Orthodontics
Orthodontics At Clear Lake Dental Care
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that involves correcting abnormalities of the teeth and jaw. These abnormalities can be any number of cosmetic or functional problems. Our dentists at Clear Lake Dental Care, offer several options in the world of orthodontics that include short-term orthodontics, specifically Invisalign® and Six Month Smiles. We have confidence that either of these options will leave you with a fantastic smile that you can show off for years to come!
Treatments
Traditional forms of orthodontics such as metal braces can take years to get your teeth into the desired straight position. With short-term orthodontics, you will no longer have to wait years to see your straight smile. At Clear Lake Dental Care, the types of orthodontics that we offer are different but are both very effective. Both Invisalign® and Six Month Smiles are known for their smile-changing ability because either one will leave you with a beautiful smile.

Traditional Braces
Braces are the traditional form of orthodontia that has existed for decades. This method of alignment correction relies on metal or tooth-colored brackets and wires. The brackets of braces are cemented to the front surface of individual teeth. A wire is then passed through each bracket on the upper and lower arch. To straighten teeth, an orthodontist periodically tightens the wire to pull teeth into the desired direction. Braces are in place at all times for the duration of the treatment plan, which can be anywhere from 12 months to 2 or more years.
Braces may be necessary for some people, such as those with severe malocclusion (bite issues). Due to innovative technology, many patients are obtaining their desired results with Invisalign. This aligner system does not require the cementing of any fixtures to the teeth. Aligners are worn most of the time but can be removed to make eating and oral hygiene as easy as they could possibly be. Having this ability improves patient comfort, satisfaction, and also nurtures oral health throughout the duration of treatment.
The Average Length Of Orthodontic Treatment
Each patient’s treatment plan may differ based on their particular needs. In general, Invisalign treatment is completed in 12 to 18 months. This system is intended for the correction of moderate misalignment. To achieve a wider range of movement takes more time than if we need only adjust a few teeth at the front of the mouth. When cosmetic improvements are sought with Six Month Smiles, treatment may last between 4 and 9 months.
During your consultation for professional teeth-straightening treatment, we will provide you with a clear estimate of how long your treatment may take. We also discuss the exact problems that will be corrected by your treatment.
For teenagers, most dental insurance plans cover some of the cost, but not usually the entire cost. If your plan doesn’t provide for orthodontic care, it can usually be added as a supplement to your policy.
For adults, it’s a little trickier. If the insurance company decides that your desire for orthodontics, such as Invisalign, is for cosmetic reasons, there is usually no coverage. However, if it’s deemed a necessity for bite problems and the like, the orthodontic care can be fully covered.
At Clear Lake, we work with the various insurance providers to facilitate as much coverage as possible.
Orthodontic treatment is typically covered by most insurance companies, though there may be a remaining balance after benefits are applied. This, or the total cost of care for uninsured patients, may be financed. Our staff can help you apply for one of several available financing programs, including Care Credit, Lending Club, and Compassionate Finance. Each of these programs enables you to get the care you need well beyond your orthodontic treatment, all with easy, affordable payment terms.
Once we move your teeth, we’ll give you retainers to maintain your results. Invisalign uses Vivera retainers. They are very similar to the clear plastic Invisalign aligner trays, but they are a little thicker because they need to be used for more time than the standard two-week period of the regular aligner trays.
With our Six Month Smiles treatments, they offer either lingual, clear plastic, or Ortho FlexTech options for retaining your results.
It’s a good idea to wear your retainer at least a couple nights a week for the duration to keep your teeth from trying to move back to their former position.
Missing teeth are often the cause of a misaligned smile. This is because when a tooth is lost — say from trauma — the teeth on both sides of the new gap no longer have any pressure on them. These teeth tend to slide over into the gap, and this impacts the alignment of your overall smile.
So, if you’re missing a tooth, we don’t want to maintain that space. We can pull the teeth together to fill the gap. This is often done in cases of overcrowded mouths, where four teeth may be pulled to make more room and the adjacent teeth moved together. Or we could replace the missing tooth with a dental implant.
Experts In The Field
We want to give you the perfect smile you’ve always dreamed about! If you’re interested in orthodontics including Invisalign and Six Month Smiles and want to learn more don’t wait any longer! Call us today at 832-479-4676 to schedule a consultation.
Dedicated To Patient Satisfaction
Our staff does an amazing job at working with our patients because they will treat you the way that you want to be treated. Not only is our staff kind, but they are also extremely experienced and know what they are doing when they are on the job! Our job is to make you feel comfortable and feel right at home in our office!


Cutting Edge Technology
At Clear Lake Dental Care, we stay abreast of the latest techniques in dentistry, such as All-on-4 Implants, and continually add new technology to improve our diagnostic and treatment options for our patients.
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We wish to give you the smile that you’ve always dreamed about, even in seemingly hopeless situations. Your smile can be realized at Clear Lake Dental Care!
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