Bee Cave Braces

Braces are an orthodontic treatment to correct dental concerns such as crooked teeth, underbite, overbite, overcrowding, and gaps. Although traditional braces are metal wire and brackets, modern orthodontics has many options to make your treatment more comfortable and less noticeable. Bee Cave orthodontist Dr. Alberto Tostado offers a wide variety of these options, including the following:

Invisalign®

Invisalign is a nearly invisible way to straighten teeth. It uses a series of clear aligners custom-made for each patient. The removable aligners gradually and precisely shift your teeth into their desired position. Invisalign is an excellent option if you want braces that will be invisible at a conversational distance.

Spark™ Clear Aligners

Spark Aligners may be right for you if you want to keep a natural-looking smile while straightening your teeth. Spark Aligners are clear like Invisalign but are more stain-resistant, transparent, and comfortable. A proprietary material, TruGEN™, helps Spark Aligners stay clear throughout your treatment. Only available from licensed orthodontists, Dr. Tostado prefers Spark Aligners because they provide more effective and efficient tooth movement.

Damon™ Braces

Damon braces are self-ligating appliances that do not require elastics or metal ties to hold the archwire as it applies force on your teeth to realign them. The Damon system holds the archwire in clips that reduce friction and increase comfort. If you want traditional brackets, Dr. Tostado will recommend this option.

Six Month Smiles®

Six Month Smiles is short-term orthodontics for closing gaps and straightening crowded teeth. Using invisible aligners or clear braces, Six Month Smiles is less noticeable than metal brackets and wires. It is ideal for people who want low-profile braces and a better smile in about six months.

Fastbraces®

Fastbraces are an orthodontic system that uses triangular brackets to straighten the teeth that show when you smile in as few as three to six months. Flexible wire shifts each tooth’s roots and crown simultaneously, reducing treatment time.

How Long Will You Wear Braces?

The average treatment time for braces is one to two years. Your treatment time depends on several factors, including:

• Age
• The complexity of your case
• Which treatment option you use
• Your compliance
• Your oral health

Invisalign and Spark Clear Aligners both need about half the time—six months to a year. Six Month Smiles and Fastbraces both also involve shorter treatment times.

Do Braces Hurt?

Braces can be uncomfortable for a couple of days after each time they are adjusted or when you insert a new set of aligners. Your teeth may be tender to biting, but that goes away quickly.

What Can You Eat with Braces?

If you qualify for Invisalign or Spark Aligners, you will remove your clear braces before eating and can enjoy whatever you want. If your orthodontic system includes brackets and wires, avoid the following foods:

• Chewy
• Hard
• Sticky

How Much Do Braces Cost?

The cost of braces varies with each patient, depending on these factors:

• Type of braces
• The complexity of your treatment

If you have dental insurance, ask your insurance company about plan benefits for orthodontics. Dr. Tostado also offers payment plan options through Prima HealthCredit.

What Is the Best Age for Braces?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child’s first orthodontic checkup by age seven because early intervention makes treatment easier. Still, one in four orthodontic patients is an adult who will benefit from an improved bite and reduced gum disease risk.

Schedule a Braces Consultation

If you are interested in braces, call us or complete our appointment request form for a consultation with Dr. Tostado. He will evaluate your orthodontic needs and explain your options.