Orthodontics in Fort Worth, TX

Unlock Your Best Smile: Orthodontics for Fort Worth and Beyond

Ever wished for a smile that lights up a room, boosting your confidence with every interaction? At Lake Country Dental, home of the best dentist in Fort Worth, Dr. Snider and our welcoming team make that wish a reality. We understand that a truly radiant smile goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about comfort, health, and genuine self-assurance, which is why we offer custom orthodontic appliances to patients of all ages. 

If you’re in Fort Worth, Saginaw, White Settlement, or Benbrook, you’re just a phone call away from discovering various treatment options and beginning your smile transformation. Call 817-236-8771 today and let’s start your journey to a happier, healthier smile!

Why Choose Our Fort Worth Orthodontist?

Ultimately, choosing our Texas dentist near you means selecting a practice where your smile is in compassionate and capable hands. Our office is equipped with modern orthodontic technology, allowing Dr. Snider to provide efficient and comfortable treatments. From advanced imaging systems that provide a clear picture of your oral structure to a range of innovative appliances, we leverage the latest tools to deliver high-quality care. 

Ready to discover the difference compassionate and effective orthodontic care can make? Call us today at 817-236-8771 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Snider!

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws, as well as various dental issues. as well as irregular bite patterns. The specialty of orthodontics was the first to be recognized within dentistry. While the primary goal is often to improve the appearance of a smile, orthodontic treatment also addresses crucial functional aspects, such as chewing, speaking, and maintaining oral hygiene.

Common Orthodontic Problems

Common issues treated in orthodontics, often referred to as “malocclusions” (meaning “bad bite”), include: Abnormal alignment of the teeth and jaws is very common, with a worldwide prevalence of malocclusion as high as 56%.

• Crowding: When there isn’t enough space in the jaw for all teeth to erupt properly, leading to overlapping, rotated, or crooked teeth.
• Spacing: Gaps between teeth, which can be caused by missing teeth, small teeth, or a jaw that’s too large for the teeth.
• Overbite (Deep Bite): When the upper front teeth significantly overlap the lower front teeth. In severe cases, the lower teeth might even bite into the roof of the mouth.
• Underbite: When the lower front teeth protrude in front of the upper front teeth, often due to an overgrowth of the lower jaw.
• Crossbite: When some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when the mouth is closed. This can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth, and can occur in the front or back of the mouth.
• Open Bite: When the upper and lower front teeth don’t touch when the mouth is closed, leaving a vertical gap. This can also occur in the back teeth.
• Protrusion (Overjet): When the upper front teeth stick out too far horizontally, sometimes referred to as “buck teeth.”

Our Orthodontic Services in Fort Worth

Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are a tried and true solution to various orthodontic problems and are suitable for patients of all ages in Fort Worth. Braces consist of brackets affixed to teeth and wires threaded through slots in the brackets, providing a reduced risk of complications compared to other method . Metal braces rely on wires and brackets to gradually shift your teeth into alignment in about 24 months. Patients visit our Fort Worth dentist every few weeks to tighten their wires and progress their braces treatment.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces address cosmetic orthodontic flaws. Dr. Snider will affix clear brackets and tooth-colored wires to the fronts of your teeth to straighten your teeth in as few as six months. This affordable orthodontic solution is reserved for unevenly spaced or crooked teeth; each device is custom made for the best fit and results. severe orthodontic cases may require more intensive treatments.

Herbst Appliance Therapy

Herbst Appliance therapy helps improve jaw functionality by bringing the lower jaw forward and slightly pushing the upper jaw back. This orthodontic treatment is reserved for younger patients between the ages of nine and 14. Patients will wear this appliance for 12 months or by their orthodontist.

Invisalign®

If you’re looking for a fast and discreet way to straighten your smile, look no further than Invisalign® clear aligners. This revolutionary orthodontic solution works in half the time as metal braces and is customized to fit naturally in your mouth. Clear aligners are clear, thin, plastic-like trays that fit an individual’s teeth. Invisalign aligners allow you to eat the foods you want without worrying about damaging your appliance.

Palatal Expanders

Palatal expanders are ideal for children between seven and eight who have overcrowded teeth. This appliance takes about nine months to widen the roof of the mouth, making room for crowded teeth and avoiding future orthodontic complications, ultimately leading to better oral health . The duration of treatment may be longer or shorter depending on a patient’s needs.

Retainers

Following orthodontic treatment, our Fort Worth dentist will provide you with removable retainers as a retainer to ensure your teeth don’t revert. to their original positions. After braces are removed, patients usually need to wear a retainer to keep teeth in place. Wear your retainer for at least 20 hours a day or as recommended by your orthodontist. Failure to wear your retainer may result in the re-development of orthodontic problems.

Who Can Benefit From Orthodontic Treatment?

Children and Pre-Teens (Phase I and Phase II Orthodontics):

• Early Intervention: Dr. Snider can identify subtle problems with jaw growth and erupting teeth. Early (Phase I) treatment can address issues like severe crowding, crossbites, or harmful habits (e.g., thumb sucking) that might lead to more complex problems later. This can prevent the need for more extensive treatment, including extractions or surgery, down the line.
• Comprehensive Treatment: Once most permanent teeth have erupted (typically in the early to mid-teen years), Phase II treatment focuses on aligning all permanent teeth and achieving a harmonious bite.

Teenagers

This is a very common age for orthodontic treatment. Many teenagers have all their permanent teeth and are still in a growth phase, which can be leveraged to correct jaw discrepancies more efficiently. Options like traditional braces or clear aligners are popular choices for this age group.

Adults

There’s no age limit for improving your smile and oral health. Adults seek orthodontic treatment for a variety of reasons, including:

• Unaddressed Childhood Issues: Many adults never had orthodontic treatment as children and now wish to correct long-standing alignment problems.
• Relapse: Teeth can shift over time, even if they were once straight (often due to inconsistent retainer wear after previous orthodontic treatment).
• Improved Oral Health: Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and uneven wear. Correcting a bad bite can also alleviate jaw pain (TMJ disorders) and improve chewing and speech.
• Aesthetics and Confidence: A straighter, more appealing smile can significantly boost self-esteem and positively impact social and professional interactions.

A comprehensive examination by an orthodontist like Dr. Snider is the first step to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your unique needs. To schedule an appointment at our Fort Worth dental office, give us a call at 817-236-8771.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the best age to begin orthodontic treatment?

There isn’t a single “best” age for orthodontics. While many people think of teenagers, early intervention for children (around ages 7-8) can address developing issues and sometimes simplify future treatment. Adults can also achieve significant improvements with orthodontic care. Dr. Snider assesses each patient individually to determine the most beneficial time for treatment.

How long does orthodontic treatment typically take? 

The duration of orthodontic treatment varies considerably based on the complexity of the case, the chosen treatment method, and individual patient compliance. Some minor corrections might take as little as six months, while more extensive cases could require two years or more. During your consultation, Dr. Snider will provide a personalized estimate of your treatment timeline.

Will orthodontic treatment be painful while straightening teeth?

No, orthodontic treatments won’t hurt. This sensation is usually mild and temporary, manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Our team at Lake Country Dental is always available to answer your questions about the innovative technology we use during your treatment. and offer tips for managing any discomfort during your treatment.

Can I still eat my favorite foods with braces or aligners?

With traditional braces, certain sticky, hard, or chewy foods should be avoided to prevent damage. However, with Invisalign clear aligners, you can remove them for meals, unlike fixed braces. allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods without restriction. Dr. Snider and our team will provide clear guidelines on dietary considerations specific to your chosen orthodontic appliance.

Achieve a Straighter Smile With Your Reliable Local Dentist!

Ready to take the first step towards a smile that truly shines? Reach out to us today! Call Lake Country Dental at 817-236-8771 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Snider, one of the best dentists in Texas. We invite new and returning patients from Fort Worth, Saginaw, White Settlement, and beyond to discover the difference that dedicated, patient-focused orthodontic care can make. Let us help you unlock the power of your perfect smile!