly, that alone just helps me feel better on a day-to-day basis. My overall experience with Full Smile Orthodontics has been a good one. I would highly recommend Full Smile Orthodontics. I think that they are just the best place in town."
"When I walked through the door, there was no wait time. The staff was warm, friendly, and made me feel like a part of the family, and Dr. Astuto—the attention to detail, the precision to get every aspect of my bite and my smile perfect. I knew instantly that I was in good hands. My experience at Full Smile Orthodontics has been exceptional from start to finish. I highly recommend Full Smile Orthodontics. Dr. Astuto is a perfectionist, and my smile reflects that."
"Every time we come in, the kids are excited to be here. The staff and Dr. Astuto are incredible. They hold themselves and their patients to a high standard. The feeling of seeing both Luke and Lily out of braces was pretty sweet. It's a beautiful smile, and they'll have it for the rest of their lives. Our overall experience with Full Smile Orthodontics has been fantastic. I would absolutely recommend Full Smile to any parent out there looking for a beautiful smile for their child. We're forever grateful to Dr. Astuto and his staff."
"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 you go to Dr. Astuto’s office, you are treated so professionally. You can't find anyone better than Dr. Steve Astuto to do your braces. For sure, you know that you are not going to leave his practice until it is done perfectly. He wants everyone to feel like they have had the best care possible. He took the time to make it a really pleasant experience. If your kids need braces, if you need braces, come and meet Dr. Astuto. You'll really see the difference."
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.