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Braces

Orthodontists & Cosmetic & Family Dentistry located in Houston, TX

Braces2026-05-27T08:48:46+00:00

City Smiles Dental and Orthodontics

Orthodontists & Cosmetic & Family Dentistry located in Houston, TX

Both adolescents and adults can benefit from traditional braces–an affordable orthodontic treatment that results in a picture-perfect smile. Gustavo Salas DD, MS, and the team of caring orthodontists at City Smiles Dental and Orthodontics has extensive experience using braces to straighten teeth, and address bite issues or other orthodontic concerns. To schedule a free consultation with an expert orthodontist, call the office in Houston, Texas, or request an appointment online today.

Braces Q & A

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What are dental braces?

Traditional dental braces straighten your teeth and address other orthodontic issues. Braces include a bracket affixed to each individual tooth, a system of wires that run through the brackets, and rubber bands that hold the wires in place. Your provider tightens the wires regularly to gradually pull your teeth into a healthier position.

How do I know if I need braces?

The experienced orthodontists at City Smiles Dental and Orthodontics offer free braces consultations for teens and adults. This includes a comprehensive oral exam and a panoramic X-ray, which captures your entire mouth in one image. After your consultation, your orthodontist discusses all your treatment options with you in detail.

Braces can address a broad range of orthodontic concerns, such as:

  • Crooked teeth
  • Crowded teeth
  • Gap teeth
  • Overbite
  • Underbite
  • Crossbite
  • Open bite
  • Misalignment
  • Jaw pain

Your orthodontist at City Smiles Dental and Orthodontics designs a treatment plan based on your individual needs. This may include removable orthodontic devices in addition to traditional braces.

What types of braces are available?

In addition to traditional metal braces, City Smiles Dental and Orthodontics offers the following braces options:

  • Ceramic braces
  • Invisible braces
  • Lingual braces (brackets and wires placed on the back of teeth)

Depending on your condition, you may qualify for Invisalign® clear aligners, a removable teeth straightening system that can address mild to moderate orthodontic conditions.

How long will I need to wear braces?

The amount of time you need to wear your braces depends on the complexity and severity of your condition, the health of your teeth and gums, and other individual factors. Generally, most patients wear braces between 1-3 years.

Once your provider removes your braces, you wear a retainer to ensure that your teeth settle into their new position. Typically, patients wear the retainer at all times for six months, then only at night for at least one year. City Smiles Dental and Orthodontics offers all orthodontic patients a “retainers for life” program, which provides for the ongoing replacement of retainers, made in-house.

To find out how the skilled team at City Smiles Dental and Orthodontics can improve your smile with traditional braces, call the office today to schedule your free consultation. Alternatively, you can request an appointment online.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are my options if I want or need traditional braces?2026-05-26T10:47:27+00:00

Modern orthodontics has come a long way from the bulky metal brackets of the past. Today, you can choose between sleek, low-profile stainless steel braces, which are smaller and more comfortable than ever, or clear ceramic braces. Clear braces work exactly like metal ones but use brackets that match the natural color of your teeth, making them a very popular, discreet option for older teens and working professionals.

How long will I or my child need to wear braces?2026-05-26T10:47:49+00:00

While every smile requires a unique plan, most patients wear braces for 18 to 24 months. Minor alignment adjustments might take as little as a year, while more complex bite corrections can take a bit longer. During your initial consultation, we use detailed 3D digital imaging to map out the exact movement of your teeth so you know what to expect before your journey even begins.

Does getting braces hurt, and what is recovery like?2026-05-26T10:48:17+00:00

Having the brackets bonded to your teeth does not hurt at all. However, you will feel some soreness and pressure for a few days after they are first placed and after your routine adjustment appointments. This is completely normal and simply means your teeth are safely moving into place. Over-the-counter pain relievers, soft foods, and orthodontic wax to protect your cheeks will easily help you get through the first week.

What foods do we need to avoid while wearing braces?2026-05-26T10:48:34+00:00

To prevent loose brackets or bent wires, you will need to skip foods that are particularly hard, sticky, or chewy. This includes things like popcorn, hard candy, chewing gum, caramel, and ice. You can still enjoy crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots – just make sure to cut them into small, bite-sized pieces instead of biting straight into them.

How much do braces cost in Houston, and does insurance cover them?2026-05-26T10:48:53+00:00

The investment for braces varies depending on the complexity of the alignment and whether you choose metal or clear ceramic brackets. Many dental insurance policies include an orthodontic benefit that can cover a significant portion of the cost. To make the remaining balance manageable, our office works with families to design flexible, interest-free monthly payment plans that fit comfortably into your household budget.

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