Dental Braces in San Antonio, TX

Absolutely. In fact, about one in four orthodontic patients today is an adult. As long as your teeth and gums are healthy, you are never too old to straighten your teeth.

Many San Antonio adults choose braces not just for aesthetics, but to correct bite issues that cause jaw pain or uneven wear. For those seeking a more discreet option, we often recommend clear ceramic braces or Invisalign clear aligners which provide the same results without the "metal mouth" look.

The average treatment time is between 18 and 24 months, but this varies significantly based on:

• Complexity: Closing a small gap is much faster than correcting a severe overbite or impacted teeth.
• Age: Children’s teeth often move faster because their jawbone is less dense than an adult's.
• Compliance: Wearing your elastics as instructed and making it to your regular adjustments in San Antonio on time will keep your treatment on schedule.

Braces do not "hurt" in the traditional sense, but you will experience temporary discomfort.

• The "Tight" Feeling: For a few days after your braces are first put on or after an adjustment, your teeth may feel sore or tender to pressure. This is a sign that the teeth are successfully moving
• Soft Tissue Irritation: Your cheeks and lips need about a week to "toughen up" to the brackets. During this time, orthodontic wax is your best friend to prevent irritation.
• Management: Most discomfort is easily managed with over the counter pain relievers and a diet of soft foods (like smoothies or mashed potatoes) for the first 48 hours.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation by age 7.

However, most children start full braces between the ages of 10 and 14, once most of their permanent teeth have erupted. If a child has severe crowding or jaw misalignment, they may start with Phase 1 Orthodontics earlier to guide the growth of the jaw, making the later teen years of braces much faster and more effective.